International Contact/ Professional Organiation

I was somewhat hesitant in embracing this assignment.  My first thought was that I would have a difficult time connecting with someone who I email out of the blue.  However, I thought about the endless possibilities of being connected to other professionals across the world and how I could greatly benefit from it. I have to be honest… my first rational for choosing professionals to contact were locations that I am interested in visiting.  My next “filter” in deciding who to contact was whether they were male or female.  My reason for contacting females over males was the cultural component of communication between men and women across the world.  I have attempted to contact Mrs. Bimno at the Ajoke International School in Nigeria, and Jane Lim of the Association for Early Childhood Educators in Singapore.  Although I have not received emails back, I am hopeful I will be successful in my attempts to establish a relationship.  It has been one day since my initial email, and if I do not hear back from either Mrs. Bimno or Ms. Lim by next Tuesday (7/3) I will choose the alternative to complete.

            Of the list of organizations posted, I was aware of a few of them both nationally and internationally.  As I scrolled through the list I was immediately attracted to the National Black Child Development Institute and the Association for Childhood Education International.  I was unaware there was an organization, that was dedicated to the development of African American children.  I have decided to select this organization to following because I currently serve and support African American children in my work position, I am an African American who is dedicated to providing the best education and support for my community, and it has an affiliate group close to me.  Although, I will not follow the Association for Childhood Education International for this class, I will add this to my list of sites to check frequently and as possible membership option. 

How are you, my colleagues, feeling about reaching out to other professionals worldwide? Did you have the same hesitations as I did? What is your plan to create a long lasting relationship?

Tip: some of the emails are being bounced back.  There are some professionals that have common email servers (yahoo.com) that I tired that have not bounced back. Check the websites that are linked to the address to make sure they work before you send. 

My Supports

There are many supports in my life.  The first support is God, as without him nothing is possible.  Another support is my boyfriend of 4 years.  He listens when I need ears, he encourages me, he calms me down, and he loves me for who I am.  Another support is my mom and dad.  They support me in decision making and help with navigating this thing called adulthood and life.  My friends are emotional support, especially since I embarked on a lifestyle change to lose weight and finish my master’s degree.  Aside from people, I have supports that help to keep me organized that are truly helpful.  I use post it notes daily for everything.  They helped to keep me organized.  Post its also help to prioritize my daily and weekly to do's.  My planner is also a great support in keeping me organized.  My cell phones, both work and personal, hold all of my contacts and emails which is very helpful to have access to immediately.  There are certain apps I use that support me in my quest to maintain a healthier lifestyle such as live strong and Nike training app.

All of my supports are very important to me and without them I feel lost and unorganized.  I almost lost both my mom and dad last year within a day apart and it was the worse feeling I felt in my life.  It would be hard to lose the support of my friends and loved ones.  If it were to happen, I would cherish the advice and support I received over the years; knowing their voices would speak to me at the right time.  If I did not have my planner or cell phones I would use the older method of keeping an address book and creating list on sheets of paper.  It would take longer and would require more organization but, would serve the same purpose. 

If I had to imagine a disability, it would be losing the function of my legs and having to use a wheel chair.  I would really need the support of my family and my boyfriend.  I would have to have modifications done within my home to enter the house and also to gain access to the kitchen to cook and bedrooms upstairs.  I would need supports in my car to help me drive without the use of traditional breaks.  I imagine I would need support of a physical therapist to gain strength to move and adjust to my new lifestyle.  My boyfriend would have to support me in getting dressed and bathing.  Without supports from people and modifications made to my environment I would probably become very depressed. I we all people have challenges and although some are more difficult than others, with the support of family and friends, a spiritual being, and belief in yourself anything can be achieved.