Relationship Reflections

Lasting Relationships!

Relationships are very important to have with the people you work with. Having a positive and friendly atmosphere is a great way to work. Knowing that you are backed up with people whom you trust, whom trust you, whom have the same ideals as you, is very comforting.

  My first year teaching I had a great mentor named, Kathleen Ghanem. Working with her my first two years teaching taught me so much. She was a veteran teacher with 30 years under her belt. Having that positive, strong, and friendly relationship really helped kick-off my teaching career. The both of us planned together, bounced ideas off each other, created projects together, and had our classes work as a team also. With Kathleen, we experienced the same feeling of working where we did not feel comfortable. Together, we took the idea of teaching abroad and ran with it. I came to teach in Colombia and she left with her family to teach in Thailand. Even though we are far away, we still keep in touch. She will always have a special place in my heart.

Where I teach now there are only two classes per grade level. The two teachers of each grade level create a great bond with each other because they do everything together. Planning, field trips, unit plans, assemblies, and so much more is always done together. The other strong relationship I have is with the other second grade teacher I work with, Emily. With Emily we even live right next door to each other. Having a strong relationship with her is vital for our job. When we have unit plans and lesson plans due, we share ideas and split the work load. Having someone to rely on is very comforting. When we have doubts or questions we can talk it out and together find solutions.

Another positive relationship that I have that means more to me than anything in the world is my family! My whole family is such a great support system for me. Although I can say my mother is my biggest cheerleader, every person in my family contributes in one way or another. No matter what I have decided to do or where I have decided to go, they are always there to support me with encouraging words and support.

All of these relationships are important for everyday life. Knowing that you have these types of people supporting you, encouraging you, and going through the same things as you is very comforting. Just like a great pyramid, there must always be a strong base. I feel that I am very blessed to have such a wonderful support system. In order to keep these relationships you must give as much as you receive. The mutual “give and take” in a relationship is what makes it work.

These relationships help in the early childhood field because you know that you are not in it alone. When you have these strong relationships with people who are going or have been through the same as you, you know that you will survive. These relationships also help you get a more profound understanding and a different point of view on issues and concerns you might have. Being able to share and discuss ideas with others is a great and simple way to develop professionally.