"My Connections to Play."

"My Connections to Play."

Quotes that best describes my younger self:

1. Play is our brain's favorite way of learning.

2. Play gives children a chance to practice what they are learning. Fred Rogers “American television personality”

I enjoyed playing board games as a child.  Trouble, Uno, Connect Four and Checkers were some of the first games that I learned how to play.  I was really good in Connect Four and Checkers.  Most games are based on strategy, which makes you think.  It gives you practice on thinking ahead and in some cases problem solving.  This would have been a good way for adults and educators to gauge my cognitive development.  I still till this day enjoy all of these games and more.  Monopoly become my favorite as I moved into my teen years and adulthood. 

Playing basketball and soccer did so much for me as a child.  I was fortunate enough to be naturally athletic.  Your peers usually liked you if you were good in sports.  They would always want you on their team, which is definitely a popularity booster.  Sports gave me a lot of confidence on and off the court and field.

"Imagination is everything. It is the preview of life's coming attractions."

Albert Einstein

My childhood friend and I would always coming up with new business adventures.  Our parents mostly her mom would help us make the Kool Aid, popcorn, lemonade or whatever else we were selling.  My parents would give us $5 dollars to help us get started.  Our neighborhood would contribute by being our customers and buying our treats and goodies.  It brings a smile to my face when I think of the neighborhood I grew up in.  If I was selling something for school they would always buy it.  If I was doing a fundraiser they would always sponsor me.  That's truly a neighborhood raising a child!  

It saddens my heart when I look at children today and how play is related in today's society.  I don't witness too many kids running around and playing in the neighborhood.  I'm always surprised to see all the children at the bus stop.  I'm like where did all these kids come from.  Children of today live in an era where play and learning involves electronics.  Of course the kids don't know anything different; so playing their XBOX, Play Station, WII, Connect, and so on seems very normal to them.  I think that this has a lot to do with childhood obesity.  I would encourage my children to go outside explore, run, and be free.

I don't think that's there's a huge difference between myself as a child then and now as an adult.  Of course I've grown and matured, but the things that I loved as a child I still love as an adult.  I do a little volunteering when it comes to teaching children how to play soccer who mostly live in urban areas.  I still enjoy playing board games.  I have even added a few more favorites to my list.  My little businesses that I use to have in the past has made me realize that I am destined to be an entrepreneur.  This journey has lead me to Walden University with hopes of opening up my own educational facility one day.



References:

1. Imagination is everything. It is the preview of life's coming attractions.

Albert Einstein

Retrivied from: http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/topics/topic_imagination.html#HuVxgEZJryv7kIwM.99

2. Play is our brain's favorite way of learning.

Diane Ackerman.  Retrived from: http://www.thestrong.org/about-play/play-quotes

3. Play gives children a chance to practice what they are learning. Fred Rogers “American television personality”

Retrived from: http://www.thestrong.org/about-play/play-quotes

Relationship Reflection

Relationship Reflection

It’s important to me to have trusty worthy people in my life.  I tend to be a very social person.  I have people in my life that make me smile every time they look at me.  I have those who motivate me, those who love me, and those who always have my back and best interest at heart.

My parents have always been there for me.  They thought my siblings and I to always work hard for the things that we want but always assured us they were there if we needed them.

Melissa is one of my oldest friends.  We grew up together.  She was my first business partner. We use to have a weekly lemonade stand.  I was the one who always came up with our daily adventures and Melissa was always there to see our mission through.  We were inseparable. We have been friends for 30 years now.  We don't speak everyday but love each other like sisters. 

My niece and nephews make me strive to be a better person.  I want them to grow up to be loving and generous people.  So I try to lead by example.  I encourage my niece to always give back and serve.  We have done several community service programs together.  I will keep the tradition going with my nephews and my own kids when I have them

My boyfriend also motivates me professional.  He is on the road to being very successful and I want to make sure I’m not far behind.  He’s there to support me emotionally.  No matter how stressful my day is he always makes it better.  Of course like any relationship we have disagreements.  I have found that good communication and compromise is what keeps us going.

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This is my sister and my Aunt "Mom."  My immediate family also consist of my Uncle "Dad" and my brother.

 

My doggie Remmi!

I had a lot to do with the early development of my niece.  Clarice use to be my little shadow.  My parents bought “Hooked on Phonics” for her and I use to work with her every day at the age of three.  We worked with letter and sounds.  Now she is attending Rochester Institute of Technology in the fall.  Clarice had her pick at any college she wanted to go to.  I’m proud to be her auntie.  She has always looked up to me and is even choosing to pledge the sorority I pledged!  I would like to continue to educate and make good impressions on children.