INTRODUCTION: GWEN CRITE EDU650: TEACHING LEARNING AND LEADING IN THE 21ST CENTURY JUNE 17, 2014

Hello to everyone! My name is Gwendolyn Crite and I recently completed the BA in Psychology Program at Ashford University. I was born and raised in Dallas, Texas and originally left home at the age of 18 to pursue a degree in elementary education. After 3 years of studying I married, quit college, had children and moved to the state of Illinois. After my youngest child was enrolled in preschool I realized that I had eight hours of day to myself and I returned to school in a completely different field of study (Early Childhood Education) and began to work with pregnant women in the Women, Infants, and Children (W.I.C.) Program at the local County’s Health Department. Not satisfied, I was transitioning to school full time when I was convenience to accept a job on an as-needed basis at the community college. Before long I had settled into a full time position and was trained from A-Z on everything from parent-child development to developmental milestones of infants to preschoolers. After becoming certified as an Assessment Worker, Parenting Specialist/Home Visitor, Group Facilitator, Lamaze Instructor, Birthing Coach and Lactation Consultant it was apparent that I was the right person to co- author the grant funded program’s birthing manual. Although all of this training made way for a very nice career, I was not completely satisfied. I became disabled and had not been able to work for the past five years. Unable to return to my previous profession, I returned to Ashford to get a new start in life. I’m at a juncture in my life that I enjoy working with a diverse group of people and I would like to expand my knowledge of adolescents, teens, and young adults and become an advocate/counselor or life coach for these young achievers.

I was raised in The Dallas Independent School District Public School System. As I progressed through school I encountered a variety of different teachers who were excited about seeing their students each day. I can remember teachers who made all topics, even history (that I hated) fun to partake of. At the age of 3 I climbed up on a stool and took a fall with a glass that left my hand cut open; Therefore, the doctors declared that I would never use my right hand again. Although one of the most profound memories that left a lasting impression on my life was my second grade teacher (Mrs. Neely) who worked tirelessly with me in helping me to learn how to write, to this day I enjoy reminiscing about my music teacher who made each student feel like the mornings sunshine. Each morning in music class the students would sing Mr. Bluebird and at the end of the song each day a different student would get a chance of Mr. Blue bird being pinned on their shoulder for the day. As a young child that was a special feeling of being acknowledged.

OVER THE COURSE OF RE-INVENTING MYSELF I HAVE CONSIDERED MANY DIFFERENT FIELDS TO START MY NEW CAREER. I AM SEEKING A PROFESSION/CAREER WORKING WITH FAMILIES AND YOUNG PEOPLE IN WHICH I CAN HELP INDIVIDUALS/FAMILIES BECOME SUCCESSFUL AND SELF-SUFFICIENT!

Seeking to obtain an advanced degree is two fold for me. I do realize that in a competitive market whereby employers are looking to employ the best hires, it is impressive to see individuals who are on an quest to gain more knowledge and to be at the top of their field. Secondly, I enjoy learning and I do want to be taken seriously as a professional looking to re-enter the workforce. As well, we lead by example.

INCLUDE A QUOTE THAT SYMBOLIZES YOUR BELIEF ABOUT EDUCATION. Lou Rawls was a well known singer who played a major role in the 1980s with the United Negro College Fund telethons by raising over $200 million because he felt as if African-American children were at a disadvantage for obtaining an education in the early 50’s, 60’s, and 70’s. Rawls was famous for reminding his audience that, “A mind is a terrible thing to waste!”