Graduate Research Papers

Availability

Open Access Graduate Research Paper

Abstract

Through the words and actions of my first teachers, my parents, I have come to know that I am unconditionally loved and valued. This understanding has led to a belief in self, the capability to take risks, and the capacity to look beyond self to meet the needs of others. Extended family reinforced the same message, and my grandmother in particular played a vital role in my development. As a child with many brothers and sisters and even more cousins I treasured time alone with my grandmother. I loved long afternoons in the sewing room playing on a cool linoleum floor while she worked. We spent time together in the kitchen and the garden as well. I can often recall her singing as she managed the multiple roles in her life; grandmother, wife, mother, sister, aunt, and friend. Although her days were demanding, it was not difficult to understand the joy she found in her work, nor was it difficult to see the joy she brought to others by sharing her talents. I loved all the clothes she made for my cousins and me, and her cooking was exquisite. Nothing tasted better than lunch at Grandma's! As a special treat the older grandchildren were given access to her jewelry box. It was filled with glittering earrings and brightly colored brooches nestled among strands of pearls and shiny black beads, a portal to fantastic adventures limited only by our imagination. As an adult I now understand that these childhood experiences were a priceless gift. My grandmother clearly played a significant role in my development and continues to be a major influence in my life.

Year of Submission

2003

Degree Name

Master of Arts in Education

Department

Department of Educational Leadership and Postsecondary Education

First Advisor

Dianna Engelbrecht

Comments

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Date Original

2003

Object Description

1 PDF file (19 leaves)

Language

en

File Format

application/pdf

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