It's All Good!

I am currently a research assistant for an early childhood study and we have been doing constant trainings and observations in pre-k classrooms around campus in order to meet reliability standards. I can honestly say that I am getting such wonderful experience and insight into early childhood, an area I didn't really think I had an interest in. It is definitely A LOT of work though, but it makes you appreciate how much it takes to conduct a research study.

Since I joined the study in mid-July I have been in seven meetings, eight trainings, and five observations with more to come. None of that includes scoring the measures afterwards, studying the manuals, and watching 'take-home' videos to practice either. Everything is always two hours or more so you can see how in-depth this is and I'm just a data collector! I salute everyone who is working on this study because it's clear that we ALL work hard and it'll be great when we start collecting data and getting results.

I have noticed that my observations skills are getting much better, especially considering that I've never been in a pre-k classroom to observe before. Although I have to admit that I did get a little discouraged today that I still haven't met reliability on one of the measures. Of course it's the one that I don't like and I'm sure that plays a role but it was disheartening all the same. But then I remembered a story I heard while observing one of the classrooms.

It's call "Pete the Cat: I Love My White Shoes." Pete was walking down the street in his new shoes and kept stepping in things like blueberries and mud that made his shoes change colors. He didn't get mad though, no matter what color his shoes were "he just kept movin' and groovin' and singing his song...because it's all good!"

Even though it's a kids story it's definitely something I want to keep in mind this semester. No matter how much is going on, or what I step in...it's all good! Yes, this has been a tremendous amount of work and time but I have learned so much in such a short period that will help me in School Psychology. This semester is said to be the toughest in my program but if I focus on the bigger picture and don't get bogged down by the little things that will undoubtedly pop up...it's all good! So when you're having a rough day or you just don't know how you're going to get everything done, just think about Pete the Cat and smile because it's all good :)