Dear 2020 Child Development Graduates,

Congratulations on earning your college degree, I am so proud of you!

Now, I have two questions for you.

• What is your stress level on a scale from 1 to 10? With 1 being low and 10 being high AND
• What are you doing for self-care?

I asked you these questions every time we met for class and I hope you continue to ask yourselves these questions and give voice to your bodies and spirits, especially in this strange time. 

I want you to know that you are deeply cherished and cared for and I am so appreciative that you chose to study child development at TCU. I hope that during your time at TCU and in the child development program you have learned not only how to care well for all of the children in the world, but that you have learned how to care for yourself, as well.

As our ultimate goal for children and caregivers after a behavioral challenge is the 3 C’s – to feel content, connected and have changed behavior. I have three C’s that I wish for you after graduation, your ultimate cognitive challenge.

1. Curious – I hope you remain curious about life and seek out a lifetime of learning, exploring, and growing in your personal and your professional lives. I also hope you remain curious about children’s behavior and continue to ask yourself, “What is the need beneath this behavior?” “What is this child trying to tell me with behavior that they don’t have the words for or can’t express?” If you remain curious about children, they will eventually give you the answers you have been looking for.
2. Committed – I hope you remain committed to making the world a better place for children in whatever role or roles you decide to pursue – whether that is graduate school, the workforce, or starting your own family. I hope you will continue to be a committed, fierce advocate for the children you serve, know, and raise.
3. Connected – I hope you continue to value your connection with yourself and with others. It is the most important part of life. Your personal, professional, and spiritual relationships are what will sustain you, nourish you, and fill your soul.

The 3 C’s I wish for you – to be curious, committed, and connected. You have learned how to change the world for children and I cannot wait to see what you do.

The faculty and staff at the Karyn Purvis Institute of Child Development wish you a lifetime of meaningful relationships and well-regulated encounters with friends, family, and colleagues.

Please keep in touch, I will miss you dearly!

Sincerely,

Dr. Casey Call

Assistant Director, Karyn Purvis Institute of Child Development