Lilamani de Silva

My mission in life is to:

Learn from my past experiences to live my present and future, by embracing life's ups and downs.
To be in control of what I say and do.
When my patience runs out to always remember that nobody is perfect.
To make time for my family and friends.
Make learning a lifetime process;
Respecting and valuing diversity;
Choosing to live a life to make a difference in this world.

It was in my Native Country, Sri Lanka, that I was first introduced to Early Childhood Education by way of Montessori practices. Upon arriving to the United States in 1979, I worked in the Investment Accounting field for a short period of time, but realized that I wanted to work in early childhood education. I pursued my career in early childhood education and became the owner and director of my own school in 1984. I had the opportunity to see a vacant building become the home away from home for numerous children and the work and training ground for several staff. I was the owner to two other schools, one in Porter Ranch and the other in San Clemente. This development has truly been an inspiration for me personally and professionally.

Since I had mastered the administration and management of a mid level Child Care Facilities, I was at crossroads in my career, and in search of greater challenges. I went to Pacific Oaks College to study for Bachelor's and Master's Degrees in Human Development with an emphasis in Administration and Leadership in Early Childhood Education. I am a past student of Mission College and have earned two certificates in Child Development. I bring with me both academic and hands-on knowledge in Early Childhood Education.

I started working at Mission College since Fall 2000 as a Part-time Instructor. In February 2001, I was the Program Facilitator for the Partnership for Excellence Tutoring Program for six months.

In Fall 2001 I have been working as a full time faculty. Thus, my ability to oversee the management of the school became extremely limited. Therefore, I decided to sell my school and devote all my energies to my teaching. I left the Child Care Center with tears as I moved on with my new career. It has been a pleasure working with all the families and I will miss the friendships that have been established. I enjoyed working with the children and will cherish all the memories forever. This is the kind of work one does with your heart. I do take all my experience from the Day Care Centers to my new job here at Mission College, and the schools will always be a part of me.

I did my thesis on "Bicultural Socialization of Sri Lankan Children in the United States of America: Home and School Influences". I believe that it is important to teach children one's own religion, values, customs and traditions of one's country of origin. I believe that it is not only important but also vital to help children feel good and proud of their heritage. There are many studies that have been done on the benefits of biculturalism relating to other ethnic groups or immigrants who are living ion the United States.

Biculturalism should also be considered an important component of the cognitive and behavioral repertoire of all American children, for it is only through recognition of the need for biculturalism that a foundation for true multiculturalism [in society] can be built. When children have developed the ability to survive and thrive within the context of their own culture as well as that of the broader society, a genuine appreciation for the variety of cultures that comprise America is the next step. (Rashid, 1981, p. 61, in Darder, 1991, p. 53)

I feel that the family alone does not help children to live in a bicultural society. The schools are also responsible to help children feel good about their own culture at the same time help them to assimilate into the American culture.
There is a strong influence that one's cultural identity could be lost in an alien culture. It is so important to instill cultural values to children and all children living here in the United States. It is much harder for children born here to keep their own cultural identity as well as blending into the American culture. The family plays an important role in teaching children values and traditions. The school also plays an important role in reinforcing children to respect their own values and traditions and to be proud of who they are. The home and school have to work hand in hand in the bicultural process.

I came to the United States in March 1979 as a young adult. I am from Sri Lanka, formerly known, as Ceylon, is an Island in the Indian Ocean off the southern tip of India, separated from it by about 20 miles. It is a Republic and a member of the Common wealth of Nations. The total area of Sri Lanka is 25, 332 square miles (about the size of West Virginia).
I am bilingual and bicultural. I speak English, Sinhalese and Tamil. I am also in the process of learning Spanish.
I have three sisters and one brother. My Mother lives with me and my Dad passed away in May 2001. I am single and have no children. But I am involved in the lives of my nieces and nephews. Plus I have twenty years of experience working with children.

It gives me great pleasure to be your partner in education. Have a great semester! If you have any questions, concerns or did not understand any contents of the material in any of my classes, please make an appointment to meet with me. I can give you my full attention when I can set aside time to meet with you. Please feel free to call or e-mail. Feel free to drop by during my office hours.