The opportunity to get an education is an American opportunity that is often taken for granted. Last week in my class, we were talking about high school dropouts. The ninth grade class was in agreement that they should not be forced to go to school. A.J. stated, “It’s my life. If I want to quit school and get a job, then I should have that choice.”
When I was young, I know that there were moments I hated school and was bored with the mindless work, but I never felt that I would be better off not having an education. Perhaps this is because my parents put a strong emphasis on school. They both had bad experiences with public education. Dad did finish high school, but my mom decided to quit in the 11th grade. Because of their lack of education, good jobs were hard to find. Starting a family and the need to pay bills made going back to school nearly impossible for them. Because of their decisions, I never remember having a choice of whether or not I would attend college. My parents wanted more for their children than what they had. They knew that a college education would give us more opportunities.
I feel that an education is a great opportunity, and apparently Oprah Winfrey believes the same way. In 2007, she opened her leadership school for girls in South Africa. Oprah spent $40 million to build the school for 152 girls. Although I am happy for those few who get to attend this school, I can not help but wonder why Oprah did not put that money into America’s educational system. We obviously need more funding for education. (1)
I wish I could instill the importance of school to my students. I wish I could get my students to understand how lucky they are to live in America where everyone can get an education. It is easy, however, to take things for granted. Because they do not know any other way of life, these students feel as if they are “forced” to attend school. They just do not realize that it is one of the greatest opportunities in the world.
(1) http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/16435995/
2 comments:
Pamela,
I agree with you totally. Students and many others don't realize how blessed we are to live in a country with free public education available to all children. While higher education is not free, if a student has the drive and desire to go to college, there are ways to achieve it.
Since I work with financial aid every day, I see students that resort only to student loans to fund their college classes. Student loans are available, and that is a helpful resource, but some students might be eligible for scholarships if they knew about them. There are several scholarship search sites online, but we usually send students to www.fastweb.com to set up a profile to see what is available to them. However, the process is not effortless, because applicants will be required to write essays or complete long applications. But sometimes this effort pays off, and a scholarship is granted.
You don't know until you try!
Pam,
Great blog! I wish there was a way for A.J. to experience what life would be like without an education. I am so glad that I had the opportunity to attend college. Not only because it was necessary to be able to become a teacher but also just because I know more about the world around me. I’m also glad that I can still help my children with their homework because I have some knowledge about the topic. (Although I will admit that I can’t help them with their math very well and my 15-year- old is way ahead of me in chemistry!!)
I had a student similar to A.J. four years ago. He didn’t need an education because he was going to take over his dad’s bakery. So, we started talking about how he was going to manage his employees, who was going to keep his books and what if he wanted to expand. He listened but he really didn’t change his opinion. What did change his opinion was when his dad sold the business and the student needed to rethink his plans for the future. Last spring he graduated with his class and he is now attending college.
I agree that Oprah starting a school was important, but I also wonder why “stars” don’t put more money toward issues we have here in the United States. It is one of the reasons why I don’t like professional sports. When I lived in Washington State, people were willing to pay large sums of money to go to professional sporting events. But they were unwilling to pay the equivalent of $350 a year on a levy that would pay for education.
Carla
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