Seriously, what is education teaching us? This is not some rant about how my current situation is an example of the failure of education system. There are very many things that I have been blessed with due to my education. My sister and I beat the odds; we have two children in our household completing higher education. We are also white, still poor, but intelligent. We never got into drugs, that even includes alcohol. Is that what education taught me to do? Or was I just blessed with that’s how I think?
I can honestly say that I have learned something from my public school education. I learned that there are things I can change with perseverance and that opportunities do only come once. Wanna know how I learned those things? The school district I was in and the teachers that I had. It wasn’t because of anything I was doing. A wise man once said that luck is when opportunity meets preparation. I was given a great opportunity. I lived in a great school district and I was able to take classes that ranged from challenging my intellect to my creativity. I prepared for that education by studying, working hard, and being focused on my school work. That’s what I did. Other than that, I didn’t do anything special.
And when I entered my undergraduate, I did the same things. However, the luck has fallen into a different place. I’m still trying to figure out what opportunity is coming my way. But I was given something that no one can take away. I have a great education that is special. I have learned about the brain, found a passion for putting together the head and body to make a working system. I have learned many things about myself. This is all what education has done for me.
Unfortunately, it has not been the standard across the United States. A current class I am taking is challenging that. It is challenging us, the students, to help those who have been condemned. It wasn’t their personal fault that for the past three generations they were poor. The education and the treatment these children have been receiving just reinforces their helplessness. Just give them a chance!
My rant about this comes from the fact that I have finally realized that I was supposed to be one of those kids. I had parents who went straight into the work force and used education has a distraction. They toyed with the idea of being educated beyond high school. They still do. But how did I not end up like them? I wish I knew. Maybe that’s where my opportunity is leading me.
When do you find out where opportunity has led you?
Reblogged this on kartinidesintasitompul and commented:
long life education