My Belief
I believe that education improves lives. Some argue that a degree is not a guarantee that you’ll make more money; but, it sure does help. So, take away the economic benefits and education still gives you: a healthier lifestyle, positive self-esteem, and knowledge to make informed decisions. My Own Story I had a unique experience educational experience. Ten years of my K-12 education was in Department of Defense schools- in Philippines and Japan. I was the girl who cried when she had to miss school. I remember as young as 4 years old, knowing that I would go to college one day. So, you see, my love of learning started early. School became more challenging as I got older; but, I always did well. My mother emphasized the importance of school and reinforced this by paying me for every “A” I brought home on my report card. Maybe this was the beginning of my connecting education with money. What Formed my Beliefs? As an adult, I've experienced how education has opened doors for me. I remember the time after my husband's traumatic motorcycle accident (resulting in 12 surgeries); I could not find a decent paying job. I finally ended up working as a receptionist in a shady part of town with shady clients. It wasn’t until I started working as a teacher that I saw how education equated to more income. In addition to the income, I had work benefits like medical, dental, vision, Personal Necessity Days and Sick Days. At my previous jobs, if I didn’t work I didn’t get paid. Conversely, I know someone who despite having plenty of work experience was not qualified for certain high-paying jobs because he did not have a Bachelor’s degree. There are people who are successful business owners without a college degree. But, I would argue that they possess a different type of education than the one I received. With my Adult ESL students, I have seen how learning gives them positive self-esteem. They are more confident and this spills over into other areas of their lives. They can talk to the doctor without a translator, help their child with their schoolwork, talk to a stranger, venture outside of El Cajon, get a job, read food/medicine labels, and more. They learn about U.S. laws and customs and are able to make better decisions in their day-to-day lives.
4 Comments
David Ruiz
9/13/2015 05:17:00 pm
Sheila,
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Sheila
9/15/2015 11:57:50 pm
David, I agree with your last statement: "I don't believe that learning is ever a wasted effort." I definitely feel that having a degree (or two or three) opens doors to better work options. We have the expectation that all of our children will pursue a college degree. I hope to see them pass on this expectation to our grandchildren one day.
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Ian Pumpian
9/15/2015 05:10:48 pm
Nice job. I think this is going to be a great platform. I would like to see the segments of the story flow more together-they stand alone just fine. You might be able to do that by continuing the refer to: "a healthier lifestyle, positive self-esteem, and knowledge to make informed decisions" as on three pre pronged belief statement so writing/connecting the three segments as one story that integrates/responds to all three prongs. In other words, its all there, the goal is to have the story flow as one multifaceted story just like your belief flows as one multifaceted belief.
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Sheila L. DavisPassionate Adult ESL Instructor at Grossmont Adult School. Seeking to learn new habits and unlearn bad ones. ArchivesCategories |