College Education Is Important to Me

Andeana Lyttle Isaacs

AC1603007

EN110.8.1 ACHIEVING ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE

Lesson 4 Why Education is important to me.

8th May 2016.

 A college education allows for the achievement of life's goals. It allows for dreams and aspirations to be accomplished. It also assists us in making critical choices and or decisions that affects others and moreover determine ones future. The livelihood of an individual and society as a whole is greatly influenced by education. During the 21st century, the importance of education was well noted and an education revolution begun! The education revolution was sought after not only in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines but throughout the world. New schools and government policies provided a means through which even the poor man could attend school. Everyone must be educated!

A College education moulds our people. Similar our parents, who seek to pass on traditions and beliefs, lend guidance and help us to socialise in the world we face today; a college education helps to also give that guidance. (Education-Wikipedia, 2016) defines education as "the process of facilitating learning, or the acquisition of knowledge, skills, values, beliefs, and habits.”  Here we can safely stipulate that education touches all aspects of life. Our mental, physical and spiritual wellbeing are developed through education.  My faith, principles, skills, understanding, etc. are moulded with various teachings gained through education. A college education will enhance these aspects and sharpen those edges! It allows us to become well rounded individuals.

Not only so, a college education grants me the opportunity to compete on the job market. Education revolution brought with it a competitive arena. The US Department of Education (2009, February 2nd). Retrieved May 8th, 2016, from Higher Education for a Highly Competitive World: http://www2.ed.gov/teachers/how/prep/higher/higher-ed.html states, “We all have a responsibility to make sure our higher education system continues to spur innovation and economic growth and gives more Americans the chance to succeed in the knowledge economy." — U.S. Secretary of Education Margaret Spellings. It further stated,” In this highly competitive global economy, a college education has never been more important. About 90 percent of the fastest-growing jobs of the future will require some postsecondary education or training (U.S. Department of Labour). College graduates in the U.S. earn nearly twice as much as workers with just a high school diploma (Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development).” The well-educated man with qualifications and skills would attain a great job position. An individual with skills but without the ability to rationalise and perform critical thinking etc. was no longer sought after. To receive employment or even gain promotion, we have to also demonstrate knowledge with skills amongst other factors. We have to show our credentials to prove our ability to perform successfully and in order to lead a successful life, we must exceed in higher education.

My dad, an unqualified teacher at the time and mom, unemployed with two children; lived in a single room rent house. Two children on a small income, many sacrifices were made. My Father, young but wise, rose to the occasion and furthered his education. He attended the Teachers College and graduated. His educational successes allowed him to provide for his family and to accomplish his goals. My father saw education as an opportunity to better his livelihood. It was during this time and my primary school years; I had observed that most educated persons were well off! While they were buying meals, I had to walk with popcorn mostly every day and homemade lunches. I saw the need for being well-educated. I aspired to have a big house with a pool, a vehicle and a well-paid job. I wish to send my own children to school and ensure that they too have an opportunity to be well educated. I want to be happy. I followed my fathers’ footsteps, I must educate myself. To have a more successful life a College education is very important. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Having an education was my means through which I would survive and better my circumstances. I kept in mind that a wealth of knowledge is worth more than mere finances though one might debate, money is essential for survival.  The world around us is fast becoming more modernized each day. The uneducated man cannot survive if he does not keep up. He must strive to change and improve his status: not only socially but academically. The well-being of his family and his personal development is dependent on his academic accomplishments.