What does education mean to you?
To some people’s education is as important as a good job. Others see it as something you achieve through your own efforts and grit, while still others see education as something that is handed down from parents to children at birth and to remain that way throughout life. It seems like there is always one side of the question that people want answers to. If you are one who believes strongly in education, what do you do when the subject comes up in your life?
Unfortunately most of us believe what we want to hear.
We hear that education is important because it will make a person successful. We hear that education makes a person a better person. And so we want to know what does education mean to us.
Education is important, but the “what” is the hard part.
When you ask the question what does education mean to me, I often have to wade through what I want to hear what I am told by educators, and what is actually taught in public schools. I know that many of my peers in school have had positive experiences with their schooling. They may not agree with my opinion, but I know for a fact that they are human and fallible.
I know what does education mean to me. It means having a strong education foundation:
The ability to learn quickly and efficiently, the ability to pay attention and to learn from my surroundings. It means that I am capable of taking direction and making choices, even when other adults are telling me differently. It means that I take pride in my academic achievements and am dedicated to proving that I am capable of more. These things are true for me.
I know what does education mean to you when you look at your children.
They are so much more capable than you may realize. They are better students, they have greater opportunities for advancement. They also have shown a commitment to excellence in every endeavor they have pursued thus far. They are following their passions and elevating their aspirations.
I know what does education mean to me.
Because of my own education, I believe that any student who has achieved a high level of educational achievement deserves the chance to do what makes them happy. That’s what I strive to provide my students, because they are the most important persons in my life. I am proud of my students’ efforts, and I am deeply committed to their education. I hope you will be inspired by what I have to say today.