Doors Open at Seven
Paul Bailey
4/11/2017
Last week I began applying for administrative
positions for next school year. After reviewing my career portfolio, I
reminisced over my transcripts. I reviewed the courses I took and remembered
the professors. I thought about all of the lessons I learned throughout my K-12
education, as well as in my dad’s garage. My learning became more career
focused throughout my post-secondary education to lay a solid foundation for becoming
a lifelong educator. Then, I transitioned into thoughts of the exponential
amount of learning that has occurred since my first year as a math teacher at
North Charleston High School. One of my favorite memories of all time hit me at
this moment…….
Last Sunday as part of my continual research on
poverty, I came across a study from the Pew Research Center (2004).
I was stunned by the rising percentage of high school
graduates in poverty throughout generations. I was disheartened that the college
graduates in poverty have escalated. However, I realized that 6% is
significantly less than the 15% for two-year degrees and 22% for high school
graduates. Then, I began to ponder whether being a college graduate has bolstered
my earnings above the poverty line. I came back to one of my favorite memories
of all time……
One of my favorite memories of all time is the
entrance I walked through every day at North Charleston High School. (I never remember the front gate being closed though.)
“Education is a possession of which man cannot be
robbed” is the quote that always comes back to me. While reviewing transcripts,
I remembered the quote and was thankful for every piece of information and
skill I have learned. While pondering if the cost of my education was worth the
lifetime of earnings I will achieve1, I remember the quote and
realized that no matter what happens I will always have the lessons and
learning that has culminated into college degrees and a wide array of
experiences.
I am grateful for my educational experiences and will
never regret any learning I have ever achieved. Jean Piaget stated, “The goal of education is
not to increase the amount of knowledge but to create the possibilities for a
child to invent and discover, to create men who are capable of doing new
things.” I look forward to teaching kids the value of a high quality education
so that each student can grow into productive leaders of their community.
1. I know that the cost of my education was a
minimal fee compared my earnings that are priceless. I get to make a difference
in the lives of kids every day in an effort to improve our community, country,
and world.
References
Pew Research Center. (2014). The Rising Cost of Not Going to College.
Retrieved from http://www.pewsocialtrends.org/2014/02/11/the-rising-cost-of-not-going-to-college/sdt-higher-education-02-11-2014-0-04/
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