Doors Open at Seven

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/