“The future’s so bright I gotta wear shades.” Pat MacDonald penned the words and Jessica has taken them to heart. “I’m excited about the future! My dream is to get a college education and get a good job.”
Jessica was one of several students who assured me that a college education is the ultimate American teen dream. There were almost as many reasons to earn a degree as there were students. Kaitlyn thinks that an education grants you the freedom to do what you want without hurting others. Colton gave me his formula, “education = success = money = happiness.” Dalton said that knowledge is power. The more money you have, the more power you have. He believes this includes the power to vote wisely and to enjoy all the freedoms that come with living in the United States.
The students agreed that this dream would cost a lot of money. Many of them have college funds that were started when they were born. Several noted that finding a job to help pay the costs would be a necessity. All of them are eager to see this dream come true.
The Value of a College Education, an article from Money magazine in January 2008, stressed the importance of a college education. Several benefits listed were:
*Longer life-spans
*Greater economic stability and security
*More prestigious employment and greater job satisfaction
*Less dependency on government assistance
*Greater participation in leisure and artistic activities
*Greater community service and leadership
*More self-confidence
The article pointed out that not all education comes from the classrooms on the college campus. “...participating in clubs and other campus organizations. Many degree programs allow students to “test-drive” careers through internships and practicums.”
Organizations and clubs sound like fun to Jessica. An internship with the chance to travel “would be cool.” Jessica is more interested in something else. She believes that a college education means a chance to “see different sides of personalities and understand people better.” Jessica feels that college will help her “learn better communication skills which lead to a happier, more literate world.” Jessica hasn’t figured out what her field of study will be. She just knows she wants the opportunity to find one. I believe that Jessica will attain her American dream.
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2 comments:
Your students have good heads on their shoulders. I liked Colton's formula. I just wish it were true! At least he realizes that education is the cornerstone for success. I get so tired of hearing students say that they don't need math or English, and once they leave high school they won't ever use it again. What are they going to do, live under a rock? We use math and English everyday!
Sorry, I got a little fired up for a minute! I did enjoy reading your blog, and I do believe that a college education is important.
Pam
Julie,
Thank you for sharing "real" ideas of the American Dream. It's great to hear that students are as motivated as the students in your blog about getting an education. Not only do they know that getting an education will be expensive and time consuming, but they are thinking of ways to achieve their goals with hard work!
The benefits you listed for getting an college education are awesome! I personally believe going to college made me a better, stronger and more confident individual.
Great blog!
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