Growing up my parents had always put a large emphasis on education. For them though education wasn’t just defined by what I learned during my time in school, it included what I learned from my surrounding environment, the advice that people would give me, and also what I learned from traveling and speaking different languages. Ever since kindergarten I had gone to a Jewish day school, so my school days were longer than most and a few of my classes were taught in hebrew while the rest were taught in English. For my parents a well rounded education is what they perceived as the key to success in the future.
Having gone to school with many students who came from backgrounds similar to mine, with either parents or grandparents that were immigrants who had left their respective countries because of religious reasons rather than reasons of wealth and prosperity, many of us had parents who put a great emphasis on education. As a child I remember being told that there isn’t just one kind of way to learn and that learning can happen everywhere and it isn’t exclusive to a classroom setting. I think hearing that repeatedly as a child and being given the many opportunities that I was given has really fostered my love for learning.
Both of my parents immigrated to the U.S as teenagers, my mother from Russia and my father from Israel and even though both of them had moved here speaking barely any English they managed to go to school and learn English and both become very successful in their respective fields of work. I think the process of immigration for both of my parents taught them many things including various languages and skills that they wouldn’t have learned had they otherwise not moved. I think that their experiences have pushed them to put such an emphasis on education for me and my siblings and that is probably why they believe learning can happen everywhere and believe it to be the key for me to succeed in whatever I plan on doing in the future.
I love that you pointed out how education is something that is not only obtained in a classroom. This is something I and my parents have always believed in as well. This is why I think that, as great of an opportunity that college is, whatever way someone finds that they learn and they engage best is what they should choose to do for their future. I, personally, am going to travel right when I finish school. I think there is so much you can find and see around this world that will shape you as a person and help you grow. Language is also an important skill to have because, like you said, it can make you more successful, but it can also allow you to reach out to people you could not speak to otherwise if you did not know their language. I love this communication.
Too often, value is always placed on education earned from school. Sure, that education is the bulk of your knowledge, but it’s important to incorporate outside resources. Adults would always say “School this” and “school that” but school isn’t everything. I once read a book called “Rich dad poor dad”. The rich dad was someone who didnt spend his whole life working. He spent time with others, he was rich with happiness. The poor dad worked nonstop but failed to socialize. This is a similiar case. Education is not just about what you learn from school. But about the people you meet and the things you do.
I agree with you all. Education is important and crucial, but that’s not the only thing that makes someone successful. You also have to make connections and be involved in society. Knowing that our parents sacrifice their lives for a better future for us, makes us want to do well in school. Education is one of the keys to success.