We're learned in America.

            Growing up in America, mainly Kitsap County I have lots of experience with education in America. It’s interesting to note how education has changed throughout the years. When I was in high school (2005) there wasn’t any such thing as smart phones, every assignment we did minus term papers was done by hand, and we had to use books as sources in our papers; not the internet. There are now school district websites where parents, staff, and students can access resources in order to help themselves, their students, or children succeed.

            In elementary school I learned the basics, how to get along with other kids, reading, writing, math, and how to play kickball. I’m sure I didn’t appreciate how we get free education in America, and all of the wonderful after school activities we get to take part in. My favorites were always art, and music classes after school.

            Junior high and high school were kind of the same story. High school for me was all about graduating, not college. I believe that although it’s important for the parents to be educating their children about the importance of preparing for college, it should partially be the part of the school they attend as well. If I had known then what I know now, I would have tried a whole lot harder to get better grades. Luckily, I’ve had the chance to learn more, and to improve my grades while being in college.

            In America after our 12-13 years of free education we have the ability to go to college. The problem with college is the cost, college is expensive and one of the only ways to pay for it is by taking out loans. Loans that take quite awhile to pay off, but if you’re going for what you love it’s worth it. One thing that I think they could improve with college education is to have students go through mandatory career counseling.  Most of the time students starting college have an idea of what they want to do, however most change their majors and spend even more of their time, money, and resources getting that degree.

            I spent time down in Mexico about five years ago, and was blown away by the lack of education that children receive down there.  I helped to build a house, and there were many kids who lived in the other surrounding houses who were of school age but had never attended. Education in America compared to the rest of the world is astounding; we have so many opportunities and technologies to take part of, it’s important to remember how lucky we are.

            Education in America, though expensive after general studies through high school is far greater than any other country in the world. We have opportunities to study abroad in countries all throughout the world; we can learn to be doctors, teachers, scientists, and as students in America we have the world at our fingertips. It’s not something that we should take for granted, and we should do our best to emphasize how important education is to our children, our families, and to those around us.