Each person can respond to
the question: Why am I thankful for education? For me, this the first time
thinking about this question, writing down the answer, and sharing the answer
through this essay posted in this blog. Each one of us can respond to the
question by reflecting back on the educational experiences which we have been
through, and this is where I will also begin, looking at what has been
experienced in education.Education is a life long journey. It begins when we come alive and ends when we have gone to rest. For almost 40 years education has been a part of my life. It has provided a safe and secure environment for such a period of time. Through the years, I have experienced education in a variety of forms: formal and informal, personal and professional, private and public. It is for these various forms of education, which I have experienced over many years, that I am thankful for education.
For me, education has been formal and informal. Formal Education brings to mind the names of the places where education has taken place: Hogar Jardin, Liceo Salvadoreño, Lincoln Middle School, Alameda High School, College of Alameda, and Laney College. Where I was a student with a teacher in a classroom among my classmates. Where as Informal Education brings to mind backyards, fields, parks, mountains, construction sites, work places, etc. There was no specific role assigned to me or person in charge, but a great deal of observation and interaction to absorb.
It has been beneficial to have exposure to private and public education. Each has provided unique experiences and approaches to education, which resulted in different evaluative outcomes, but both have complemented each other. Private Education help provide a solid foundation and framework in addition to structure and discipline. Public Education help provide diversity, possibility, and opportunity, in addition to creativity, growth, and development. I now try to balance both of these approaches as I continue to further myself as an educator.
Personal Education has consisted primarily of reading and re-reading that which has sparked an interest in the pursuit of skills and knowledge. Professional Education begun when deciding to help others with the development of skills and understanding of knowledge. They have both required time, dedication, and perseverance, but have also proven to be greatly rewarding and enjoyable.
Why education? Well, education is good. It has created great civilizations throughout time, proven its usefulness to humanity. It is a difficult challenge to undertake, but the rewards can last beyond our lifetime. I am thankful for education for the skills, knowledge, and experience it has shared with me over the years which have passed, and those which it will share with me over the remaining years to come.
Author: Manuel R. CortezRodas - Educator
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