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
Copyright 2014. MRCR Educational Consulting Firm. All Rights Reserved.
