Tied to her dead end, going nowhere for work, a struggling mother of three enrolls in an online university, determined to make a better life for herself and her children. Soon her perspective is much brighter and there is a glimmer of light at the end of her hitherto bleak tunnel. There was no visit from a fairy godmother, no unexpected lottery win, just the knowledge that education could and would improve things in a matter of time.
Education is the key to freedom for many people; In this tough economy, every little advantage can make a difference in the job market. Consider this: A college education can land you a job that pays much more than the job that would earn you a high school diploma. If you were an employer looking for two fairly equal candidates for a single position, would you choose the college graduate over the undergraduate? Of course you wouldn’t, you’d take that extra diploma and pray that the title turns into something useful.
As the world becomes more technology-driven and the pace picks up, the competition for jobs will become even fiercer. Soon there will be only the menial jobs for those who won’t go to college, computer programming training will be almost mandatory.
But education can mean more than just a better job and higher pay; it can mean higher self-esteem and the satisfaction that you can achieve what you set out to do. No matter when you go back to school, or what you study, your brain wants to learn new things all the time. Keeping your mind fit and active is just as important as keeping your body healthy. Take a painting class, a cooking class, learn a new language. If you’re retired, take the wild class you’ve been dreading taking while you’re busy working. If you still have a job, consider a weekend class at a community college in something unrelated to your job that is fun to relax. You’ll learn new things, meet new people, and discover how free education can make you feel.
In most cases, you can apply for grants to help pay for your educational goals, and some employers will even reimburse you for some or all of your tuition if it’s work-related. (Check with your Human Resources representative first.)
Of course, as with any new plan or idea, there may be opposition, but don’t let anyone talk you out of your goals. If your plan is to get a degree in 17th century English literature, then go ahead and get that degree! People are always afraid of new things, but that shouldn’t stop you in any way. There should be no blocks to you, not your age, not your finances, not your time. If you want something bad enough, you’ll find a way to make things happen. Education is the key to freedom, so free yourself, whatever it takes. Oh, and that struggling mother of three? That would be me.