There are so many things I wish that I had known at a younger age. I think most everyone can look back and find a few of those things. I know on a more personal level I wish I had told my Mom more how important she was to me. We were very close but we argued and stuff a lot. I wish I showed my appreciation more to her when I was younger.
What I really wanted to write about now though is that I wish I had valued an education more when I was young and had gone to college. I did ok in school but did not like it and couldn't wait to get out. I said from an early age that "I just want to get my high school diploma and work in a factory." Thats pretty much what hasppened too. WARNING: Be careful what you wish for.
I still believe there is nothing wrong with working in a factory. And I know many people working in lower paying factory and retail type jobs with very good educations. But I now know that an education opens up a lot of doors and oportunities that just don't exist with only a high school diploma.
And its not just about money. Money and status are of course the obvious things that a higher education brings. But I'm also thinking of other oportunities that are much more important to me. I was thinking at one point in time (not very long ago) of signing up for the peace corps. They were not very interested in me at all because thet wanted people with college degrees or special skills. I figured the desire to help the world was enough. But thats simply not the case. I still feel thats a little bit backwards. But it shows how important an education can be even if you are not looking to "just make money".
I know its never too late to get started. But for me (in a way) it is too late. I'm almost 45 years old. I'm now working in retail and for the most part I actually like most of what I do. I also am a firm believer in self-education. I believe learning is a life process that doesn't just occur in a classroom. Travel(I sing many praises of),reading,watching educational television,and the internet are all things that can also teach valuable lessons. But until now I never realized how important that classroom is too. So as corny as it always has sounded,
"Stay in School!"
Things I wish I had known
December 13th, 2007 at 06:29 pm
December 13th, 2007 at 08:56 pm 1197579360
The best thing about an education is that once you have it, no one can ever take it away from you, and it will always be an asset for you.
December 14th, 2007 at 05:08 am 1197608934
December 14th, 2007 at 05:13 am 1197609224