If You Think Education is Expensive - Try Ignorance

‘If you think education is expensive - try ignorance’ ~ Derek Bok

It’s not just enough to go to school anymore. You have to go to school and do well. We must change the way we educate our children. If study habits after school aren’t taught at an early age, they will not simply ‘materialize’ once your child gets older. They might actually get worse.

Highly interesting and relevant is the TEDx UCLA video above in which emeritus professor of anthropology and psychiatry Tom Weisner talks about the most important influences on child development.

George Santayana once said, "A child educated only at school is an uneducated child." We must do more than just see them off to school in the mornings. What our children learn and can use to get ahead as they grow older happens after 4 pm.

School provides them with the building materials for growth, but it’s up to the parents to build the foundation that will allow positive development to take place.

If your child can memorize the entire lyrics from their favorite artist's song, they can memorize what’s on their next English test. Discipline and positive learning routines need to be established if positive change is going to be realized.

No child should go home, watch television for 4 hours and then go to bed. At least an hour every night should be spent on going over the day's lessons, doing homework, or reading.

It’s the parents' responsibility to make sure their child is getting the education that they need to have a chance to succeed and contribute positively to society. Find the time!

Educating yourself

Running out of options for employment? You may need to look at re-educating yourself. This could be one of the best investments you ever make.

Obtaining the high school/college diploma or university degree you have long coveted can reveal opportunities you never knew existed. You can even take a lot of these courses in your own home through correspondence or distance education.

Seven out of Ten jobs now require some form of college/university or trade school training.  The next level of education could potentially increase your income, your desirability to recruiters and allow you to control the direction of your career path.

Marcus Garvey once said, "Whatever man has done, man can do." Don’t limit yourself. They are tens of thousands of people in the workforce who have received jobs in their desired field before they even completed the college/university course that they are enrolled in. Membership does and always will have its privileges. Don’t count yourself out just yet.

Choosing a College/University

Education options don't come cheap. Make sure you not only research potential programs but you should research the potential jobs you can get once you have completed the program.

For example, is there a lot of opportunity in that field? What is the starting salary? How much vacation do employees get in that industry? Network!

Speaking to individuals already employed in the job/industry you are interested in can greatly clarify if that is a career choice that you would like to pursue. Be proactive.

A lot of companies will meet you for an ‘information session’ which will allow you to ask any questions that could help you in making your decision. While not considered an interview, an information session can be a great way of making long-term contacts in your potential employment field.

A full-time course in college/university can cost anywhere between $2500 to $8000/year or more. Start planning and saving first. See also if you are eligible to receive financial assistance and grants offered by the Government.

We should not underestimate the importance of students learning to earn an Early Childhood Education degree. They are key to the development of our young kids.

Always factor in transportation costs and travel time when choosing a place to attend. Visiting the campus and mapping out routes, schedules, and the campus atmosphere can all increase the enjoyment and experience you get out of going to college. It’s time to realize your full potential.