In the world of education, third grade is a pivotal point. This is the grade in which students should begin reading to learn as opposed to learning how to read. Lack of reading comprehension has many adverse implications including secondary social promotion and the school-to-prison pipeline.
In my family, third grade is significant for another reason; this marks the end of my maternal grandma’s formal education. Born in 1931 in Doyline, a small hamlet of a small town in Northwestern Louisiana, my grandma became literate through her time spent in church. Yet despite this, she had the wherewithal to push for education. Working many years in domesticity, she opined that she wanted her children to have a different life.
 |
| American Gothic, 1942 Gordon Parks |
Here I am, standing firm on her hard work, wisdom, and prayers to answer the million dollar question: Why college? For many, college may elicit thoughts of Ivy Towers or edifices spread across large swaths of land in the middle of rural communities. College is not inclusive of baccalaureate studies; it includes vocation and trade programs and workforce certifications.
I stress to my students that they will need education beyond high school. What kind of education and how long the pursuit is completely up to them. Many have said that you don’t need to go to college to get a good job. Let’s unpack this. According to the American Association of Community Colleges, a good job is defined as a job that requires some college and pays at least $35,000 for those under the age of 45 (2017).
Changing the narrative is crucial! Community College, Junior College, Trade/Vocational Programs, and 4-year colleges/universities are all viable options. As your college counselor, I am here to:
- Help students and families make informed decisions
- Create individualized plans focusing on students’ hard and soft skills
- Advocate for and yield self-efficacy in others.
No comments:
Post a Comment