Education

"Unless we make education a priority, an entire generation of Americans could miss out on the American Dream" (Blanche Lincoln). Education is a means to an end. In order to obtain a higher quality of life you need an education. Education enables one to become aware possible obstacles, choices and alternatives available. In the highly competitive world that we live in, education offers the sharp edge needed to compete and succeed by making better use of our resources and opportunities. In order for a person to identify reachable goals and to draw plans to successfully achieve them a person needs the information and skills that can only be acquired via education. One of the areas that can be highly enhanced by education is ones income.

In 2004 the U.S. Census Bureau conducted a survey that dealt with total earnings. The focus was on the education level and the corresponding income level that it resulted. It was not shocking to see the drastic differences in income between persons that held a degree and others that did not. According to these findings the average income for people 18 years and over who graduated from high school but did not attend college was $28,254.00 dollars. After considering average mortgage, car, and insurance payments $2300 a month leaves very little for basic living expenses. This same survey reported that the average and estimated annual income for those who do achieve a Bachelor's degree was $51,532 dollars. This is an estimated increase of over $23,000 dollars.

This survey confirms Ann McIntyre's statement "If you think education is expensive, try ignorance."

A good education is required in order to create a life with meaning and purpose. Education provides the information, knowledge and abilities to make the best choices to live a healthier life as a law abiding citizen. If we doubt this statement we should have to take some time to visit a correctional facility. Jails and prisons are filled with uneducated people whom have made critical mistakes and errors which has resulted in loss of freedom many times as a result of lack of Education. Lack of education limits the capacity, vision and understanding of the perceived reality of a human being. It diminishes the ability to interact in a productive way. It creates misunderstandings and frustration. Many people in our prisons have resorted to violence and injustice for lack of a better choice. Simply said education provides choices and alternatives. It enables a human being to act out of reasoning rather than just passion or appetite.

Educated people are able to educate their children by example and by recognizing their talents and abilities prepare them to be successful