Education and Success

By Dr. Marcia Davis-Dawkins

“What are you studying again?” “Why are you still in school?” “You are still studying?” These are some of the questions I often hear from my peers or family members. I heard those questions so many times that I just wanted to take a few steps back and look at them under a microscope.

Professional Student    

I guess being hungry to learn, or what some people refer to as a “professional student,” is seen as a terrible thing. Some people, including myself, are often referred to as professional students, but are simply trying to study for several reasons. What are some of the reasons why people study or go further than high school education? The list seems endless, but includes some of the following: –

• To climb the ladder of success
• To be someone
• To use as an equal opportunity
• To gain knowledge
• To improve one’s knowledge
• To be more diverse
• To be more proficient in their aspirations in life
• To fulfill job requirements (to get promoted)
• It is fun to learn – some people just simply like to learn
• To gain employment
• To make more money
• Want to get a higher education than their parents did
• To set an example for their children
• To switch careers
• To make a connection (meet people) or to network
• To reinvent self
• Love to learn
• Gain independence
• Employment
• To break the glass ceiling

The reasons may vary but ideally, in the long run once you are educated no one can take education away.

As I reflect on myself as an educator, I wonder how students feel about being in my classroom. Do I encourage and promote a love for learning?   I can engage students in continued learning so they enjoy and value learning

Changing the powerless with Education and Success!

Since I am given the curriculum, I should try to focus on the classroom environment, the materials that I use to engage the students, as well as their interests. The activities and materials that I use to teach students should not be boring or mundane. If I show enthusiasm about the subjects I teach, then students will be excited about learning and want to keep learning. I should explore the various learning styles to meet my students’ needs. Do I value their thinking? Do I think about their differences? Do I set specific learning goals for the students so they will love learning? I should always be thinking about how I can help my students feel a sense of belonging and also get to know their parents. I can implore upon them that education holds them up for the rest of their lives. It’s part of the foundation upon which everything else rests.

As a teacher, I can share information about the student’s specific areas of weaknesses and strength so I can help parents realize the underlying causes of their child’s difficulty. This conversation can also include information about how to help their child use areas of strength to support areas of weakness. This will promote success for the students. I can use my educational status to change the powerless.

It is vital to remember that in this fast paced world, staying in the same place is actually going backward. If you don’t keep learning, if you choose to stand still, you will fall behind in the game of life. It’s usually what you learn after you think you know it all that is the most valuable!