Claiming an education

As said before, this is a problem. Education shouldn’t be seen as a banking system, as stated by Paulo Freire in his essay, The Banking Concept of Education. Even though it has been working in my favor, it is not allowing my mind to gain knowledge that can be used in the outside world in that instinct. It is definitely not working in favor in those that oppose learning in that matter because it affects grades, which sadly many use to judge your “knowledge” and the position in which you stand in your school. Not everyone thinks alike, nor do they take the same time to understand a

Andrew Simmons published his article for The Atlantic, “The Danger of Telling Poor Kids that College is the Key to Social Mobility” on January 16, 2014, which raises his concerns that higher education is only being promoted as an opportunity to increase their economic status, when it should be an opportunity to experience an education (Simmons). Through the use of students such as Isabella, Simmons disagrees with the way students now look at higher education and blames the educators through the students’ lives for this view. Instead, Simmons views education as an intellectual opportunity rather than a way to elevate ones economic class which is all people see when they see “higher education.” He believes that education, ambition and work ethic is how you have a satisfying life, not with how much you make. He makes the point that when economics becomes the main goal of education it’s all children begin to think about and they might not pursue something that they are truly passionate about or what they want to learn about, which then does not create an intellectually awakening experience (Simmons).

Education as a whole has been the key to the future and provides to the students with skill that they could not get anywhere. The new age has clearly shown us that education is a vital ingredient for a person’s future. Education has shown that one who studies further has a better lifestyle and will be highly respected, but what education cannot do is offer everyone the opportunity to succeed. Only a few students can take advantage of education; because if suddenly

The idea of a universal education system is criticized by many, because the idea of giving everyone a chance to prosper, has a detrimental effect on government resources; and the value placed on a post- secondary education, is somewhat diluted. This is wrong though, as people be judged on their academic skills, character and drive above their economic restrictions. The finances which a young person is born into, should not determine the life and career which they have. It has been shown that a college education increases a person’s earning power, but this education is contingent on money, which dictates your chance of achieving a recognized education. This is against the ‘education gospel’ which supports the idea that schooling should be for everyone, and that the more people who are educated, the less prejudices there will be in society. Education is universal, but post-secondary education, and one which leads people to positions of power and influence, is not. It is for the select few, of whom have the finances and opportunities to prosper that other, more underprivileged people do not, and that needs to change.

Rich is the author of an essay called “Claiming an Education” where she uses the words “claiming” and “receiving” very carefully. In the essay she talks about the difference between claiming an education and receiving an education. She states “You cannot afford to think of being here to receive an education; you will do much better to think of yourselves as able to claim one. One of the dictionary definitions of the verb “to claim” is to take as the rightful owner; to assert in the fade of

In Adrienne Rich's "Claiming an Education," she encourages women to "claim" their education, rather than "receive" it. She is referring to the fact that some women feel the need to be granted permission by others, rather than getting up and doing what is best for them. She also inspires the students to take personal responsibility and earn the education they are entitled to, rather than taking the easy route to obtain their degrees. In order to earn the education we deserve, we must become active participants in that education. Students must demand to be taken seriously, make our education a top priority, and take classes that challenge us as individuals.

Considering that school is the foundation on which a person’s future is laid, one can assume that without a solid foundation in education, a person is much more likely to end up on the bottom of the working class earnings scale. Learned persons would agree that

Education should not be denied because of financial reasons. Children shouldn’t be denied an education because of their “wealth status”; they should be guaranteed an equal, fair education.

Education is the most valuable belonging a person deserves and needs. It is the key to success, wealth, knowledge, and a career that will push you further in the future. Also, high-quality education is a must in the U.S, which means it will help the future generations tackle the nation issues later on. It should be the only thing that cannot be taken away from anyone and it will open many doors full of opportunities. Education will help us grow as an individual, have a better outlook on life, and will help withstand the hardships of life, but what happens when education get cuts down? Are today student’s being cheated out of best education possible to balance the budget?

education, a student can access their toolbox of senses and resources as they adventure as a puzzle piece of society. Some people who do not pursue higher education are therefore not as well equipped. As Plato (306) would say, “I think that he would rather suffer anything than entertain these false notions and live in this miserable

After all, education in the great equalizer in our nation, it can bridge social, economic, racial, and geographic divides like no other force. It can mean the difference between an open door and a dead end. And nowhere is this truer than in a higher education” (Mckeon). No one could have said it better than Representative Mckeon. According to him, if we had free college, millions of students around the country would focus less on working to pay tuition, and instead entirely on their studies. It would distract the students less, and allow them to concentrate on what they’re being taught. Because of these short budgets and stressful environments, most students from lower socioeconomic backgrounds often tend to try and complete their studies quicker than students from high income families. The low income students will generally choose fields of studies that are more directly linked to the professions, like marketing or human resources, while the wealthy students study long term professions, like law and medicine. This creates a gap between wealthy and poor families, losing valuable opportunities for hundreds bright students

Instead, citizens should be paid to go to college because they are going there to better themselves as citizens of the United States. Making new experiences for each individual is important. No one will enjoy the experience if they have crushing debts to worry about. Education should be out there to inspire peoples mind and not just filling their head with others perspective. Every individual has the right to learn and be educated, and have the opportunity to view this world in a different perspective and do something on their own. But the cost of education is so unaffordable to some mankinds that it is just ferocious for them to even consider paying those education bills off” (“Should Higher Free Education Should Be Offered to All for Free?” 4). If students were not stressed out over the cost, they could then focus they’re stress on leaning and getting educated. A student should only have to worry about exceling him or herself to their best ability without worrying about the price they have to pay to get their education.

Money cannot buy happiness, but it can buy education. In this great country of ours, education is not a privilege it is a right. All children are given the opportunity to a free education. An education that should allow them to become high school graduates, 21st Century scholars, and prepare them as leaders to sustain this nation. What happens though when this is not the future for all children? The problem at hand is not all children are receiving the same educational opportunities. Not all children graduate from high school and not all lead successful careers as adults. Why is this the outcome for some and not others?

Adrienne Rich states “That you cannot afford to think of being here to receive an education; you will do much better to think of yourselves as being here to claim one” (23). What is the difference between claim and receive? Rich writes “One of the dictionary definitions of the verb “to claim” is to take as the rightful owner; to assert in the face of possible contradiction. “To receive” is to come into possession of; to act as receptacle or container for; to accept as authoritative or true” (23).

In Adrienne Rich’s speech, Claiming an Education, a statement was made that broadened my views of being a student in a university: “you cannot afford to think of being here to receive an education: you will do much better to think of being here to claim one” (paragraph 2). To furthermore explain this statement, students (especially women) should not attend school to just “receive” what is offered, but to rightfully take what is yours; which would be the degree.