What were some of the values and attitudes toward education expressed in your family? How have these influenced your thinking and your practice (as a student)?

Let’s see my mother is from a family of 16 children and only her youngest sister has a college degree. I’m not sure how many actually graduated from high school. One of her brother’s who is currently in his sixties just got his G.E.D. I thought that was great!!! Now out of all the grandchildren only one granddaughter has a college degree. Hopefully, I will be number two next year. Most of her family would be considered blue- collar even though they operate their own businesses.

On my father’s side there were eight children and most of them only have an eighth grade education and none of the grandchildren have a college degree. I hope to be the first. Again blue-collar workers in carpentry (Jesus was a carpenter). They all were really great builders.

Despite the fact that majority of my family did not choose to continue their education they definitely know how important a good education is and they have been very encouraging to me. My parents more than most can relate to how difficult it is to make it in this world without an education. They did encourage me to go to college when I was younger but I chose to get married instead. After the boys came along it seemed there was never enough money for school. So I waited until they were grown to get on with my education. I know this is something society thinks you should do when your younger but I feel like I can appreciate it more now.

My boyfriend Anthony is a constant source of encouragement for me. He always gives me a push if I need one. Sometimes he sounds like my dad, have you got any homework or don’t you think you should get started on that project you were talking about. He’s great. My boys also ask me about school and they seem to be glad that I decided to further my education even though they both decided to work instead of continuing on with theirs. Their decision not to go to school has caused me a great deal of anguish.
I’ve seen what life can be like without an education and for the most part it’s a lot of hard work with very little compensation. So you can believe me when I say I study extra hard and am totally dedicated to my cause. Therefore, to my family, Anthony and myself earning a college degree will be one of my greatest accomplishments. I may not be as fast or as smart as the hare but like the tortoise I plan on finishing the race.

Geneva