Vanessa Herring
Why getting a degree is important to me.
I was raised by my mother in a household consisting of 7 siblings. As a child, my mother had to work the tobacco and cotton fields in Florida, which took precedence over obtaining an education. However, my mother was determined to get her high school diploma. At the age of forty-seven my mother received her GED.
My mother's determination to finish school was an inspiration to me; therefore, when my grades in my current High School began to drop, due to poor study habits and a lack of motivation. I encouraged my mother to enroll me in a different High School which I felt was more suited for me academically and socially. I knew that I could do better, but there was something missing. When I was accepted in the new school, it was a turning point in my life, my grades improved tremendously, my study habits were better and the teachers were extremely helpful.
Having a degree will catapult me to new beginnings, a degree will give me options and opportunities in which I can further my current career or start on a new career path. A degree also, gives you a sense of pride and a feeling of accomplishment. This type of pride and accomplishment exceeds ones self, it spills over into your children, friends, and other family members. A degree motivates, inspires and gives you hope for a better future.
Some may ask, why now, why obtain a degree at this point in my life? My answer to them would be; I have longed for a college education for many years. However, I was afraid, yes, afraid of failure. Because I struggled with some classes during my high school years, I felt that I was incapable of handling college level course.
However, all of that is past me now. In today's world of globalization, in order to be competitive in this new age obtaining a degree is necessary. Having a degree gives you leverage, it allows you to negotiate certain salaries as well as obtaining promotions.
Also, a degree may not get you the job, but it may get you the interview. Whereas, not having the degree may not get you anywhere There was never any doubt in my mind that I would finish high school because of what my mother was deprived of as she was growing up as an only child being raised my her grandmother and grandfather after her mother passed away from the measles when my mother was two.
Because I didn't have the help I needed in the early vital learning years of my life I struggled in high school because I had poor study habits. I barely passed each grade until I enrolled myself in a popular predominately black high school after being in the opposite type of school where I didn't excel very well this opportunity gave me the boost that I needed and I turned my poor grades around.
After finishing high school I wanted to go to college like some of my friends but I was gripped with fear of not succeeding because I was not strong in math I let fear take over and it has for all of these years.
I long for a career and I know a college education would be the catapult to a new and great beginning for me I don't want my children to be gripped by fear like I was I want to be an example for them not a reason not to succeed.