Education is the Way

Columbia University

Education is a key issue for me when it comes to government and politics. Education, along with Healthcare and Equal Rights, form the core of what inspires and motivates me personally when it comes to evaluating our local and national efforts to govern and the services our government should provide. Touring with Natalie to see Columbia University, Princeton, and Johns Hopkins was eye opening for me as while I've read and heard about the current challenges in seeking higher education, this first look at a school selection brought reality to my door. I understand supply and demand and demand for the types of private education we looked at indicates high demand. However, it reawakened the passion to understand why education in this country is not as obvious to everyone as a solution to so many travails in this nation.  We want people to WORK for social benefits, but we don't want to take on the effort to ensure they have SKILLS and EDUCATION to do work that actually contributes to our nation.

Reading through this opinion piece this morning gives an interesting perspective that wrapped up several concepts related to our education systems. If we don't provide an equally effective educational opportunity to everyone, then we should not be shocked that not everyone is able to pull themselves up to values that education brings: awareness of systemic inequality in our systems, readiness to learn by ensuring social determinants are addressed, establishing a foundational experience in elementary school that is positive and functional. Equality drive by education based on a healthy mental and physical well-being. Nicely wrapped up.