Entry #5: Education The Key To Success

     

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    As an education major, I think that education is important. Education helps to build connections with people and broadens your world view. Being educated opens up many opportunities to follow your dreams. In the article, Ducey: Why Arizona needs more college grads, Arizona Governor, Doug Ducey, said that college education is an important part of being successful and is attempting to assist people in completing college. Education provides opportunities to grow and broadens people's perspectives on the world around them.

    The article, Is a College Education Worth It?, states statistics on the pros and cons of college education. With increased opportunities, college graduates have more earning potential. For example, the article states that college graduates make 71% to 136% more than high school graduates. Also, college graduates are more likely to be able to find a job that offers good health insurance and a retirement plan. One of the cons of college education is high student loan debt due to the expense of college. Another con is that after graduating college the graduate may not be able to find a job using their college degree. So, it is important when enrolling in college to try to minimize debt and pick a degree that is commonly needed. Choosing to attend a community college and transferring to a four year college after completing an associate degree is another option to help reduce debt. Education makes a more well rounded person who is knowledgeable about how the world works. This makes a good employee and a good member of the community.

    There are many obstacles to getting a college education. As a community, we need to work toward reducing the obstacles to getting a higher education. Arizona teachers are not paid a competitive wage. According to the article, Arizona ranks 46th in the country for teacher salaries, the average teacher's salary in Arizona is $50,782 which makes it number 46 in teacher's pay in the United States. This low pay is causing Arizonan teachers to reconsider their career choice which is leading to a teacher shortage. Lack of quality teachers creates challenges to students as they go through the education system. Another obstacle to higher education is the price that it cost the students. Going to a community college helps to reduce the price of college. Also living at home while attending college can help save money. Some people receive scholarships which may assist them in paying for college. As a community, we need to work toward encouraging students to enroll in college and decrease the obstacles of attending college.