Education provides a source of inspiration. Unfortunately the poor societies in our country are usually the people who are not offered a good education. If we could figure out a system to assist the poor communities, in increasing the ability to provide an excellent education to their children, we would be changing the future of many people. Having an education provides a path to a successful career future including a career where the compensation is larger, a wide array of career choices, and better benefits for the employees.
Education keeps children off the streets. When children are uneducated and basically are living on the streets the world becomes a very dark place. If the child is not taught the dangers of the world they are destined to become apart of the problem. Education can literally save a person’s life by dropping the likeliness the person becomes involved in illegal activity.
Alexie is providing the children potential for a successful future and showing them another world where they have the ability to do whatever they put their mind to. He wanted them to know it does not matter what ethnicity the person is, through education, anyone can decide if they would like a successful future. Alexie knew from his childhood Indian children were expected to be “stupid”. He knew from personal experience they were not stupid but social pressure caused them to shut down and let society dictate their educational abilities. He wanted them to break down the social stigmas that restricted their success. By providing himself as an example he proved Indian children are capable of successful futures. He knew Indian children were neglected when it came to motivational educators therefore he become a guest teacher to educate the children on poetry, essays, and other texts. He wanted them to become interested in books because that is what inspired his future. By Alexie going into a classroom and addressing the children he provided the children the gift of recognition, respect, and an example of what to strive for.
Alexie saved his own life by becoming interested in books at a young age. He was fascinated with the structure of paragraphs and how they came together to create larger texts. Before he had the ability to read he loved staring at comic books and making up what was expressed in the scene by analyzing the pictures. He was interested in his education and wanted people around him to know he was intelligent and that he cared about his future. Although he was bullied for showing his intelligence he focused on books and allowed them to be his ticket to his successful future.
Having an education can really save one's life because, as you said, it can help keep them from getting involved in illegal activity. I think you are right about Alexie using himself as an example that the Indian children do not have to follow the social stigmas that Indians are stupid. I am sure that Alexie inspired and motivated quite a few Indian children. I know he inspired me. I have been told that I cannot do it. I am going to show everybody that thinks that, that I can do it and will get my degree and a better job.
ReplyDeleteEducation is very important for all, young and old. It is never too late to further your education. I am proud that my 16 year old is so focused, motivated and determined to attend college. I enjoyed the point you brought out that we need to help those who are from "poor communities" and may not have the opportunities that maybe we do. If everyone reached out to assist them, the world would be a better place.
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