A couple of thoughts on the State of the Union...
"What's more, we are the first nation to be founded for the sake of an idea -– the idea that each of us deserves the chance to shape our own destiny. That's why centuries of pioneers and immigrants have risked everything to come here. It's why our students don't just memorize equations, but answer questions like "What do you think of that idea? What would you change about the world? What do you want to be when you grow up?""
The President's words are oh so true as far as the intent of our education system, but it's so easy to see that we are slowly falling far from his interpretation. How easy is it for us to memorize a couple of facts and slide by, fooling our teachers and each other into thinking that we are 'model students.' With this, the idea that a person can be whatever he or she wants is quickly becoming a long-lost thought. This is not because of any sort of discrimination but simply from the lack of effort and motivation that it takes to truly be whatever you want to be. We want to be a doctor, lawyer, world-changer, but we don't want to put in the work that it takes to get there. We feel entitled, like it should be handed to us.
"That responsibility begins not in our classrooms, but in our homes and communities. It's family that first instills the love of learning in a child. Only parents can make sure the TV is turned off and homework gets done. We need to teach our kids that it's not just the winner of the Super Bowl who deserves to be celebrated, but the winner of the science fair. We need to teach them that success is not a function of fame or PR, but of hard work and discipline."
First off, yes learning begins in the home. It's the responsibility of today's teachers parents to instill education into their children. Too much pressure has been wrongly placed on the teacher and schools. A teacher gets your kids for, what, eight hours a day? How long do you spend with them, parent? Teach them something. Secondly, people everywhere struggle with the idea that it's PR that gets you the big bucks, the promotions, the attention. It doesn't matter how hard you work if you can't market yourself well. It sucks, but it's reality. It's going to take people who recognize this fact in order to change it, and I simply don't think there are enough of out there, yet.
"In fact, to every young person listening tonight who's contemplating their career choice: If you want to make a difference in the life of our nation; if you want to make a difference in the life of a child -- become a teacher. Your country needs you."
Teachers are, as the President states in his address, some of the most under-appreciated servants in the nation. They get paid meager wages to not only teach but also to babysit, counsel, essentially, parent, kids who don't want to be at school in the first place. It's a tough job, and, yet, somebody's gotta do it. The President is exactly right in his sentiments, but before everyone begins running out to get a degree in education, there will have to be some serious reform in that career field.
"We're a nation that says, "I might not have a lot of money, but I have this great idea for a new company." "I might not come from a family of college graduates, but I will be the first to get my degree." "I might not know those people in trouble, but I think I can help them, and I need to try." "I'm not sure how we'll reach that better place beyond the horizon, but I know we'll get there. I know we will.""
This is the type of thinking that needs to be encouraged. It's this type of thinking that will save our nation. It's this type of thinking that is the embodiment of America. Where did we go wrong to lose it?
And finally...
"We do big things."
Let's make the next year a year of big things. It begins with us. We can't expect our government to do 'big things' while we sit around and watch. So, make this a year of big things. Whatever that may mean for you.
For me, it's going to be a year of chasing after those things that I desire and not watching them pass by, of enjoying the time that I get spend with the people I love, of taking chances and dealing with the consequences.
What will it be for you?
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