Ambition vs. Reality

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Growing up, parents and teachers always told me hard work pays off. I believed that if I did well in school I would go to college and be rewarded with opportunities. Unfortunately my education didn’t follow this path. Good grades and motivation fell short of expectations on college applications. I realize now, my parents and teachers didn’t have the resources to back up their claims. Anyon’s research exposed that socio-economic classes have a direct effect on how children are taught and prepared for their futures. I experienced this first hand. The lack of college savings and poor guidance left me with limited options for higher education. Then and now, there are limitations impeding children’s paths to a good education. I was a model student throughout my entire school experience. My report cards were always As and Bs. I was on the road to scholastic success! In high school, I was encouraged to enroll in all College Prep classes and keep my grades up. I also worked a part time job in my junior year and full time in my senior year, all the while maintaining a 3.85 grade average. When I started exploring college options, I found disappointment time and again. I applied directly to schools, I applied for scholarships and grants, I even consulted with a military recruiter. Every attempt to find funding was unsuccessful. Failure to be involved in social clubs, community programs or sports left gaping holes in areas the applications expected. Community college and a combination of student loans and credit card debt became my reality. Regretfully, after only two semesters of classes – none of which I wanted – I decided not to reregister the following year. Community college fees increased from $8 to $11 per unit (kee... ... middle of paper ... ... schools should be funded to adequately to support the health and welfare of their communities and the nation at large. Continued cuts to funding and a lack of praise for educators will continue to erode the path between ambition and reality. Works Cited John F. Wasik. “Harvard, Ivy Leagues Bust Tuition Cost Bubble.” Bloomberg.com. news website. August 18, 2009. N.P. Ivy League College Admission Summary. Admission Consultants.com website. Figures for 2011 enrollment year. N.P. N.D. Robyn Tellefsen. “How Much Does a Bachelor's Degree Cost?” CollegeSurfing.com website. N.D. N.P. Census Bureau Median Family Income by Size Chart. Us Department of Justice Census Bureau website. N.P. November 3, 2011. Jean Anyon. “Social Class and the Hidden Curriculum of Work”. Colombo, “Rereading America. Bedfords/St.Martin. Boston, New York, 2010. 169-186

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