Why We Should Not Take For Granted Essay

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Nelson Mandela once said, “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” If education really is a weapon how many people are left unarmed? Who is prepared for the future, for change? In a perfect world, everyone would have this opportunity but unfortunately, that is not reality. Living where we do, we have access to a quality public education. Although it may be difficult to appreciate at times, it is a privilege that we should not take for granted. I believe that we should appreciate the educational opportunities we have. One person that has influenced my belief is my mom. While we lived in New York, she worked as a teacher at a Head Start program. These organizations help kids growing up in impoverished areas acquire quality education starting at a …show more content…

Her parents had spent all fifteen years of her life saving up money to send her to America. She fearlessly moved here, leaving everything and everyone she had ever known behind. Maria was an extremely intelligent girl who did not have sufficient learning options back home. Her parents made this tremendous sacrifice in hopes of helping her fulfill her academic potential. However, this journey was anything but easy. When Maria first came to school she spoke very little. She was unable to speak English fluidly, and was embarrassed of her accent. So, in order to communicate, several of my peers and I used sign language. This way, she felt comfortable because none of us were very proficient at signing. During this year, Maria worked very hard, and even with language as an immense obstacle, managed to earn the most prestigious academic award at my school. In America, there are an abundance of schools, universities, and programs that aid and provide opportunities for people like us and Maria to learn and thrive. If Maria had stayed in Mexico, she may have never discovered her capabilities in the

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