I use to think education was unimportant; that it was the devil’s work to make children spend their childhood locked up and glued to a chair and desk. “I don’t need to go to school, Mom,” were the words I stressed every day to her. Thankfully, like almost every mom, she proved me wrong. Education is essential to anybody who has the character to put forth the effort to learn.

When I first started elementary school, it was unbelievably difficult for me. I struggled with basic reading and writing, which slowed me down in the classroom. Thus, I was pulled out of the class to get one-on-one attention. I didn’t like the one-on-one teaching. Even though it was helpful, I found it extremely embarrassing. I wanted to be interacting and learning with my classmates. Benjamin Franklin, who shared the same feelings as I did, expressed: “Tell me and I’ll forget. Show me and I may remember. Involve me and I’ll learn.” Fortunately, by the third grade, I no longer was pulled out of the classroom. Since I was around my fellow classmates every day, I felt that I was engaging and learning more. I began enjoying school.

Though I started to enjoy school, the thought of becoming a teacher not once crossed my mind. Basically, back then, I would have been seen as “uncool”. But, I understand, now, why teachers are teachers. It’s a fulfilling job. Being able to give your knowledge to someone and them being able to use it in their own way is incredible. I started seeing teaching as a great career choice when I entered high school. Robert Frost once said: “I am not a teacher, but an awakener.” Education is suppose to be this giant gateway of opportunities, I want to make that gateway even more grander and beautiful for my students.

Wanting a better education is also thought so by the government. I find this ironic because individuals, like President Obama, will preach about wanting students to excel in education when in reality they are not given the full opportunity. The government has high standards, but doesn’t provide the resources. Every year, curriculums, clubs and funds are cut from school districts. In order to support the schools, it is the community's job to raise the funds, but I feel that the government should be providing it instead.

However, I do think that the government has helped increased our mathematics and science areas. It is clear that with the education these scientists are receiving from various colleges they are able to improve our medication, fuel, electricity, the list goes on. Without the Government’s help there would be no funds to support the scientists testing.

Over the summer I began doubting myself on going to college. I worried that colleges wouldn’t accept me because I only got an average score on the ACT (which is state required) or I wouldn’t receive any scholarships in general. That’s not what college is about, I’ve learned. For example, standardized testing doesn’t show a student’s full potential, just the bare minimum they can accomplish. Second, even though there’s this idea in your head that all colleges only want the most intelligent students, they also want you trying and excited to learn. It’s about you wanting to get a better education.

In the future, when I have my own children and students, I want to be able to provide them with a great education. I want them to grow and develop and love the idea of learning. But, right now, I want a good education for myself. I want an education that will help me succeed in life. I want an education that will help me in difficult situations. I want an education that will bring me prosperous opportunities. My education is important to me. Education can be challenging, but with the right mind-set obtaining it -- as well as using it -- is the greatest gift.