The United States is a country of opportunities especially in education for American and foreign students.
Financial aid and scholarships are available to help our younger generations build the future of America.
Yet the opportunities and benefits this country offers to its citizens and legal residents are exchanged for distractions such as addictions and crimes. Education is also put aside while we work hard to get the material things we desire.
Higher education is a commitment and a big responsibility. But many students are not prepared to embrace college because they did not learn proper skills in their K-12 system.
The problem has many sources. Students might not put forth the needed efforts. Parents might not encourage their children or support their teachers. Administrators might put too many restrictions or responsibilities on teachers. Teachers might suffer from burn out.
If teachers got better wages, more professionals would join the education system and we might see more effective results. But the major focus needs to be on student attitudes or perceptions about education.
According to an article in newsobserver.com, public schools should encourage low-income students to consider higher education when they reach middle school, helping them to plan academically and financially.
Teachers should stress the importance of higher education even when parents do not seem interested in doing so.
If a strong foundation is not placed in the younger minds regarding higher education, then financial aid, scholarships and low-interest-rate loans are unattractive.
Some students start college if they can obtain financial aid, or if their parents foot the bill, then drop out because their skills are poor or they feel no commitment because they are not assuming the financial responsibility. Their actions lead to a continuous cycle of enrolling, dropping and not graduating.
On the other hand, we see people from other countries come here with one goal—education.
Foreign students who are not legal residents are not eligible for financial support. Plus, they have to pay higher tuition cost, and they also have to pay for housing.
Dealing with culture and language is only the beginning of their struggles. Many also have to provide for their families back home.
Some foreign students end up staying in the United States and contributing to its economy. But they all add to this country’s higher percentage of university graduates.
Others return to their countries and take back home the pride of their academic success.
Perhaps those of us with financial assistance should start appreciating the resources offered to us and using them properly.
We are the future of America, and our education system should be embraced by all kinds of students—both native and foreign.
Higher education can benefit us all, and we, in turn, can benefit our countries.
