Learning
is a journey, and knowledge is power.
I finished my Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice
Administration in August of 2004. At the time I was working for a private
prison. Since then, I have has taken the time to explore my interests and
review the ideas and expectations I have for the remainder of my work life.
Since embarking on the journey to complete my education, I discovered I really
enjoy writing. I have always been a reader, and loved school.
Since finishing my degree, I have considered obtaining a teaching certificate,
working with the adult education program at the state women’s prison, or
becoming active in political activism. I have also worked as a software
technician and trainer, and thoroughly enjoyed writing the training materials
and facilitating training. I helped with instruction at the private academy
training new correctional officers in basic writing skills and report writing
while working at the private prison.
I am a believer in education, and frequently quip I'll vote for the first
congress critter that states they will "forgive" all the student
loans currently weighing all of us down. We forgive foreign countries
billions of dollars in debt. Why not our own human resources here at
home? The first politician who would focus on canceling American’s
student loans in exchange for accepting positions that are essential but have
low pay in comparison to other corporate positions, would contribute to the
good of the common future of our country.
This person would win, regardless of political party.
We are an industrious people, and Americans are hard workers. A drive
by the local junior college any evening will display packed parking lots.
As a society, American workers are constantly learning new skills,
getting additional training, furthering their educational levels.
Although Americans appear to be working harder than ever, there has been
little support from our government and its “trickle down economics”
principles. Student loan rates have increased.
Pell grant monies have been cut. Students
are graduating with a heavier debt load than ever before in American history,
and are being faced with a government allowing corporations to offshore
skilled and white-collar positions in an alarming rate. I fervently believe
our government should reassess their priorities.
There should be a reduction in monies allocated to weapons that
destroy, and more money invested into the workforce.
I believe more Americans value and desire the improvement of our fellow
Americans. Training and educating
Americans will ensure our ability to compete with foreign workers who
currently surpass their American counterparts in science, math and language
skills. Most people know what their values are, and those values
favor improving lives rather than destroying them.
Instead of spending over $313 trillion dollars in death and
destruction, our nation could have paid off thousands of student loans.
According to the National Priorities Project, “The
War In Iraq Costs $345,382,674,554.*
Instead, 15,282,111* students’ could have been provided four-year
scholarships at public universities. According to the article, this figure is
actually far less than actual costs. Readers
are strongly urged to visit this website and see the shocking facts.
Finally,
it is my desire to be able to be productive and economically secure now and in
the future. Instead of retiring
to a senior citizen center or hanging out at the Over 55 clubhouse, I
entertain the idea of volunteering for the Peace Corp or another humanitarian
organization. These ideas satisfy
my wanderlust, my desire to experience other cultures and other peoples, and I
feel it would be spiritually satisfying while making a contribution to the
human global family.
*Figures
good only for the minute that they were accessed. They are constantly updated.
To see today's costs, go to National
Priorities
Project (2006). The
cost of war.
