No matter what job we get in the future- education is a reward in itself!

Miranda

One of the reasons I have been pushing myself through our Library Science program is to get a job and then start putting away as much money as I can in order that my children receive a topnotch University education. Ultimately, I hope they can purse an education that provides personal development and “those big bucks” necessary for life. I also want them to appreciate that education does not stop after you receive any type of diploma, degree or certificate. Education is a life long pursuit…education pushes us out of our box of comfort. It provides us with new skills, opportunities, and fulfillment! I feel that education is the greatest gift I could ever give them (although my 13 year old is pretty ecstatic about her new cell phone).

I would say though, I think all education programs should provide opportunities for internship and application of new skills. These internships provide students with networking opportunities. There must be a way for students to bridge from academic graduation into the workforce. I think it is the responsibility of any academic institution to make this accessible. Two of the librarians who came to speak to our class commented upon the value of internship.

Miranda

I totally agree, especially with Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs! I love learning about new things as well. I also agree that broadening your educational horizon not only improves your personal life, but your professional skills as well. Who am I kidding, we all want to make those big bucks, but the advantages of higher education definitely outweigh the disadvantages. It can also serve as a positive influence to others.

Tricia Rene’

I am very passionate about the need for continuing education as adults. This is the information age, an age with constant change, a highly competitive workplace- setting these ‘professional’ realities aside, what about education for personal development? Education is not just a means to an end; it is a continual process of self discovery. It involves the notion of a quality of life of which we determine. Education is a privilege. We in the United States and Canada have educational opportunities not available and or accessible in many countries of the world. We are the ‘haves’ in a ‘have-not’ world. I loved your summary of education- “The key is growth and upward mobility should be the goal.” Think back to Maslow’ hierarchy of needs- self actualization. I get easily bored and I need to learn new things, I need to be fed by constant knowledge and opportunity. I could not have the same job for a lifetime or do the same tasks over and over again. I see myself as a life long learner not just for professional development but more importantly for my own personal growth.

Personal development set aside, I do appreciate the need for developing professional skills in order to obtain a career that makes money and provides benefits such as healthcare. I also appreciate that there are barriers to accessing continuing education such as time and money. Unfortunately, any type of formal education costs an astounding amount of money and it concerns me that governments should be doing more to help individuals to access educational institutions. There is however, opportunity in self- teaching and public libraries provide free classes and collections ripe for personal and professional development. I am currently writing a history paper on John Newbery (Newbery Medal- ALA children’s book award) and he did not receive much of a formal education however, he loved reading and valued learning. He truly was a self-made and self-taught man!

Miranda

I stopped into the library office for a quick second to drop off some paper work and the Head Librarian stopped me and asked me if I would be interested in going to “Library School” because they were having an information session. I thought to myself…..Library School? I then responded, “well, I am getting ready to go to grad school in Communications, but I can at least check it out”.

I didn’t want to be rude, but I realized early on in undergraduate not to be so quick to turn down invitations, as one never knows what lies on the other side. As soon as I walked in I was immediately interested. The term “Library School” put a unique spin that through me off. When the details of the Program were explained, I immediately jumped on board.