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Strive for Greatness

Intelligence & Character

By Charlene EllisonPublished 6 years ago 3 min read
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Education is the key to success! My entire life has been a learning experience, from reading books to increasing knowledge in the healthcare field. Although, there is a misconception of hard work pays off vs. it is not what you know but who you know. Someone asked me one day, “What does it mean to have all those degrees just to accumulate debt?” I personally prefer to set goals for longevity and not just live in the moment. It is the norm to buy a car, have brand clothes, and look the part of financially set. Well, I am here to tell you that looks can be deceiving, and the only person to impress is yourself through elevation. Therefore, an education provides financial stability, career advancement, and fulfillment of Maslow’s Hierarchy theory.

Although a minimum wage job can pay bills, it requires overtime or a second income to make end's meet. Unfortunately, that was my life making $9-10 an hour and living check to check for over five years. Oh, payday loans became my best friend, which placed me in a compromising position. As a result, I registered in an associate’s program, yet it was never easy, but at the end, I accomplished what no one could ever take away. My financial stability increased for a short period due to injury, so the idea is to work smarter, not harder. Although some individuals believe that titles mean nothing, increasing education means landing that dream job to a better leadership position. Who you know can only go so far, and your credentials can be used globally. Education is a journey that affects each person differently, intrinsically and extrinsically. It is a choice to find your passion and, in return, how it will help others. Furthermore, Maslow’s Hierarchy of needs consists of the following: psychological, safety, social, self-esteem, and self-actualization—in that order. This is very important, and accessing how decisions are made and holistic view with the potential to thrive. It starts in the mind to have clear thoughts to be able to function around others building a foundation. For example, once I know that my patients are at no risk, then they feel open to express themselves in a therapeutic way, and this leads to increasing confidence as well as gaining strength.

However, education is stated for the rich or middle class, but not for the low class. This is not a true statement, because I came from a low-income family. There are so many fundings to support individuals to receive a degree such as scholarships, grants, FAFSA, and tuition fees lowered. First, call a college to speak with an advisor to see your vision. Second, speak with admissions to select courses for your program. Finally, attend your classes and be great! Education is knowledge and the power to unite, to help others have an opportunity to improve their way of living. Do not get accustomed to what is expected. As I look back at sitting at a table with my head down and some days wondering that it must be a better way, that is why I never look down at someone unless I am trying to help them up. When I think of all the achievements I have accomplished, the only regret is placing my education on hold and waiting on the right time. In contrast, education is the key, yet there must be a knock at the door. Don’t be afraid of what could go wrong and be confident in your capabilities. Once the door has opened, so many opportunities will evolve. There is a quote from Sean Patrick Flanery that is very inspiring: “Do something today that your future self will thank you for.”

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About the Creator

Charlene Ellison

I am a graduate student in general psychology. I love to express emotions through creative writing leaving individual's with a positive thought out of a bad situation!

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