Over the last couple of weeks, I have been thinking a lot about the importance of a quality education and the impact it can have on a person.

As a parent, it is immensely difficult to feel both the joy and sorrow of our children’s first day of school. We are so happy that they are beginning the educational journey, but scared to death of how they will adapt to something totally new.

While this is the case for parents and children, this can also be said of adults who strive to continue their career or make a transition. Traditionally, most go to college directly out of high school and earn their degree. However more often in today’s climate, adults are enrolling into colleges and universities to earn everything from an associate’s degree to a doctorate.

This was the case for me about eight years ago when I looked at my situation and realized that I was missing something if I wanted to excel in whatever career path I decided on. Granted I had only been out of high school for four years, there was still something missing. So, I decided right then that if I wanted to achieve my goals and provide for my family to the best of my ability, I needed to further my education and earn a college degree.

So, over the past eight years, I have obtained an associate’s, bachelors, and two masters degrees. It definitely was not easy for me or my family, but thankfully they understood early on in the process what the long-term goal was.

Receiving an education was a very important factor throughout my childhood which I am passing on to my daughter.

Something that comes to mind in regard to people getting a quality education , whether it is a high school diploma or college degree from a traditional classroom setting or through online courses, or technical training, it can be viewed as a pain in the short term for gains that will last throughout your life.

A study completed by Georgetown University in 2013 presented that by 2020, more than 60 percent of jobs will require either a four-year degree, an associate’s degree, or college coursework.

It is important for our children to understand the importance of how an education can expand their possibilities and ultimately help them be successful in whatever path is chosen. This can be said for adults as well. That was the case for me.

The Tri-state is fortunate to have a multitude of options for quality higher education within a two-hour drive. Most offer both traditional and online programs, and if you are on the fence whether to begin, continue, or restart your educational journey; it can be very beneficial in the long run.

 

Josh Morrison is the general manager at The Tribune. To reach him, call 740-532-1441 ext. 16 or by email at josh.morrison@irontontribune.com.