What were some of the values and attitudes toward education expressed in your family? How have these influenced your thinking and your practice (as a student)?

Growing up my family always had a positive and encouraging attitudes toward education. As a child of an educator, my mother always seemed to include some type of educational event throughout each holiday or season, even family vacations turned out to be recreational, as well as, educational. I was raised in a mountainous area and even a ride to the store would become an educational adventure. We would talk about the changing of the leaves and transition of the seasons from summer to fall. During the holidays, such as, Thanksgiving, we were always reminded of our first settlers and there was usually a video or storybook that followed the theme of the season/holiday. On summer vacations, I remember trekking through caverns, touring museums, visiting zoos and aquariums, and even exploring through a historic battleship. From visiting the Wright Brother’s museum in North Carolina to touring lighthouses on the Atlantic Coast, my parents always made our vacations fun, yet educational. I think this has greatly influenced my attitude toward learning because I know that learning doesn’t always have to be boring. My dad always encouraged my brother, sister, and me to do math and not be afraid of it. I can remember waiting in the waiting room at the doctor’s office and my dad pulled out all kinds of change from his pocket and he told me if I could count it I could have it. I was very exited because nickels and dimes seemed like a million bucks back then. However, I hadn’t been taught how to count money yet and I got frustrated and wanted to give up but dad wouldn’t let me and that day dad taught me how to count by fives, I’ll never forget it.

If I ever learned anything from my family, it is that you can do or be anything you want to be if you just believe in yourself and set your mind to it. My mother always says you can do anything if you want it bad enough. Both of my parents have their own careers but they are always open to new ideas and take classes and workshops to keep their skills up to par. They have made education an important part of my life. My mother has taught me how to manage time and that has allowed me to have good study habits. I know both of my parents have worked hard to get where they are today and it may be tuff getting there but when you do the rewards are endless.