This was quite an eye-opening assignment for me. I learned that my paternal grandfather only had a 3rd grade education and two other grandparents only had an 8th grade education. I am the first, and only, college graduate in my family. I know growing up, I watched my dad come home from work tired and unhappy on a regular basis; I also saw the long hours my mom spent working then coming home and taking care of a home and children--there never seemed to be enough hours in the day to do all she needed to do. I knew I wanted a different life than that.
Though my views on education are somewhat different than those of my family members, I did inherit a strong work ethic from them. I believe in doing my best work and earning my pay. I also inherited a strong sense of compassion from both parents and my paternal grandmother. This desire to help others and having the ability to empathize with them has lead me to become a teacher as well as to pursue a career in counseling.
I had a similar experience researching for my genogram. Many of the women in my family either did not have an opportunity for a college education or did not use their training. I think that is part of why I love helping students to create their future.
ReplyDeleteI can relate because my maternal grandfather had a 5th grade education and my paternal grandfather had no formal school education. Both my parents attended college but did not graduate. However, they always stressed the importance and value of education. My paternal grandfather was born in 1910 and spent most of his life as a laborer/farmer.
ReplyDeleteErica, my paternal grandfather was born in 1896 and served during WWI and aferwards was a laborer. My grandparents didn't even have the option of attending school; if their parents didn't want them to go, they didn't go.
ReplyDeleteMy mother commented that in the past, most people worked to survive with little ability to choose work they enjoyed. I am thankful we have more options today.
I can relate; both sets of grandparents did not have more than a few years of education. Even though they did not get to finish high school, they stressed the importance of an education to my parents. My parents have passed it on and so on. Time are different now and it is great we have more opportunities.
ReplyDelete