The Importance of Education

According to the 2009 annual report of the Office of Faculty Development and Diversity (FD&D) minorities hold 17% (or roughly 258) positions at Harvard University out of 1,507 positions. Unfortunately, women and minority are more heavily represented in the junior positions such as assistant and associate professors, reports Harvard Magazine, as opposed to senior positions like full professor.

African Americans were denied entry into academic institutions at one point in history (a very long point) and it is a good idea to think of those who would have given everything to attend one. Now, with ample opportunity to apply to these universities and colleges, we must arise to the occasion. As a college student, I can definitely throw some advice out there. First of all, read the newspapers and get familiar with current affairs. Each city should have a free newspaper, or subscribe to the national paper (you can read most stories online, as well). Follow political blogs and Twitter members and cast in your ideas. If you are in high school, start doing some volunteer work. It will look superb on your transcript and shine the spotlight on you in a high pile of applications.

Strive to get those straight-As. They actually do help. Do some research and interview those in the field you wish to get into. If you want to be a nurse or doctor, visit a hospital. If you like the idea of being a vet, go see a vet and ask if you want see what she does for an hour or so. Read up on famous people in your field (journalists, biochemists, engineers, etc). Then, when you are ready, apply for this program or major in as many schools as you can. Just because you do not get into your first choice school, don't despair. The brightest of them all have dropped out of Harvard Law.

If you are 19+ (in Ontario at least) apply as a mature student. I'm not sure the policies in the USA but they should have some sort of mature student application available. Also, your local community college offers part-time and evening\weekend courses you can take as well--and don't forget to look into Continuing Education if you already have some sort of certificate or diploma. Education is your BEST weapon in the world. This goes for EVERYBODY. Education is so important it is worth almost any sacrifice. It is costly as well so work hard at that summer job, get financial assistance or do something amazing for a scholarship. Some tips: try to stay at home with your parents\guardians. If you have already moved out, cut costs by getting a roommate (check out Craigslist: Roomate\Shared ) and attempt to have children after graduating to make it easier on you. If you are nervous about going to school, attend the program info seminars ahead of time and speak to guidance about any financial difficulties you may be facing. A degree\diploma is something you will never regret.