Lekei’s Personal Values

My family gets excited when any of our relatives decide to further their education by going to college or learning some type of training. But there is no one opinion that governs our views as a family on education, however I think there is consensus that education an important tool that can improve ones life. Nevertheless our attitudes toward education range from some of us agreeing with the educational system (some don’t) and some of us have graduated from college (some haven’t finished high school). Right now I will focus on my parents, they didn’t have a chance to receive the good educations that they deserved, but they believed that their children should. My mother was very involved with my schooling, she was so proud of anything I brought home from school or did at school, she wanted to make sure that she supported me. Mom never put unnecessary pressure on me to make excellent grades, her main concern was that I put forth the best effort I could and whatever the result of that ended up being-- I could still be proud because I did my best. My father was really laid back about things; he understood that I was a kid that loved school and learning (especially once I moved to Virginia). But when I needed to be reminded on where my father stood in regards to education, his approach was direct and firm. I remember rushing home one day and finishing my homework really quickly, so that I could go play outside with my friends. Well my father appeared out of nowhere, and then he asked about my homework. After he asked about my work, he made the statement of “ my kids don’t half-step” that was a cue for me to go back and do my homework the right way. Just recently my father’s attitude for learning a new skill has influenced me, because he is in his mid forties and has just started to take piano lessons--I am so proud of him. The value I derive from this is that if you want something go for it, no matter where you are in life. I know I haven’t discussed all the feeling my family has about education, but these were instances that have always stood out in my mind. I think may parent’s feelings toward education influenced my thoughts towards education by not pressuring me to bring the top grades home, but instead they stressed my efforts toward learning which allowed me an open opportunity to just focus on enjoying learning (mistakes and all). They were and still are supportive of my decisions, this has allowed me to focus on things that interest me, it has allowed me to think seriously about the path I must take in my career (because I am the one responsible for my future), it has allowed me to focus on what conditions I learn best under and to understand my strengths as well as weakness. I believe that they have taught me not to settle for what others want or to become what others think I am. But that I should be the person I want to be, that I should stand-up for myself, and that I should make my own decisions. If I could tell my whole life story it would be obvious that these elements are a portion of what make up the person and student I am…. and the one I shall be.