At times it can seem like a well-worn cliché, that education is the most important thing for the future. It is true that it is a fairly basic analysis of the state of the world indeed humanity in the present and the future. However, it is probably such a well-worn cliché because it is in many ways completely true. In my 19 years working in educational administration, I have become increasingly aware that working in this industry is one of the best ways we can eave out legacy on future generations, and help shape the future in a positive way. Working in the sciences, government or education are arguably some of the most rewarding ways in which an individual can contribute towards the greater good of humanity. Many would argue that it is a selfless and often thankless task to work in an industry where the changes you make may not be seen for many decades after they are implemented. In the age of short-term satisfaction, being able to recognize the long-term benefits of your work or job is something only savored by a small group of people.
For me, my interest in education started when I was a student. Reaching higher education, I began to reflect on how thankful I was to those teachers who helped me to get this far in my life. I recognized that in America it remains one of the great social injustices, that those from privileged or wealthy backgrounds are afforded far more and better educational opportunities than the majority. Not being from this elite, I am ever indebted to my educators for the opportunities they gave me to pursue a long and successful career in a field which I am passionate about.
My area of research during my doctorate degree was understanding the learning preferences of those children with ADHD. Following the success of the project, I continued to develop my interest in children with special educational needs, and led me to the startling injustice the current system imposes on those children. The educational system as it is today favors those naturally bright children, and helps fire them towards an academic path. The work my colleagues and I undertake is to help try and shift the debate and indeed the structures about how the current educational system is too rigid and not flexible enough to accommodate children of all learning needs. We continue to strive to change this in the future.
For me, my interest in education started when I was a student. Reaching higher education, I began to reflect on how thankful I was to those teachers who helped me to get this far in my life. I recognized that in America it remains one of the great social injustices, that those from privileged or wealthy backgrounds are afforded far more and better educational opportunities than the majority. Not being from this elite, I am ever indebted to my educators for the opportunities they gave me to pursue a long and successful career in a field which I am passionate about.
My area of research during my doctorate degree was understanding the learning preferences of those children with ADHD. Following the success of the project, I continued to develop my interest in children with special educational needs, and led me to the startling injustice the current system imposes on those children. The educational system as it is today favors those naturally bright children, and helps fire them towards an academic path. The work my colleagues and I undertake is to help try and shift the debate and indeed the structures about how the current educational system is too rigid and not flexible enough to accommodate children of all learning needs. We continue to strive to change this in the future.