The Power

When I was in elementary school I always thought I wasn't as smart as the other kids because I had to take time out of the day to go to a different class room... The special ed room. I was diagnosed very early with ADD and a learning disability that effected my reading skills. And yes, I was medicated. I know that is a big controversy now but I believe it was the best thing for me. It was very hard for me to read like the other kids or even spell like them. But I soon realized that I, in fact, wasn't stupid I just had to go about it in a different way.
Flash forward to high school graduation, I'm in the top 15% of my class with honor classes and successfully completed the entire math department (minus statistics), I received a 27 on my ACTs and will be starting college in the fall at a top engineering school. Accomplished? I say, yes. I went on to that college and decided that engineering and math weren't for me (who knew?), on to psychology we go. I graduate in 4 years with my bachelors in Psychology.
Now some of this may seem pretty "normal" and by no means was I the best student but I made it. I did it, on my own, learning disabilities and all. So today I am grateful for my education because it is something no one can take away from me no matter how hard they try. Through my education I not only learned facts and equations but I learned about myself. I found out how I learn best, how my brain works, problem solving and balance.
Not only am I grateful for my education but I am grateful that I have the right to get an education. I heard a story the other day about a girl in Iraq that had to dress like a boy and walk miles upon miles day just so she could learn to read. She had to dress like a boy because women are allowed to get an education. So by doing this she risked her life and possibly the lives of her family members. I believe this is beautiful and horrific all in the same moment. It is beautiful that she is so very determined to get an education and that she realized how important her education is that she took these risks. But it is also horrific because of the basic injustice that is happening to all of the women that don't take these risks. How will they ever learn how beautiful the far away rain forest is? Or how to read the books that have inspired so many? This is truly and undeniably unfair. Another reason that this is horrifying to me is because how people in our country take education for granted. I know I did when I was a kid, I think all children do. But I feel as though if I would have known how this girl in Iraq is fighting for her education it would have made me value mine a little more.
In short, I entitled this blog "The Power" simply because I truly believe that knowledge is power. And I gained my knowledge through my education which, in the end, empowered me to be a better person.

Don't take it for granted. Have a great day :)