those who teach can-do

A word of encouragement from a teacher to a child can change a life. A word of encouragement from a spouse can save a marriage. A word of encouragement from a leader can inspire a person to reach her potential. –John C. Maxwell

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In the United States of the second Millennium, a university education is often the quickest route to debt, disillusionment, and knowledge that fails to live up to the promised “wisdom”.

There’s a big debate among progressives about free college. I support education that makes Americans more employable. But what about education, particularly trade and life-skill focused, that the Government already funds?

At a school very near the southern border of the United States, dedicated students are acquiring life skills that will free them from limited opportunity or poverty. Nursing, auto mechanics, carpentry, electrician, welding, computer training, and such programs provide these students with futures that give them independence. From origins in difficult life circumstances, these young people are living and learning in a protected environment. This is Job Corps San Diego.

I have had the opportunity on a couple of occasions to observe candidates for State certification as Nursing Assistants. Those students, on the occasion of taking their performance exams, demonstrate ardent desire to achieve those credentials. They know how to introduce themselves, look each other in the eye, be respectful and courteous, and are supportive of one another. They are clear-headed and encouraging. And the results show they are competent. Conversing with their instructors, facilitators, and school staff, I understand why. Teachers focused on students not politics.