First Steps and a Great Education Plan

There’s a Chinese proverb that says, “Every great journey begins with a single step…” yet when it comes to students embarking on an educational journey, I also believe that the single step should be accompanied with a clear plan.

If plans are defined as a method to achieve an end, then they need to be developed, reviewed, edited and re-defined whenever needed. Most important as parents and educational leaders we need to begin helping students implement their educational plan sooner than later because students do not just arrive at the university one day.  In reality, the journey begins very young when family, friends, mentors and a greater community take their hand and empower them to see that higher education can be an attainable dream. 

The plan is put in place as they enter primary school or even before when we begin to emphasis learning as a joyful process. It continues when we celebrate their achievements and collectively determine goals and objectives for the next year.  This plan becomes a reality as the years go by and we help our children understand that learning is not just for a moment but for life. It then starts to appear obtainable we help students explore an array of career opportunities that are interrelated to both their skills and interests. 

Via day to day experiences, television or from the pages of history we introduce children to people who are just like them and also went on to obtain an education. We lead them to a greater realistic understanding of what options are available based on their financial resources, academic merit and geographical location. I say this as I truly believe there is an educational option for everyone yet recognize that without significant financial resources the journey may be long and hard.  But if the educational plan is interlaced with a strong sense of reality, adaptability and support it can be achieved.

As the journey begins to wind down and our children arrive at the university application process, we should do our best to support their decision and when necessary connect them to a teacher, counselor or mentor who can provide answers to crucial questions if we are unable to help them.  Completing the application, creating the personal statement, respecting admission requirements and application deadlines are all part of the educational plan. We can best help students in this aspect of the journey if we enable them understand that while admission requirements, policies and deadlines are often not negotiable they can demonstrate their adaptability and select another university that is a better fit for their educational plan.

With a plan in hand, we soon find that this journey that appeared so difficult to navigate can also be enjoyable.  For families and students who have already embarked on this educational journey, it’s also important to recognize the time and place to support someone else when they are starting with that very first step!