Getting A Good Education

A Family Motto…Of Sorts!

Although it may not have been acknowledged in the formal sense of a typical family motto, if you were to ask me what one of my parent’s fundamental beliefs was that they impressed upon me at a young age, I would readily reply–

What is almost as important as breathing…

Each of my children also learned at an early age how to quickly respond to their Grandpa Jorgensen when he asked them this very question, as well!  My parents always showed enthusiastic interest and offered willing support whenever educational opportunities presented themselves to each grandchild!

I particularly love the story that my father records in his autobiography that seemed to have had the biggest impact on his desire to do well in his school studies.

“Whenever I was with my father and we met his friends, he would introduce me to them by saying, ‘This is my son, Roy, he is a good student.’  I didn’t feel that I was all that good a student, but his comment made me feel accepted and loved, and encouraged my positive thinking about getting a good education.” 

My father gave me the same encouragement!  Sometimes it was the sole factor that helped me be more diligent in doing well in classes that didn’t come easy for me, like geometry and chemistry!  (Later on, when I was older, my dad admitted that geometry was not his strongest subject either–I  remember telling him that I could have used that bit of information sooner to help buoy my spirits up when I was enduring my math homework!) 

In his life story, my dad also shares that one of the most exciting times of each school year was the first day when his class came together after summer vacation.

“Supplies would be distributed–a new pencil, a notebook, an eraser, crayons, and sometimes water colors.  I still recall receiving these and wondering what adventures they would help me with during the coming year of my studies.”  

Although the school supply options seem limitless today, shopping for just the right folders and notebooks was something my children looked forward to each year!  I saw the same sense of anticipation and excitement in my granddaughter’s face as she picked out an assortment of items needed from a list provided for kindergarten students by the new school she’ll be attending.

My dad traveled extensively throughout his life, and often saw first-hand the countless number of children in far off places who never had the opportunity to go to school or learn to read and write and be prepared in other ways to meet life’s challenges.  After receiving his doctorate degree in education, my father became a popular speaker who often talked about the great strengths of the various school programs we enjoy in the United States.  He encouraged teachers and students alike, to appreciate all the opportunities available to them as a result of being involved in the educational system of this great nation!  When giving his speeches, my father would often take this approach:

• “How many of you have parents who tell you to stay home, that going to school is a waste of time; that you should be caring for more important things?”
• “How many of you enter your classrooms to find them dark and cold?”
• “How often do you enter your classroom and find that it hasn’t been brought back to order for starting a new day?”
• “How many of your teachers never come to class at all, or come unprepared?”

“Of course, seldom, if ever do any of these things happen.  So whose fault is it then, if you settle for a poor education?  Your own!”

What I’m learning now is…

My father also recorded in his history that many of his relatives, as well as other townspeople who settled the small area where he grew up, did not receive much of a formal education.  Yet, he recalls that with the passing of years, many of these same folks were respected, hard working members of their community.  What I’m learning now is that a good education needs to be equally balanced with the development of good character traits and a deep sense of integrity and compassion to help guide our lifestyles! 

Perhaps a quote by Mark Twain could be another worthy family motto…

“I have never let my schooling interfere with my education!”  

What impact has receiving a good education had on your life!  How do you encourage your children and grandchildren to be grateful for the “adventures” and opportunities that going to school and getting a good education can provide?  Do you have a family motto?

–Mary

Dream Big…Then Work Hard To Make Your Dreams Come True!

Happy Graduation from the University at Buffalo Dental School, Jake!

Talk about dreaming big and working hard to make those dreams come true…Jake has done that and more!  As a family, we are proud of Jake and are in awe of the perseverance and tenacity he’s had to achieve his dream of doing well in school!  When I asked Jake to describe his dental school experience, he replied without hesitation that it was a roller coaster ride, extremely intense, but so interesting!  I’d say Jake is definitely well prepared for life in the “real” world and going after his piece of the “American Dream”!  I suppose it’s always an ongoing process to continue to dream big in our lives and then work hard to make our dreams come true!

A Grandfather’s Advice To Dream Big

My dad spent his professional career as an educator and felt strongly that getting a good education was key to making countless opportunities available to pursue our dreams.  He wrote the following statement in his history:

“In sorting out those things in my life I value most, I consider the fine education I have received to be one of my prized possessions.  This is not intended to compare my education with anyone else’s, but rather to consider what my life would have been without it.”

My children were always happy to have their grandfather show an interest in their school classes and activities.  My dad’s considerate encouragement and occasional rewards often seemed to have a bigger impact on my kids than most of my spirited “dream big” pep talks.

A favorite song of mine is “Dream Big” by Ryan Shupe and the Rubberband.  Here are a few verses to that song:

When you dream, dream big

As big as the ocean blue

‘Cause when you dream it might come true

So when you dream, dream big!

And when you laugh be sure to laugh out loud

‘Cause it will carry all your cares away

And when you see, see the beauty all around

And in yourself and it will help you feel okay.

And when you pray, pray for strength

To help you carry on

When troubles come your way.

And when you dream, dream big

As big as the ocean blue

‘Cause when you dream it might come true

So when you dream, dream big!

Some of Jake’s dreams were fulfilled when he participated in service projects like Operation Smile in Ecuador and Hope Alliance in Peru.  Most recently, Jake went to Tennessee with some dental student volunteers and helped give care to over a thousand patients in just three days.  Through Jake’s example, I’ve learned a more meaningful definition of how to truly be in the service of others!

The keynote speaker at Jake’s graduation, Dr. Kathleen O’Loughlin, Executive Director of the American Dental Association, encouraged the graduating class of students to “Do well by doing good!”

Dream Big And Keep A Good Sense Of Humor

Despite long hours spent in class and studying for tests, as well as many clinical hours, I’ve been impressed that Jake has kept his sense of humor; I’ve always said that if anyone was able to make going to the dentist “fun”, Jake could do it…and without even having to administer laughing gas!

Dr. Michael Glick, the Dean of Dental Medicine at the University at Buffalo, made a powerful statement in his closing remarks at Jake’s graduation.  He said:

“In school you are given lessons and then you take tests.  In life you are given tests that help you learn lessons.  Learn to laugh at yourself and don’t take life too seriously.” 

What I’m learning now is…

As parents, we always hope that our examples will inspire amazing dreams and aspirations in our children’s lives.  However, what I’m learning now, more than ever before, is that I am also grateful for the influence of other mentors in my children’s lives; gifted teachers have the extraordinary ability to enhance the lives of their students by expanding the view of their future!

What advice would you give a graduating student today?  Do you remember any advice you were given that helped you “dream big” in your life?

–Mary