What were some of the values and attitudes toward education expressed in your family? How have these influenced your thinking and your practice (as a student)?

My family has played a big role on what kind of student I am. They always made us feel that education was not only very important, but a way of life. Whenever I was little my mom would play games with me that taught me things. She made it fun for me so that I wanted to learn. After school, I would have to show her the work that the teacher handed back. If I ever did poorly on a paper, we would talk about it. She never made me feel unintelligent, if she knew that I could do better, she would tell me and ask me why I didn’t try my hardest. Also, my parents showed praise when I would do well on my report card. They would never bribe me or tell me that if I did well I would get a new toy. Now that I look back, I really appreciate them not doing that. I think that taught me to do well for myself and to get that feeling of accomplishment…not to get a physical reward.

My parents continue to play a major role on my education. I love telling them that I did well on an assignment or having them receive my grades in the mail when they are good. Not only do I feel better about myself because all my hard work has paid off, but that shows them that I AM working hard. It is my way of showing them that I appreciate all the hard work that they are doing to be able to send me to college.