I had an opportunity this week to participate in the Phi Kappa Phi honors initiation ceremony as an initiate. As a new member of the Phi Kappa Phi, I stood and affirmed my membership by repeating the motto, "Let the Love of Learning Rule Humanity." My teenage daughter sat to my right as I received this honor--and it occurred to me that the whole evening would probably make an impression on her. She will graduate from high school this year--and she knows that whatever decision she makes in regards to her studies, I'll support her. I will never tell her that "she can't do something." Like my mother, who also valued education, I believe that "if you can dream it, you can do it." I feel blessed to have had that support through my life and even more blessed to share the significance of the evening with my own daughter.
The theme of the evening was "Scholarship with Service" and many of the speakers focused on returning our knowledge in the form of service to others. I grew up in a family where education was always highly valued. My mother was an educator, my grandmother was, too. There was never a lack of support when it came to my college education. When I chose to pursue my Master's degree for no other reason than "the love of learning," I was supported wholly by a family who understood. I've spent most of my adult life in academia--and I continually encourage others to pursue learning--in both formal and informal ways. I've never had anyone question the time, effort, and energy I've spent developing my academic interests.
That said, I've observed others who have not been as fortunate as I have been to find support where their education is concerned. Many of my friends, who have a dream to pursue their education, feel it is an insurmountable task; the time it will take seems overwhelming and the lack of familial support is discouraging. It was in a moment that evening that two things clicked for me: the passion I feel toward learning, and the sadness I feel when others don't have adequate support when it comes to their academic dreams. I see a mission clearly before me--and it's a responsibility I am excited to take on. Today, I am going to start down a new path--as an advocate for learning, to those who don't have one.
