Narrative essay about Education

Education is the Key to SuccessThe disadvantage of not completing high school is missing the prom, senior day, and graduation. Looking back, as a teenager my judgment was idle toward negativity and peer pressure. I struggled throughout the years without my high school diploma. To pursue higher education, my high school diploma was a necessity. In order to achieve a successful career, education is vital towards my career goals.

TransitionAt age 14, my parents moved to a low-income apartment building on the west side of Stamford. I believe this was the worst decision that my parents had made for us. The transition of living in a suburban area in Stamford, moving to the projects was fearful to me. I was the new girl on the block. The girls in this area smoked cigarettes in the hallways, skipped school, shoplifted, and had boyfriends. I attempt to stay away from the girls, due to their negative behaviors. As time went by, I was lonely staying in the house after school. As a result, I frequently invited the girls to my house after school to play. Suddenly, I was sneaking in the staircase with the girls smoking cigarettes, skipping school, shoplifting, and I had my first boyfriend. As time progressed, I had a bad attitude towards school and my parents. I dropped out of school at age 16; ran away from home with my boyfriend, became pregnant at age 17. This was a turning point in my life because I had to grow up quickly and become mother.

EmploymentAfter giving birth to my son, I applied for an overnight stock position for Kohl’s. On the job application, it asked, ”do you have a high school diploma?” I checked yes. Kohl’s hired me for the night position. I adapted to the late hours, and became friend with my co-workers. I enjoyed displaying the new clothes to the floor at night and dressing the manikins with the new designs. After my 90-day probationary period, there was a call from the store manager he wanted to see me. This was the longest walk down the corridor. My thoughts were racing faster than my heart. I did not have a clue as to what this meeting was going to be about. I knocked on the door and the manager said, “Come in, close the doors and have a seat”. The manager talked about an incident that happen at another store, the manager had to fire this gentleman; he became violent to the manager due to the termination of his employment. The police were called the gentleman was arrested. Management found out that this employee had a long criminal history of violence. Due to this incident, the company started checking all backgrounds of current employees. After reviewing my background the store manager said, “we have a problem with your application, we checked with the school and you were dishonest on your application ”. He had no other choice but to terminate my employment. I sighed in disbelief, my mouth was very dry and I could not swallow, I stood up from the chair, disappointed, embarrassed with my head held down. I reached out and shook the managers hand. I said, “ You have to do what you have to do: thanks for the opportunity”. When I walked out of the store, I began to cry. I learned from that day forward, to always be truthful no matter what. This incident made me realize how I would struggle if I did not pursue my education.

Pursing my DiplomaMy mother at age 60 went to night school to obtain her high school diploma. She laughed at me because she was going to receive her diploma before me. This motivated me to pursue my G.E.D. I was jealous of my mother, yet happy that she was accomplishing this for herself. The beginning of May 1998, I went to the Board of Education and applied for my G.E.D. test, the test was schedule for June. I applied myself, and studied for 30 days for this test. Early that Saturday morning, I was full of anticipation ready for the challenge ahead, the day of my test. I was nervous walking into the building, yet determined to complete and accomplish this rewarding task in my life. I was very excited when I completed my last question on the test. I waited anxiously for the test results by mail. The end of June 1998, my mother handed me a big yellow envelope; I quickly opened the envelope, and pulled out a crisp piece of paper my high school diploma (G.E.D.). After I read my results and found out my grades were above average, I jumped up and down full of happiness. My mother and I received our diplomas that month a celebration was definitely required.

In conclusionNevertheless, I missed a great deal of events in high school, I have learned to forgive myself for the mistakes I have made in the past and look towards the future. Never under estimate the lack of education, I am currently attending University of Phoenix to pursue my bachelors. I am determined to complete and accomplish this honorable and rewarding task. Education is a vital key to success in any career driven environment.

When adults look back in their childhood, they can see the mistakes they made because of lack of judgment. This is the reason why parents make the choices and decisions for their children. A child lacks the knowledge and judgment to make healthy decisions. As an adult, we cannot believe some of the things we have done to make obstacles in our lives. The author clearly understands his judgment as a child jeopardized his well- being. Nevertheless, children are responsible for their own actions, and should become leaders instead of followers.