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

My parents have always encouraged me to do my best in school for as long as I can remember. When I was in elementary and middle school they were constantly checking homework, helping with projects, and giving me practice tests. They always wanted me to excel in the school department and I did. Out of my family, I was considered to be the “smart one”. If my older sister got an A, I was expected to get an A+. It was an unspoken expectation, but we all knew it was there. In a way it was true, things just came to me a little easier than it did for my sister. She would have to work really hard for her A, and I would do very little and get an A+. When I started high school, I became aware of the fact that I did not have to work as hard for my grades. With socializing, boys, and sports, I began to take advantage of this power. My grades began to drop—never far, but lower than my potential. If my parents questioned my grades, I would just tell them that I worked very hard. I always had intentions of going to college and I told myself that once I got there I would go back to the good study habits that I once had. Unfortunately, I did not do that. I continued slacking in school throughout my first two years of college. Eventually, (As I mentioned in one of my other writing logs.), reality set in. I realized that if I was going to make something of myself I needed to apply myself. I rededicated myself to school about two years ago. I have worked really hard, but it is much more rewarding than sitting back and doing nothing. I truly believe that I would not have to work as hard as I do know if I would have continued good study habits throughout my academic career. Honestly, I have had to relearn how to study. Although they never said it, I think that my parents thought they gave me too much credit when I was younger. Now, I am utilizing the educational values that my parents tried to instill in me as a child. I am a little slow so it took me a while to appreciate the importance of learning. My parents’ views on education have had a profound effect on my performance at Marshall. I may not be at the top of the class, but if I hadn’t starting pushing myself I probable would be in the class at all. I will continue to profit from these newfound values throughout my academic, professional, and personal life.