Introspective

By Thomas F. O'Neill

When I was a teacher in China, I saw firsthand the value of acquiring higher education. I have also witnessed how education has raised the standard of living for millions of people there. There are now over 800 million people in China who have a middle-class income. That is more than double the entire population of America, and the standard of living there will continue to rise due to the growing educational opportunities.

Unfortunately, the middle class in America is shrinking due to a widening gap between those who have much and those who have little in terms of a good quality of life.

A half-century ago, the average high school graduate in America could find a job and achieve a middle-class income. A person seeking employment today with just a high school diploma will most likely earn less than the average college graduate. Good employment opportunities will be harder to find for those lacking a degree, especially in today’s world.

The unemployment rate in America has decreased over the past few years; however, many individuals continue to struggle to find decent-paying jobs. I told my students that a College degree shows potential employers that they possess critical thinking skills and that they value their education.

Many in America and China question whether the high cost involved in earning a degree is worth the time and effort. Those same people will argue that many job seekers with degrees can’t find work in their field. However, people who enter the job market, passing up the opportunity to attend college, are most likely shortchanging their future for the present. Some choose to return to school in later years but find that it is harder to earn a degree with the added responsibilities that come with raising a family.

There is a growing number of adults returning to school, though, to enhance their skills and improve their careers by acquiring trade skills. They understand that it is their only option for better employment. Within the past thirty years or so, education not only raised the standard of living in China but also had a profound impact on China’s growing economy.

When I was living in China, the economy there was on fast forward, growing exponentially with no sign of slowing down; it had the largest domestic economy in the world. It contributed to the higher standard of living, thanks to higher wages spurred by the rising job market. That, of course, changed during the COVID outbreak, and I also experienced that firsthand while living there.

The economy there is slowly rebounding, but the tariffs now being imposed on China by the US are not helping its economy; nonetheless, it remains an economic powerhouse.

More students in China are also traveling abroad to continue their education, not because education is so much better outside of China, but rather, they understand the value of experiencing other cultures. Some of my former students who were in my cultural diversity class have commented that learning new languages is not enough to succeed in our global economy. You must also understand the cultures of the countries with which you want to do business, especially within international commerce. To be successful in business, you must understand the cultural preferences of the corporate buyers in the global market. That is just one of the reasons why China is so open to the cultural exchange programs of various nations.

Throughout history, numerous conflicts between nations have arisen due to a lack of cultural understanding. An Educated society, though, can help its citizenry overcome negative preconceived notions and negative stereotypes that have led to national conflicts in the past.

Many cultural exchange students who traveled abroad experienced firsthand how their negative perceptions of foreigners changed to positive experiences. This occurred when foreign students interacted with one another while studying abroad.

American and foreign Universities sponsor many cultural exchange programs. They are helping students from all over the world gain a greater understanding of the diverse cultures that comprise our human race. When we gain a deeper understanding of other cultures, we in turn gain a deeper understanding of our own culture. That knowledge is truly valuable because, when correctly applied, it can forge alliances through music, cultural artifacts, and classical literature, not just from the West, but throughout the world, which can build a deeper understanding of the cultural norms and customs of people worldwide.

The appreciation of a country’s art, cuisine, literature, and music is also an integral part of the cultural experience. China is influenced by western music, western artifacts, classical literature from the west, and American food. American movies are also hugely popular, and they have had a profound impact on China’s perception of America. When the Chinese come to the U.S., the first thing they notice is that America is not like what they see in the movies.

In America and China, College students are gaining a more precise understanding that by placing themselves in the service of others, they gain a stronger sense of their self-worth. Volunteerism lends itself to boundless opportunities. Utilizing the students’ skills, knowledge, and education not only enhances the community but also opens countless doors towards enhancing the students’ well-being. Upon graduation, it shows potential employers that they take civic responsibility and pride in their community.

In America, just as in China, many university-educated individuals may not secure high-paying jobs immediately after graduation. They may, in fact, find low-wage employment that helps the less fortunate improve their lives, and I have found that many employees are turning to non-governmental service jobs. They are now gaining a sense of civic responsibility and work experience that is vital for landing future jobs with higher pay.

Statistics indicate that educated individuals are more likely to vote and participate in the political process. As mentioned, College graduates fresh out of school are much more likely to work for community agencies helping the less fortunate improve their lives.

A college education can also lead to a life of continued learning and an appreciation for the opportunities that come with it. Many adults return to school not just for higher degrees but to take courses for self-enrichment to learn new skills or pursue hobbies and interests. Self-enrichment cannot be financially quantified, though, especially when that education is achieved throughout one’s lifetime.

A child’s education is vital to America’s future and our national wellbeing. Adults must do everything possible to encourage the youth of America to continue their learning and put their education to good use.

When I was a teacher and my students got accepted to foreign Universities, they felt as if they had achieved something of extraordinary value. In reality, they have, because a great education cannot be measured monetarily; it can only be freely shared through one’s character of achievement.

I told my students that the true worth of a person is not measured by their salary or the cost of earning their degrees. What a student learns in the classroom will not ultimately define who they are as human beings either - but how well they live in communion with others will in the end define their true character. In other words, a person’s true worth can be measured by how well they spend their lives in the service of others. I have discovered over the years that what we give to our community, we, in turn, give to ourselves. When we enhance the lives of those in need, we, in turn, enhance our own lives - because what we give to others comes back to us in greater fold.

Fools will continue to strive for the material possessions they do not have but wish to gain. The wise, on the other hand, will develop what they already possess within themselves.

Higher learning is the means of developing the skills, knowledge, and understanding that are truly needed in developing one’s true potential and in gaining a fulfilling career.

Always with love,

Thomas F O'Neill

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