In the Don’s Corner, we previously discussed the vision of a don. Vision gives us something to aspire to, a goal to ascend to greatness upon. Even if it’s having a vision for your family, it’s still a great thing. However, to attain any vision, we must first acquire something very important. Education.
In his legendary book, “The Miseducation of the Negro”, Carter G. Woodson explained that we have two educations: one that we are given, and one that we give ourself – and we often make our mark in this world with the education we give ourselves. The first education would be referring to the education we are given in schools. This would include things like basic math, science, and history. When most people think of education, these are the type of lessons that come to mind. The second education is the type of education that “street smarts” would fall under, things we learn along the journey of life. There are plenty of millionaires without a college degree. However, most of them have one thing in common. They educated themsleves on something and capitalized on it. They didn’t depend on the traditional school curriculum. They qualified themselves by learning their trade by any means necessary.
As men, we must understand that with everything we do, we are either learning or teaching, teaching or learning. The question then becomes, what are we learning? Historically speaking, the education system in this country has not taught us to be leaders, it has trained us to be followers. It’s emphasis is on teaching us about history, rather than emphasizing on how to make history. So what are we to do? Teach ourselves! We are living in the Information Age. Nearly anything we want to know, we can find it on the worldwide web or in a book. Anything we want to learn, from foreign languages to business principles, the lessons are at the click of a button or a flip of a page. So, as dons (or aspiring dons) there is no excuse for us to be ignorant in this day. We are leaders, but we must master something to qualify ourselves for that position. Education is our passport to a better future, for ourselves and our people. So let’s get it stamped and plant our own flag in the world. Why? Because that’s what dons do! And this. . .is our corner.
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