Learning/Library/Intro

Learning is important because it helps us make informed decisions about our own life and, in turn, the society that we live in. Learning is also important because it makes your mind grow.

Think about these two statements.

If we all open up our minds to learn new things, we can have new experiences and meet new people. I think our society will change for the better. By learning I don't just mean the subjects they teach in primary and secondary school. My high school did not offer classes like finance, investing, philosophy, psychology or history besides the required U.S. History course. I think this is horrible because it enables linear thinking. If our youth do not know about history of foreign countries, or how to handle money or even the basic principles/theories of psychology, then how are they going to survive? They are going to be caught in a cycle of debt, financial insecurity, and even not being responsible.

I say these things because I have seen them first hand. There are kids out there who are already at a disadvantage from being from a broken home, living in a low-income neighborhood or even having less access to things that are important like tutoring or even a library! Add that on top of the sub-par education that is offered in public schools. Believe it or not some young people spend no time in a library, even though it is clean, warm and free. I think it's because they don't know that the library can change your life. It sure changed mine. My home life was chaotic and I was very shy at school and had barely any friends. After school I would take the bus to the library on the other side of town, the more financially abundant side, and stay there for hours! Not only did I have access to free tutoring, the internet, and community activities, but an endless supply of books. I have learned more from reading books at the public library than I have from anything my teachers and counselors.

A book taught me about personal finance. I learned about emotional health from a book (something everyone should study, in my opinion). I read not only to learn but to shape my creativity and even to escape my own troubles. There's nothing better than sitting in a comfy chair with a book and a cup of tea in a warm library while the rain is beating down on the window :) Books have been there for me when no one else was and I have to say that I am blessed to be exposed to them and learn to love them at a young age.

Hopefully my blog about reading and self-improvement and love of learning will inspire someone to look into expanding their life with knew knowledge and insight.