Success – just what is it? Every child in school learns, to be ‘successful.’ one must get a good education, in order to obtain a good job or career. Our educational system teaches math, science, computers, English as well many other useful and needed subjects. At least it should be. This is where true learning happens. More on this later. When they graduate, whether from high school, college, or trade school, our children have been prepared for ‘success.’
But lately, more has been covered than the basic subjects mentioned. There has been too much “teaching” about social justice. To be successful in life one needs these basic subjects to be, at least understood, if not mastered. Yet, with all this preparation, many students, now adults, are unhappy with their chosen vocation. Hence the changing jobs which is seemingly so dominant today. Were the guidance staff or career counselors giving the wrong information on careers? Not intentionally, but maybe not listening to the students.
As we started our jobs or careers, while completing or continuing our education, how did we work? Follow the guidelines and procedures given us? Or did we try to “outsmart” those over us? In our drive to be successful have we lost the fact that doing a good job, following the established procedures, even showing initiative, and doing more than is expected. Being a team member, working with co-workers and those over us. ‘Working with’ is the important part of that statement.
To reach the goal of success we need to do what is expected and even more. But we also need to keep in mind success is not a destination, but rather the journey. How we live and work determines our success. To be truly successful, one must remember, life is a journey. What we do and how we do it will determine just how successful we are and will be. If we spend our time working to advance our careers with little or no thought on how it may affect others, co-workers, bosses, customers, or anyone else, does this make us successful? In our careers perhaps, but not necessarily in life. It can make us arrogant and selfish. Not a good quality for living.
But our educational system lately, is “teaching” social justice ideas. This isn’t career preparation. It is more indoctrination of thoughts and ideas parents may not want. And to prevent students from talking about this with parents is suspect. Parents are responsible for their children, they should be informed of any behavior or problems in school. Not left out or told not to interfere. What do the education bureaucrats think they are doing? Why keep parents in the dark? What are they hiding? And why?
Parents are responsible for their children, not teachers, not bureaucrats and certainly not politicians. Success is based on past, current and future behavior of every one. We don’t achieve success as a goal, a destination. Success is an every day journey.
Herb Dettmer is a retired Bowling Green resident, U.S. Army veteran and writes this column representing the viewpoint of “Joe Average” citizen. He is freelance writer and author of “Others,” a devotional book. Call or text “Joe” with comments at 419-494-4641.
