|
|
VI. United States
|
|
Chapter 9.1: SHEFFIELD, MASSACHUSETTS
Mount Everett Regional School
Teacher: Scott Farrel
|
|
Amanda J.
People in the United States are blessed with a very high quality of life compared to many of the countries of the world. Our access to free public education and opportunities for a secondary education alone improve the lives of United States residents. The federal government and the popular culture of the United States encourage further education not only because it improves individual lives, but also because it benefits the development of technological advancements.
The United States benefits as a whole from providing such a strong education system to its residents because it produces more qualified people to hold governmental positions, work in research programs, and even develop valuable new technology such as homeland security systems. Although education is available in many developed countries, it is not of the same quality or as accessible as it is in the United States.
As a senior in high school I am currently applying to colleges. Because I live in the United States I have thousands of credible colleges and universities to choose from. I am able to choose where I want to go to school, what I want to study, and the government does not have the right to rescind my right to an education. Since the United States is developing at such a rapid pace, there are new fields of study being discovered every year.
More schools now allow students to design their own degree program to permit the achievement of a degree in many of these new fields that do not yet have established programs. This in my opinion is the ultimate freedom of education because in many countries education is free, but the federal government also has the power to dictate what you learn.
|
|
Ashley W.
Fortunately, it has not been necessary for me to worry about quality of life in the United States. There are various issues that make it possible for myself and others to succeed in the world today. One of the most important of these is proper education. This opportunity is offered for all.
Throughout the nation, I have also noticed a certain desire to help those in need and pull together in times of distress. In my school community alone, there are many students involved in the Interact Club, a student-led branch of the Rotary Club devoted to community service.
I believe that this ability to devote time and energy to rigorous education and community service is fostered by excellent living conditions in the area. Students in my community do not have to worry about such issues as severe pollution, violence, lack of food, sanitation and proper education.
Also, all students in my community have the option of continuing their education. The education we receive in elementary and high school helps prepare us for college, which is made available financially through grants, loans, scholarships based on various aspects of one's life, and various other sources. This continued education allows us to be successful in a greater variety of fields than if education was not continued.
Additionally, since the terrorist attacks on September 11, I have noticed a greater emphasis on community service. Immediately after the attacks, various fund raisers and donations were made to families of the victims, and New York City fire departments worked nonstop to help make the disaster more bearable. Although the Interact Club was not directly involved in helping the victims of those terrorist attacks, the students involved sent cookies overseas to soldiers fighting for our cause. Since that date, the Interact Club has been more devoted to helping those in need world wide. The ability to do this is dependent upon the wealth of the nation, as well as the education that teaches us about world issues that need to be addressed.
|
|
Ashley W.
Most Americans do not worry about personal safety. The United States has always been an image of safety. The September 11th attacks on the World Trade Center, however, may have caused many Americans to reconsider whether or not they can actually feel safe in their own country.
The reality of how unsafe the United States may be is not apparent to many American citizens. Before September 11th, 2001 I felt perfectly safe living in the United States. After September 11th, 2001 I felt just as safe. Never have I ever felt a serious threat against my own life. I continue to live my life with the same freedom as before. There is never a worry that another plane may fly into another building, or that another bomb will kill more innocent people.
Even though the United States has been attacked, I still feel safe. The feeling of safety has been with me for so long, it seems that I will feel safe no matter what happens. When I watch news channels, I hear all about another suicide bomber from the Middle East who blew up another busload of innocent people who were just going about their daily lives.
It doesn’t seem fair to me that these poor people have to live in such fear that they may be the next victims of a suicide bomber. Why am I able to live my life without this fear? I feel privileged to have the ability to live my life with a feeling such security every day. Perhaps next year when I am in college, my eyes will be opened to the larger world and I will be able to understand the fear which captivates the lives of so many others.
|
|
Copyright (c) 2003 Knowledge iTrust, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
All trademarks, trade names, service marks, and logos referenced herin belong to their respective owners.
|
|