School Performance and Economic Status - Expanded

I come from a low-income family, and for me, education was not a priority in my family at all. As a matter of fact, attaining a higher level of learning has earned me quite a few comments from friends and family in my hometown who see me as "stuck up" or "snobbish" for attending college.

I have heard about studies, in a very general sense, that low income and low socioeconomic communities seem to lack in education and good schools, they have high student drop out rates, and low student motivation for learning. It is almost like a vicious cycle that occurs in low income communities. The parents of the children did not receive a good education and they end up stuck in a community of poverty and little opportunity at a way out. In turn, they might not see an importance to educate their children. They are simply just trying to survive let alone teach their children and enhance their vocabularies. Then their children end up becoming low performers in school and the cycle continues. Education needs to be seen as an important part of culture and society whether that society is poor or wealthy.

Awareness and change is the key to success. Sometimes that awareness starts with one, individual student. Like me.

Week 1 Blog Entry - Introductions

You know that slightly burned-out young mother that was mumbling to herself while you were waiting in line at Target? Well it's nice to meet you, too.

My name is Samantha. I am a married mother of two, a small business owner, and a book junkie. I have a silly, corny sense of humor and a harbor a deep appreciation of Disney-Pixar movies. My daughters are ages 3 and 5. It is an adorable, memorable, destructive time in our home right now. They are my reason for being, even if they are making my hair turn gray. Currently, sleep is for uncool kids, and my children will not stand for being uncool. There is rarely a time that you will find me less than 3 feet away from a cup of coffee. 

I dropped out of college just shy of earning my Bachelor's degree when I was 21. Originally, I planned to become a Veterinary Technician, but I was involved in an accident at the animal hospital I was working at during the training portion of the degree process. Unfortunately, the accident resulted in the loss of most of the use of my left hand, and I made the decision to leave Veterinary Sciences behind in pursuit of a new career - social media marketing. Since 2011, business has been very good, and I truly feel that I have found my way. 

The decision to go back to school was an easy one for me. The mind of the consumer is fascinating to me, and while I believe there is no substitute for real world experience, a formal education is extremely valuable. My plan is to complete my B.S. in Psychology through the Virginia 2+2 program partnering with Old Dominion University. I have chosen psychology because understanding how people (i.e, my clientele's consumer base) see the world, and why they make they decisions that they do, will only strengthen my ability to connect with my clients and grow my business.

Jillian, age 5

Rick and I, Wedding | May 2005

Sarah, age 3

The family dog, PJ