Ausbildung

The ways that education played a role in the community in the 1800's is similar to the role it plays today and the purpose it serves. Back then education was a way for people to express their new ideas and to better their lives. Education provided an outlet for them, in the way of presenting opportunities for advancement in their lives. Being knowledgeable was equivalent to being successful and having power in the community. Also, education was a way for people to earn money. The smarter you are, the more money and power you will obtain.

The same can be said for today's world. Education is one of the top priorities of this country and the story goes that, if you don't have an education then you won't get anywhere in life. Going to college is something that is a 'norm' for us here in the U.S. and having an educational background gives us and edge over others. Life seems to be all about getting educated, getting a job, and then earning money. Education is the center of our world, and we are very lucky to have access to all the different resources that are available to us. Like in the 1800's, smart people are looked up to as role models and as leaders. If you aren't educated then you are placed into a category that plays up the fact that you don't have an academic background; it highlights your weaknesses. Nowadays though we are always hearing about the 'rags to riches' stories of how people who came from nothing, became something. This was a common theme in the old days as well, where people who were born poor did not necessarily have to die poor. If they took initiative and got an education, then they could change their destiny.

--Emela H.