Since I was a young kid, my mother wanted me to have a Catholic Education. I am the youngest of four siblings. My mom always strived to give us the best education possible. However, having four kids in Catholic education for more than twelve years can be financially draining.
My parents paid out of pocket for two of my older siblings to go to Catholic School. Unfortunately, as finances became tighter my parents had to sacrifice more and more to ensure I received this education. My parents were willing to make any sacrifice for me and my siblings to get a good, Catholic Education. My dad worked a lot, and often times would be on business trips when he wanted to be home to see our school games or events. My mom always dreamed of being a stay-at-home mom, and her dedication has always been to her family first. Unfortunately, my mom had to give up on that and instead worked two jobs just to provide for our tuition. That really shows how much this meant to her.
For a long time, a student had to attend public school for at least one year before they could receive the Indiana Choice Scholarship. For my parents, public school was not an option. When I was in high school, the Indiana Choice Scholarship Program finally removed that stipulation, and my family applied. This scholarship helped to make my mom’s dreams less stressful and more financially attainable. Finally, my parents no longer had to decide between spending time with their family and providing us with the education we needed.
“Finally, my parents no longer had to decide between spending time with their family and providing us with the education we needed.”
The private education I received consisted of a tight-knit community and small class sizes. This small environment impacted my life by giving me connections that I would not have made anywhere else. The faith structured curriculum that the School Choice Scholarship helped get me to a place where I could achieve so much. My school taught me how to focus on school and my plans for the future. After attending my small Catholic school throughout high school, I knew I wanted to continue my education in a similar environment. I decided to attend a small Catholic college.
The Indiana School Choice Scholarship allowed me to go to a school where I could see my potential and where there were people that were willing to help me exceed this potential. The future I have planned for myself is only possible with the support I have from private education. I believe education is an opportunity for all to exceed their potential. Every student is different. They all have their way of learning, interacting with their surroundings, and different educational needs.
Sometimes when children are forced to go to the one school in their district they are unable to receive an education that fits their needs. In cases like these, not having the opportunity to attend a private school can be detrimental.
“I believe that the right to choose what school a child wants to attend, whether it’s private or public education, can increase their intrinsic motivation.”
I believe that the right to choose what school a child wants to attend, whether it’s private or public education, can increase their intrinsic motivation. Children and parents will be more motivated because they know why they are attending this school; People normally invest more in what they choose versus what they are forced to do. Receiving a private education means they know the goals they have to achieve and that there may be higher expectations. With this choice, they will also have the chance to create more relationships with the people around them.
“School choice means freedom for children and their parents to create the best future possible for themselves.”
Having a choice in education also means that family and parents will have a chance to know that their kids are in a safe space. This scholarship provided my family with the ability to have a say in my education. All parents should have a say in the education of their children. School choice means freedom for children and their parents to create the best future possible for themselves.
