Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
Despite all the criticism of the public education system, I believe we're doing much more right than wrong. Take the educational opportunities for students: technology, math, reading and writing. It's all there for them, especially if they apply themselves. However, I do feel there's a problem, and it's showing up in offices, factories and trades all over the country. It's called "The Quality Crisis."
We used to be known for our American work ethic. You know, money and prestige not even being an issue - just the satisfaction of a job well done. Our forefathers were famous for taking pride in their work, always seeking to improve their skills.
Talk to employers today and they will tell you that while they have some excellent workers, the majority tend to major in mediocrity. So instead of the company improving and advancing, the quality of the service or product starts dropping drastically. The employers also will tell you that they're willing to pay good wages to those they can trust and who will work hard.
This call is not just to students and educators but to workers in all jobs and professions. Let's raise the standard. Our children are watching and, for better or for worse, emulating their elders' example.
Martin Luther King Jr. explained this phenomenon by saying that if even a street cleaner works hard and devotes himself to doing the best job he can, ultimately the world will beat a path to his door just to exclaim, "Here lives the greatest street cleaner who ever lived!"
Although somewhat idealistic, King's point is well taken: If someone works hard for the sake of excellence, others will sing his praises and he won't have to.
The best selling Book of all time says much on this subject. One specific example can be paraphrased by stating that if someone is skilled in his labor, he will perform that work in the company of kings. Note that it doesn't say that the person knew the "right" people or pulled some strings. The message is clear: Hard work reaps rewards if the motive is simply dedication to quality.
I truly believe that now is the time to instill within our children, as well as ourselves, the joy and self-respect that come from a job well done. If you and I as adults commit ourselves to embracing quality, to achieving excellence, we will see a difference not only in our young people but in this nation as a whole.
