education

noun  ed·u·ca·tion  \ ˌe-jə-ˈkā-shən \

1. the act or process of imparting or acquiring general knowledge, developing the powers of reasoning and judgment, and generally of preparing oneself or others intellectually for mature life.
2. the act or process of imparting or acquiring particular knowledge or skills, as for a profession.
3. a degree, level, or kind of schooling: a university education.
4. the result produced by instruction, training, or study: to show one's education.
5. the science or art of teaching

During the past 50 years, education has expanded and transformed. In the 1960’s, higher education was a privilege of few, compared how many people complete secondary education today. More recently, there has been a remarkable transformation in our idea of what an education is, from the traditional university experience to apprenticeships, online learning, and so much more.

It once was that getting an education meant long, structured classes, heavy books, time spent in the library, and a big expense. This is not the way all education functions nowadays.

In 2018, we have the library at our fingertips 24 hours a day with phones and laptops. Courses of study are offered as online options, accelerated, weekend classes. Self-study, and quick intensives with a variety of subjects and methods to tailor the educational experience to the learner as much as possible.

In addition to the convenience of modern education, there is the affordability. Rather than spending $25,000 per year on a four-year school, you can get a certificate for as little as $300-$3,000. You can be ready to begin work as a paralegal, state contractor, or a computer programmer with without breaking the bank and in a matter of months, not years. This is ideal for injured workers with Supplemental Job Displacement Benefit, they can get an education and a new career for under $6,000 and in a relatively short amount of time!

As for the future, there are several jobs that may be eliminated with the use of computers. The industries most likely to be at risk are hospitality, food service, transportation, and storage. They want to find the easiest roads to navigate without human intervention. This is the time for injured workers to train and find new careers!

Meanwhile, creative fields are expected to continue booming. For injured workers who have a passion for photography, design and decor, are good with numbers, or can write and express themselves like Hemingway, there's a career where they can excel. They can combine creative skills with technical or business skills and might find themselves creating a best-selling graphic novel or planning and landscaping a dream garden.  They can create employment, be creative, and be an entrepreneur.

Education means learning to think for yourself, learning to make and repair friendships, learning to see other people's points of view, learning not to be frightened of uncertainty or difficulty. We learn how to live in society, learn how to be a citizen, and learn how to be self-reliant. It's bigger than exams.  The SJDB allows for all of this and now is the perfect time to begin looking at all of these educational opportunities.