When it came time to decide what type of schooling I wanted for my preschooler, I researched many different schools and programs for him to begin his primary education, going from kindergarten to fifth grade:
- Montessori
- Private Catholic school
- Public charter schools
- Private school (with no religious affiliation)
- Public school district we lived in
- Public school in a neighboring community with open enrollment via school of choice
- Home school
While my children were rooting for home school, I chose a school that believed that kindergarten nurtures children’s natural curiosity, building a lifelong love of learning. Their traditional and discovery-based classroom methods goals are to develop reading, math, and higher-level thinking skills. Children are encouraged to make decisions, discover, and be creative.
My mother was a big promoter of the importance of education. She learned along the way that education can increase the uptake of preventative care, which may lead to long-run savings but short-term increases in healthcare costs. She found that those with more education are also more likely to take advantage of health care provision.
Education can also lead to more accurate health beliefs and knowledge, and thus to better lifestyle choices, but also better skills and greater self-advocacy. Education improves skills such as literacy, develops effective habits, and may improve cognitive ability.
According to the National Library of Medicine, “Adults with higher educational attainment live healthier and longer lives compared to their less educated peers. The disparities are large and widening. We posit that understanding the educational and macro-level contexts in which this association occurs is key to reducing health disparities and improving population health”.
Why education matters
It’s not just the diploma, my mom would say; it’s the overall education that is important in building knowledge and developing literacy, thinking and problem-solving skills, and character traits. As mentioned above, early childhood education and youth development are also crucial to the relationship between education and health.
My sons, who are now teenagers, one in community college and one in high school, often hear me say that the most crucial thing I learned in college was not from the books we studied or lectures I heard. The most important things I learned were how to think, how to be more open-minded to ideas and concepts other than my own, and how to collaborate with others.
In other words, while it is true that colleges do offer many programs that can lead to a successful career, there is more to a college education than just getting a job. One of the most important things that college can teach you is how to think critically and solve problems.
Indeed, Inc., an American worldwide employment website, says these are some essential real-world skills learned in college outside of the books:
- Teamwork
- Global thinking
- Time management
- Digital literacy
- Verbal communication
- Written communication
- Creativity
- Networking
- Clubs and organization involvement
- Professional conference attendance
- Interaction with community leaders
- Study abroad programs
- Cooperative work program
- Leadership
- Professionalism
- Project management
- Work ethic
- Freedom to try new experiences
How does education affect mental health positively?
Although it took many years and semesters to earn a bachelor’s degree from The University of Michigan (UMich), the mere fact that I stuck with it and persevered showed that I learned resilience, developed character, and grew to have self-esteem.
The education I received improved my mental health by providing a sense of accomplishment. Some find that completing assignments and earning a degree gives them a feeling of pride and a boost in morale. It is certainly true in my case.
However, on the other hand, stressors, such as exams, homework overload, and the competitive nature of educational systems, can also negatively impact students’ mental health. The pressure to perform well in exams, cope with heavy workloads, and juggle multiple commitments can lead to increased stress and anxiety levels. In order to avoid these burnout side effects, I was taught to remember the acronym “HALT” which stands for:
- Hungry
- Angry
- Lonely
- Tired
What I learned to do was to become aware of how I was feeling, especially during those crunch times when midterms and finals came around or times of stress. If I felt hungry, I was to feed myself. Should I become angry (irritable or restless), I needed to address my feelings, feel them, write them down, or call a trusted person, try to let them go and not “live” there. If I was lonely, I was to go help someone. And if I was tired, take a nap or go to bed early. What a concept! I could live a peaceful and serene life if I were to do a few simple things and remember to HALT.
What makes the University of Michigan special?
In my case, UMich has been special because, from the time I was in kindergarten, I dreamed of becoming one of the “leaders and the best.” My mom never got to go to college, and her dream for me was to attend UMich. For once, I did not disagree with her wishes! I could not wait to wear Maze and Blue, attend games at The Big House, and hang out with friends in The Quad or at Zingerman’s.
The University of Michigan is known for its excellence in academics, research, and athletics. It is one of the top public universities in the United States and has consistently ranked among the best universities in the world. No matter where I go in the world, my degree is recognized and valued.
The University of Michigan’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion sets it apart, creating a welcoming and supportive environment for students from all backgrounds. The campus culture promotes social justice and fosters a sense of belonging for all.
Additionally, UMich’s strong alum network provides valuable connections and opportunities for graduates, continuing to support them long after they leave campus. The university’s innovative research and groundbreaking discoveries contribute to advancements in various fields, making a significant impact globally.
What are the effects of education on health
In conclusion, education results in more informed health beliefs and knowledge, leading to improved lifestyle decisions, enhanced skills, and increased self-advocacy. It fosters literacy, cultivates productive habits, and has the potential to boost cognitive abilities.