The Associated Press reports that Microsoft founder Bill Gates spoke before the National Urban League on Thursday, and advocated for citizens in poor communities seeking education.
"...Let's end the myth that we have to solve poverty before we improve education," Gates said. "I say it's more the other way around: Improving education is the best way to solve poverty."
Gates conceded that while he doesn't "understand in a personal way" the challenges presented by poverty, and that is "a terrible obstacle," we "can't let it be an excuse" to not pursue a quality education.
Poignant words at a pertinent time.
While there will always be obstacles to overcome, remember what Albert Einstein once said: "In the middle of difficulty lies opportunity."
Education is a means of transforming your life, and transcending the limitations of what you were born into.
A quality education, and whatever means you use to measure it -- a diploma, elbow patches on the jacket, whatever -- doesn't speak to anyone's inherent value as a human being. A person without a degree isn't any less of person, they're just going to have more obstacles obstructing their path to the life they've always wanted.
There is always a point of entry into all of this. I'm thrilled for my part to be doing what I do through my work with TheDegrees to help degree seekers find the programs that best fit in with their busy and demanding lives.
