Good Country People Essay

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In Flannery O'Connor's “Good Country People”, Hulga receives her PhD in philosophy, which is the highest degree she could have earned in that field of study. Although Hulga has reached her prime in the systematic education system, O’Connor states her mother still disapproved of her degree (176). However, pursuing higher levels of education can positively impact the person receiving the education as well as their family. My family norms were affected when my older brother Terrance decided to pursue higher level education. Terrance, who is now a Junior at Williams College, which is the second best college in the nation according to Forbes.com, was the first in the family to go to college. Before his acceptance, my parents had no understanding of the testing, application, or financial aid process. Therefore, our whole family dynamic shifted towards making sure Terrance got his acceptance letters. This meant that I would do his chores when he had to study for the ACT, SAT, or fill out …show more content…

They both decided to further their education just as they encouraged us to do. My mother started the Bachelors of Science in Nursing (BSN) program two years ago- when she was 49 years old. She said she started the program because “[she] always made it evident to [her] children that education [was] vital for a successful future”, now she wanted to “practice what [she] preached” (Mensah, Veronica). Terrance going to college started a domino effect of a yearning for education and learning in my family, which has extended far beyond the classroom. Therefore, education does not only apply to the classroom. Parental view on education, the parents educational background, and the level of education reached are all factors that could aid in the advancement of learning for both the parent and the child. This mutualistic relationship has truly benefited my

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