Education Beyond

Institutions

Education is one of the core pillars of our lives, and its influence spans our entire journey. When we’re kids, our ability to learn is like a superpower, thanks to our brains’ amazing plasticity. Today, I want to chat about my own experience because it’s not just about picking the right school, it’s also about being active in our kids’ education within the family.

Since I became a mom, my goal has been to give my daughter a well-rounded education so that when she sets off on her own adventures, she’s equipped to make the best choices. Over the past 7 years, I’ve nurtured her creativity, and emotional intelligence, encouraged independence and exploration, anything that contributes to her growth and lifelong learning.

I’ve always believed that no matter our circumstances or resources, we can enhance our children’s education with the tools we have. That means providing them with resources, activities, and experiences that let them unleash their creativity and maximize their potential.

Let me share my story, starting when my daughter was just 3. We began exploring her passions with a dance class in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Later, in Bogotá, she tried a dance academy nearby. But even though she showed interest, her true passion lay elsewhere.

Soon, I noticed her enthusiasm for painting. So, I put together a full kit for her, with markers, crayons, watercolors, and acrylic paints. I wanted her to have everything she needed to explore her creativity in her free time. Then, her aunt, a pro artist, started giving her virtual lessons to teach her more advanced concepts like depth, lighting, contrast, and color. It turned out to be one of her favorite activities, where she showed a lot of talent.

But painting wasn’t her only interest. We dabbled in music with different instruments until she fell in love with the ukulele. I found a virtual teacher in Colombia to teach her the basics. While she didn’t want to continue, she’s now into acrobatics and jumping all around. So, gymnastics will be her new extracurricular when she starts her third year of primary school.

Moreover, I was keen on giving her a second language to boost her future prospects. That’s why we moved from Colombia, exposing her to a new culture, language, and experiences at an early age. We also aimed to teach her a third language once she mastered English. To do that, I explored apps like Preply, where I found teachers with different subjects, prices, and schedules. For three months, she took Mandarin classes with a teacher from China. Although she didn’t continue then, who knows, she might dive into another language in the future.

When we step into the role of parents or educators, it’s essential to realize that education goes beyond classrooms. It’s in every aspect of our daily lives, from the little things like picking up litter to the significant ones like giving a speech.

To me, education is the bedrock of everything. By helping kids and teens discover their motivation, passions, and life purpose, we empower them to grow and work with passion in their chosen fields. Letting them choose their own path supporting their decisions, even if they differ from our preferences, ensures they’ll find fulfillment and meaning in their future pursuits.

Remember, we’re the architects of their education, both at home and in society. Our dedication and commitment shape future generations, giving them the tools and power to build a brighter future. So, don’t underestimate the impact we can make. Let’s seize every opportunity to nurture a strong, meaningful education in the ones we love the most. Together, we can push the boundaries of what’s possible in our children’s education.