Disrupting the Cycle of Impoverishment by Means of Education
In the era where social media platforms like Instagram pride themselves on showcasing life's best aspects, it's tough not to compare oneself with others. But behind every picture-perfect post, there's a story of hardships, compromises, and determination. Many pictures are clicked, but only the perfect ones make the cut.
Take my story, for instance, and the countless others who start from square one. Our stories underline the importance of standing up against skepticism and constant comparisons. Instead, we should focus on walking our own path, recognizing that even small progress is a triumph.
I have nothing but gratitude for what my parents did for me. They sacrificed their youth to ensure I could have prospects they never dreamed of. I grew up in a vremyanka, a low-income housing, where electricity was cut off at 9 p.m. Even then, I continued my studies, using my phone's flashlight during exam periods when the power was out. The drive to succeed pushed me to work hard, as I aspired for a dream that my parents had paid dearly for. Eventually, I secured a chance that once seemed impossible: a scholarship to a prestigious school.
Life there wasn't easy. Bullying is rampant among adolescents, and many of my peers mocked me because I came from humble beginnings. I didn't have the same trendy outfits, the latest gadgets, or the connections that many of my classmates enjoyed.
From a young age, I never let the fact that I didn't have friends or the constant bullying break my spirit. After school, I worked alongside my parents in the market to help feed our family. In the evening, I prepared for my exams. It was taxing, and there were moments I wished to give up. But I persevered because I knew that an education was my ticket to a better future – a means to repay my parents' sacrifice and give myself a fighting chance.
Comparing oneself to others can often lead astray. Everybody faces struggles, and what may seem to be an easy life for someone else is often the result of hard work unseen. Hence, by comparing yourself to others, you risk losing sight that your progress matters and your job is significant. The reality is that success isn't the same for everyone. What truly matters is continuing to move forward, even if the path is challenging.
A glaring policy issue in this context is the absence of structures and mechanisms to support students from disadvantaged backgrounds. Our education systems expect students starting from diverse starting points to compete on the same playing field, leading some young people to feel discouraged and believe they'll never be able to compete for opportunities.
One solution is to bolster support programs for students coming from low-income families – programs that go beyond grants and scholarships to include mentorship initiatives. Mentorship can be life-changing for students who feel isolated and misunderstood. Knowing that someone believes in them can make all the difference. Schools should hire people who effectively advise students on issues arising from poverty and the need to succeed financially. By eliminating these obstacles, we can create a fair academic environment and give every learner a chance at success.
Education is one of the most potent tools people have to transform their destinies, especially for those living in poverty. It brings hope and a future to people who never would have had it before, and it offers determination and motivation the opportunity they need. That's why we should embrace change and strive for a society where everyone receives the support they need to access education.
The author is Shynar Kanatbayeva, a graduate student at the Nazarbayev University Graduate School of Public Policy.
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the position of The Astana Times.
Mentorship matters
Mentorship programs for students from disadvantaged backgrounds can significantly improve their academic experience and increase their chances of success. These programs usually offer academic support, personal development initiatives, resources and guidance, as well as community-building activities to combat isolation and increase engagement. Research shows that these comprehensive support programs lead to academic achievement, improved grades, reduced absenteeism, and higher graduation rates.
References:
[1] Linda Frances Alexander Scholars Program. (n.d.). Greater New Orleans Foundation. Retrieved from https://www.gnof.org/linda_frances_alexander_scholars_program
[2] Philbrick, M. (2014). Evaluating Mentoring Programs in Schools: Review of the Literature and Evidence on Effectiveness. Research in Action, Education Northwest. Retrieved from https://www.educationnorthwest.org/sites/default/files/resources/r_ia_mentoring_programs_in_schools_review_of_literature_and_evidence_on_effectiveness_0.pdf
[4] Upward Bound. (n.d.). U.S. Department of Education. Retrieved from https://www2.ed.gov/programs/trioupwardbound/index.html
[5] The POSSE Program. (n.d.). Posse Scholars. Retrieved from https://www.possefoundation.org/programs/programs/posse-program/
Shynar Kanatbayeva, a graduate student at the Nazarbayev University Graduate School of Public Policy, emphasizes the importance of mentorship programs for students from disadvantaged backgrounds. Such programs can lead to academic achievement, improved grades, reduced absenteeism, and higher graduation rates, offering a comprehensive support system that includes academic, personal growth, and community-building aspects. For Shynar, these programs can be life-changing, especially for students feeling isolated and misunderstood, and she advocates for schools to hire effective advisors who can eliminate obstacles and create a fair academic environment.
