“With the changing economy, no one has lifetime employment. But community colleges provide lifetime employability.” ~ President Barack Obama

This President’s Day, we’d like to take some time to reflect on an important issue that is gripping our country—what it takes to educate our nation.

This year, history was made as the first African-American took office as the President of the United States. Millions of Americans cried out in celebration because the day that some thought was merely a far off dream had actually become reality for one man and for the country. On that day we believed.

All good leaders are keenly aware that education is one of the most important keys to building a better future. President Barack Obama stated that “we have the obligation and a responsibility to be investing in our students and our schools. We must make sure that people who have the grades, the desire and the will, but not the money, can still get the best education possible.” Every person—disregarding his/her racial, religious, or economic background—deserves an education.

So, what do these words mean for the average person? Consider the high school student who wonders what possibilities await them upon graduation. What about the single mother who is faced with the daunting realization that in order to give her children a better future, she is going to have to find a way to earn a degree and make more money? And what of the average man who was once able to bring home a satisfactory living, but is now fearful that his skills have become obsolete as his company is “downsizing”?

The scenarios go on and on. The challenge remains. While millions of Americans look to the White House for help in the form of an economic bail-out, we’re reminded by President Obama that change isn’t going to come without personal responsibility. We have to make changes and create new possibilities for ourselves.

We live in a knowledge-based society—the more you know, the more you earn! In order to obtain the life that we want for ourselves and our families, we need more than simple manual know-how. We need to have a degree to land that perfect job!

Education DOES work. All of the facts prove that the level of one’s education is directly related to one’s earning potential. Career colleges are affordable and provide programs of study that are relevant to the job market. In addition, they offer the opportunity for people to earn a degree and become part of the work force faster than most universities.

Many colleges and universities offer both day and night courses. Weekend classes and online-courses are available at most schools, allowing students the luxury of working towards a degree while remaining at their current job, raising their children, and tending to other responsibilities.

If you’re questioning about how you can even afford an education, you are not alone. There is no doubt that following your dreams costs money. That’s why Financial Aid in the form of loans and grant programs allow students to afford that necessary education, with reasonable payments and without having to take on an additional job to pay for it. So you CAN do it!

President Barack Obama proved to millions that self-confidence and a good education can break down barriers once thought insurmountable. He has blazed the way for people of any race, any background, and any financial status, to rise above the lowest expectations and truly achieve greatness. He has shown the world that any educated man or woman can become President!

Through education, we now know that anything is possible. The time has come to ask—what is MY dream?