Back when I was growing up, my parents placed such high value on education.
“Study hard, do your best, be at the top of your class, continue your post-secondary education, finish university, get a good job, and establish yourself in a good career so you can support yourself and your family.” Those are all words my brothers, cousins and I were told repeatedly when we were kids up until we graduated from university.
I took those words to heart and always did my best in school. I was a bit of a nerd and a people pleaser, and didn’t want to let my parents down. I excelled in some subjects, while others weren’t exactly my forte. I ended up receiving my diplôme d’études collégiales and then went on to receive my B.A. in Honours English (Major in English Literature, Minor in Linguistics).
Now I know why they encouraged us to further our education. Many doors have been opened to us because of all the hard work put into our schooling and in many cases, that college certificate and university degree have been instrumental in getting us that extra attention.
Education is paramount. Education is the only thing no one can take away from you and it will take you far in life.
It’s quite obvious that to my Dad, ensuring that his children had a good education has always been a priority.
Now that I have a family of my own, thinking of my child’s future is always on my mind. I have to admit that Mom and Dad were right. They were right about the importance of education, and they were right about a whole lot more! Just don’t let them know that I know know that they were right! 😉
While we’re on the topic of education, I recently learned of an amazing egifting program from Heritage Education Funds. It’s a Canadian first too! The Heritage eGifting Program is a unique, convenient, and simple solution, exclusive to their Subscribers, allowing them to electronically collect funds towards a child’s RESP.
This is perfect for many reasons. Here are a few to begin with:
- Oftentimes when friends and family ask what Little One wants for Christmas or her birthday, I don’t know what to say. There’s a difference between wants and needs — and Little One is definitely not in any need of “things”. In fact, I’m strongly trying to discourage material objects as gifts. The child has enough toys, books, clothing and everything else and we frequently donate to charities or children who need these objects more than Little One does. Plus, I’m trying desperately to live a Zen lifestyle. My dream would be to have a minimalist household. If you think I’m kidding, just ask my husband and daughter!
- Back to education — If anyone absolutely insists on giving Little One a gift, there’s always her education. Now, friends and family can contribute to a child’s future. THIS would be a great gift during the Holidays.
- We give monetary gifts to our nieces and nephews, but by using the Heritage eGifting program, we can ensure that the money is going to a specific place — Education. It’s great to give kids money to buy something on their wishlists, but it’s also a good idea to make sure money is being dedicated to their futures.
A little information about Heritage Education Funds Inc.
Celebrating fifty (50) successful years in business, Heritage Education Funds is one of Canada’s leading, trusted and experienced providers of RESPs. Focused on offering value to its clients, Heritage is also the distributor of the Heritage and Impression Plans. Heritage’s objective is to encourage parents, grandparents and others to save for a child’s post-secondary education through a planned education savings program. For more information about Heritage, and Heritage Registered Education Savings Plans (RESPs), visit HeritageRESP.com.
Right now, Little One is seven years old and wants to be a NICU nurse when she gets older. She wants to help take care of preemie babies in the NICU (just like her). She’s still young, but knows that she’ll have to go through a lot of schooling to achieve her dream job. Sure, her ideal job may change in the years to come (she wanted to be a rock star/nurse/mermaid at one point). Whether or not she decides to pursue a career in nursing, at least we’ll be starting her off on the right foot and ensuring that money is put aside for her future.
With the holidays approaching, and everyone asking what gifts they can give, to me, the gift of education is always a good choice.
Disclosure – This is a sponsored post, however, as always, all thoughts and opinions expressed on this blog are honest and my own.
What a great idea! Wish this had been around when my kids were little. Times have certainly changed!
They sure have! I’m sure my parents would have appreciated this when my brothers and I were younger! Times have certainly changed a lot! I love the eGifting service.
What a great gift to give a child. I’d rather give my nieces and nephews a gift that could contribute to their education than more toys that they don’t need. Thanks for sharing this with us.
Thanks, Clara! I totally agree! It’s a great gift indeed!