Catholic education is the best education

This week was "Catholic Schools Week," a week that is understated on our calendar.  

In grammar school we used to make the most of the week with Mass, fun activities and the beloved "Why Catholic education is important" essay contest. I never won the contest. But looking back on it I have an even greater understanding why we were always called on to be appreciative of our education.  

When you are a young kid, you don't want to be going to school and reading.  You want to be out in the world running around and exploring new things.  Even in adulthood, some people feel the same way.  But now, when I look back on it, I have to say that I have an appreciation for my Catholic education that I never had before.  

I was always told that a kid who went to Catholic school stood out from the rest, and I have to agree.  I'm not saying that those who went to public school are not as good. But I am saying that it is very rare to find a student who went to Catholic school that is lacking in, for example,good manners.  

Manners is what I hear about the most and I have to say, I'm a pretty well-mannered guy. I still, even in college, find myself raising my hand and not talking until I'm called on.  I try not to be late, and I'll even get out of line at Tim Horton's if I think it will even come close.

If it's not manners that people praise, its definitely appearance.  Now I definitely have my lazy days when sweat pants make an appearance, but I always at least comb my hair. And if I'm giving a presentation, I'm dressed to perfection.  After wearing a dress shirt, dress pants, dress shoes, a tie and a belt for four years of high school, it feels natural.  

While the small things like manners and dressing well help me stand out, it is the intangible things I got from a Catholic education that have helped me get to where I am today.  I have gone to Catholic school my entire life and I'm starting to realize what a financial sacrifice it was, and still is, for my parents.  

It is through these sacrifices that I have had one-on-one contact with teachers, who have helped me grow and continue to grow as a person and as a professional.  

It is through these sacrifices that I have been able to take religion classes that have not only helped me to understand my faith, but to have an even greater understanding for the morality that has become the foundation for all of my decision making.

I have to say that I think my Catholic education has been very advantageous for me as I become an adult.  So if I had to reenter that beloved essay contest my response would sound something like this, "I appreciate my Catholic education for not only deepening my faith, but helping me grow as a person and a professional, which allows me to stand out and be a leader to many."

gorczycm@canisius.edu