Poverty in the United States

Survival's basic needs remain out of reach for millions trapped in poverty's grip. It is essentially the deprivation of financial stability, preventing people from accessing essential needs such as food, water, and shelter. Veteran journalist Bill Fay aptly defined poverty as a "pervasive human condition of being unable to obtain or provide a standard level of food, water, and shelter." In 2015, a study revealed that 60% of people will experience at least one year of poverty, while 40% of adults reported difficulties in securing basic human needs such as food, shelter, healthcare, and clothing.

These statistics underscore the profound and widespread nature of poverty as a societal issue that demands urgent attention and action.

Poverty in America

Within the United States, poverty affects not only those who experience it directly but also the entirety of society, hindering its ability to progress as a whole. The lack of education and skilled workers in impoverished communities means there is insufficient capacity to generate wealth for everyone. Living in poverty often becomes a vicious cycle, perpetuated by systemic issues and a lack of intervention, ultimately becoming a public problem. Unemployment and low-income neighborhoods create an environment that obstructs children's access to education, preventing them from achieving promising careers in the future. This cycle of poverty is difficult to break, as it often spans generations, trapping families in a continuous loop of deprivation.

In 2016, over 40 million people in the United States lived in poverty, including 13 million children. Poverty poses a significant threat to children's lives, depriving them of opportunities and resources that could make a substantial difference in their future education and overall well-being. It restricts their ability to focus on personal development due to limited access to essential resources. The repercussions of poverty extend beyond the poor, imposing economic, social, and psychological costs on society at large. According to a report by the Children's Defense Fund, when children fail to succeed as adults, society bears the consequences: businesses struggle to find qualified workers, consumers face higher prices, healthcare costs rise due to preventable illnesses, educators spend more time on remediation, and citizens feel less safe in their communities. Research indicates that growing up in poverty can have detrimental effects on children's health, including their social and mental development, further illustrating the far-reaching impact of this issue.

Education as a Solution

Addressing poverty requires a multifaceted approach, and one crucial aspect of this is education. There are numerous career paths that can contribute to alleviating poverty, including those focused on hunger, job opportunities, substance abuse, crime, and family stability. However, I believe that becoming a teacher is one of the most effective ways to combat poverty. Education in impoverished communities often receives less funding and fewer resources compared to wealthier areas. According to The Borgen Project, children spend approximately 1,200 hours a year in an academic setting, providing teachers with a significant opportunity to influence and educate them on the importance of stable mental health, education, and living conditions for their future. Education is a vital and fundamental tool that equips students with the resources and opportunities necessary to avoid situations that could lead them into poverty and to succeed in the future.

Dr. Robert Hawkins emphasizes the importance of having teachers who understand the challenges faced by low-income communities and can support students academically while preparing them for real-world problems. Teachers play a critical role in shaping and guiding children toward the right path in life, helping them break free from the cycle of poverty by providing support and education. To contribute to solving poverty in America, my aspiration is to become a middle school teacher. Middle school teachers work with students from 6th to 8th grade, a crucial developmental stage where children become more advanced and complex learners. Teachers continue to supervise students and teach them essential life skills, guiding them toward the right path before they enter high school.

Conclusion

In conclusion, poverty is a pervasive issue that affects individuals and society as a whole, creating a cycle of deprivation that is difficult to break. Education is a powerful tool that can help address this issue by providing children with the resources and opportunities they need to succeed. Teachers play a crucial role in this process, shaping and guiding students toward a brighter future. While becoming a teacher will not solve the problem of poverty entirely, it can make a significant difference, starting with the children who are the future of America. By equipping them with the skills and knowledge necessary to break free from the cycle of poverty, we can work toward a more equitable and prosperous society for all.

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