Newsfeed
Printer-Friendly ModeTough economic climate breeds new opportunities
August 31, 2009 —
The recent economic recession has brought hard times to many Americans, especially here in Michigan. The news of rising unemployment, increased home foreclosures, and failing financial institutions permeates the media.
Most of the media attention paid to this economic recession focuses on the negative effects most Americans experience to different degrees.
And while having perspective on the adversity we face is important, it does not excuse us from overlooking the positive effects of the recession on individuals and our larger society. How does good come out of this current economic recession?
I was working for a Saginaw manufacturing company that paid a living wage, offered benefits, and reimbursed me for my tuition expenses. As the economy began to lag, persistent layoffs and financial uncertainty became a way of life. I considered coming back to college full time to focus on a stable career. I consulted family and friends about the decision before me. I decided to leave the manufacturing job that had provided so well for me in the past.
I came back to SVSU. I found other employment that was more along the lines of what I wanted to do as a career. I decided to work multiple part-time jobs making half of what
I brought home from the factory. I study hard to make good grades, and I became closer to my family who supported me in my decision to further my education despite the sacrifices. In a couple years, I anticipate graduating with two bachelor’s degrees and a TESOL certificate to teach English. I’m looking forward to a rewarding career.
Facing adversity and successfully overcoming it makes us strong. The recession challenges people differently, but when we rise to meet our individual challenges, we are better for it. People may return to college and trade schools to become more competitive in the workplace and find new employment opportunities. Others may be impelled to become more efficient in their budgets. And some may even become closer to their families and communities in times of hardship.
Hard times also provide an opportunity to reach out to one another in acts of kindness and charity.
The recession may incentivize us to become better educated, more competitive, more efficient, more connected and more charitable.
While the positive outcomes of the recession may not be as quantifiable as unemployment statistics and national debt figures, they should be accounted for. Hard times can teach us what we are capable of as individuals and as a society.