| OCR Text |
Show Page 4 Good enough isn't good enough anymore by DONALD HILL South Sanpete School District Superintendent In Thomas Friedman's new book, That Used to Be Us, he states, "Fifty years ago education was a choice, but now it is a necessity. Fifty years ago, people could choose to be educated or not because either way they could get a decent job and live a fairly decent life. Today, however, education is not an option; it is a necessity for a middle-class standard of living." Some Americans have become lazy and have settled for a life of good enough. The phrase good enough often refers to things done easily, quickly, simply, slovenly, effortlessly, partly, or poorly. At one time or another, all of us have done things in a manner that would fall into the category of good enough. Over the years, people have said this when they study, prepare a lesson, mow the lawn, clean the house, exercise, diet, work, cook, etc. The problem is that good enough is not good enough anymore, especially when it comes to the importance of an education and being able to compete globally with other employees, companies, and countries. Would you go to a goodenough doctor? Would you fly on a good-enough plane? Would you eat good-enough food? Would you want your child to receive a goodenough education? Would you many someone just good enough? The philosophy of good enough should never stand in our way of excellence. If we are not careful, good enough can become addicting and lead us to a life of mediocrity. If people are willing to settle for good enough now, then they will likely settle for not enough later. Mr. Friedman states, "Sadly though, at precisely the time when we need more education and a better trained work force to compete globally with other countries, our students are spending more time texting and gaming and less time working, studying and rigorously preparing for their future." A study, conducted by the Kaiser Family Foundation over the past decade, Thursday, November 3, 2011 The Gunnison Valley Gazette has indicated that American youth are spending more time watching TV, listening to music, using a computer, texting, and playing video games. Between smart phones, iPods, iPads, video games, and the Internet, being wired is a way of life for many people, especially the youth. It is estimated that youth are spending 71/4 hours a day in front of some sort of screen. Some of this digital landscape is certainly educational, but it is feared that a far greater amount is recreational. To get back on this road to American recovery and prominence, Mr. Friedman recommends that every American worker and student should rededicate themselves to excellence and think of themselves as (1) a new immigrant, (2) an artisan, and (3) a waitress. What does Mr. Friedman mean when he says we should act as new immigrants? It means approaching the world with a view that nothing is owed you, no entitlements, nothing is given you; you have to make it on your own. There is no guarantee or legacy waiting for you at Harvard or the family firm or anywhere else. You have to go out and earn and create your place in the world as it was with the early immigrants. That is the attitude that today's Americans must have if we want to regain our reputation in the world. Secondly, what does he mean when he tells us to be an artisan? In simple terms, an artisan is a skilled craftsman who makes things or provides services with a distinctive touch and flair and with much personal pride. Before the Industrial Revolution, artisans included the likes of shoemakers, dressmakers, blacksmiths, tailors, artists, family doctors, and craftsmen of all kinds. Artisans worked long, hard hours and always added a unique personal touch to whatever they did. As a sense of selfrespect and quality, they often put their brand or initials on their superior work. Look at what many Americans are doing today. What has happened to the work ethic that once brought America to greatness? What do future generations have to look forward to besides a mountain of debt? Thirdly, why does Mr. Friedman want us to think of ourselves as a waitress? A waitress does not control her work environment, but she does control how she treats her customers. All of us have had good and bad waitresses. The good ones always do a little extra without being told and are certainly worthy of any extra tip. In many ways, we need to think of ourselves as a waitress and always do extra in all that we do and treat people kinder. For a few minutes, think about how you are doing your current job. Think about how you are studying and preparing for your future. How much extra are you doing? Do you have to be told everything you do? Do you show sincere appreciation to others? Do you do just enough to get by? Remember that good enough is no longer good enough. In today's hyper-technology world—where a person's job and career may change five or more times—Mr. Friedman's analogy of becoming an immigrant, an artisan, and a waitress makes sense. The lessons to learn from these references are: Americans should not expect a handout; they should work hard and take pride and responsibility for what they may or may not do (no bailouts); and they should always do more than is required without being told and be more respectful. Every young American wants to realize the American Dream: a nice home, a good job, a family, good health, security, freedom, and a good income. Lately though, many have not been doing what is required to make such a Dream become a reality. Mr. Friedman points out that young people have forgotten the basic equation that leads to the American Dream: Homework x 2 = The American Dream. One does not have to be very good at math to solve this equation. Students must work and study harder and parents must play a bigger and more active role in assisting their children in making good, long-term educational choices. If the future generation truly wants to realize the American Dream, they quickly need to understand that good enough is not good enough anymore. Failure to realize this will turn one's dream into a nightmare. Into all the World The Outdoor REport Forest Service schedules tree permit sales Christmas tree permits will be on sale at the Sanpete District office of the Manti-La Sal National Forest beginning Nov. 21 for $10 each, with a limit of three permits per person. The office is open weekdays from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The Sanpete District will not be selling tree permits at canyon sites on the District this year. Permits purchased on the Sanpete District must be used on the Sanpete District, except at places closed to tree cutting. Permits purchased on other districts of the forest may not be used on the Sanpete District. To buy a permit for a tree over 8 feet in height, the purchaser must first obtain written authorization from the nearest District Office, and pay 50 cents per additional foot, payable when the permit is purchased. Purchasers will need to provide a check or exact change. Forest Service Offices are not equipped to accept debit or credit cards or make change. There are no refunds. The district will have 2,000 permits to sell, which has been sufficient to meet the demand in the past, but within the limits needed to sustain the Christmas tree cutting program from year to year. For customer convenience permits will also be sold by local vendors: Choice Hardware & Home Center, 1005 N. Main, Nephi; Beck's Home Furnishings, 14 West Main, Mt. Pleasant; Rasmussen Ace Hardware, 435 South Main, Gunnison. In addition, the Sanpete District will be selling tree permits through the mail. Customers should send a request for the permit, provide their name, mailing address, phone number, and a check for $10/ per permit in an envelope The Outdoor Report is Sponsored by: c , 528-5001 Hwy 89 Northeast of Gunnison ■ ATTEITV THITE, 0FOq marked "Attention: Christmas Tree Sales." Checks should be made payable to: USDA Forest Service. A permit will be sent to them by return mail. A purchaser may request authorization for trees taller than 8 feet (see above) as part of their order, and include the additional costs in their check payment. Orders can be sent to Sanpete District Office, 540 N. Main Street, Ephraim, UT 84627-1117; phone, 435-2834151. The person selling tags will issue each purchaser a map and cutting instructions. Customers traveling long distances for permits should call in advance to determine if permits are still available. Vehicle access, except for snow machines, must be confined to established roads on the Forest. Roads may be muddy, snow packed and slick. Be prepared for winter driving conditions. Family. Experience. Quality. Open Monday - Saturday The First Word and Last Name in Log Homes! Think Satterwhite for Log Homes, Rough Lumber, Timbers, Animal Bedding and Firewood Improve your financial picture during "open enrollment' Late fall marks the beginning of the holiday season, which probably means that you'll have a lot going on over the next couple of months. However, busy as you are, you'll want to take the time to review your employee benefits package, since November also is a popular month for employers to offer open enrollment. And the decisions you make now could have a big impact on your financial outlook for years to come. So, if you are in an open enrollment period, here are some steps you may want to take: • Boost your 401(k) contributions. It's almost always a good idea to put in as much as you can, up to the contribution limit, in your 401(k) or similar retirement plan. After all, you typically contribute pretax dollars, so the more you put in, the lower your taxable income. Also, your money can grow on a tax-deferred basis, which means it has the potential to grow faster than an investment for which you paid taxes every year. At the very least, contribute enough to earn your employer's match, if one is offered. For example, if you work for an organization that will match 50 percent of everything you put in up to, say, 6 percent of your salary, then you should contribute 6 percent of your salary — which is like getting a three percent raise. • Rebalance your 401(k) portfolio. You may have a doz- en or more investment options in your 401(k). Ideally, you'll want to spread your money among these options in a way that's appropriate for your risk tolerance, time horizon and long-term goals. But over time, your 401(k) portfolio can become "unbalanced," even if you made no changes. For example, if you've invested in a couple of aggressive-growth accounts, and these accounts have gained significantly in value, they may now be taking up a greater percentage of your portfolio than you had originally intended, exposing you to more risk than you'd like. Consequently, if your plan doesn't offer an automatic rebalance option, you may need to rebalance your portfolio by moving some of your assets into less aggressive vehicles. • Be cautious about adding company stock. You may be loyal to your employer, but try not to hold too much company stock in your 401(k). After all, your company, like all businesses, may go through ups and downs, and if your portfolio is dominated by this single stock, you may experience considerable volatility. And if your company matches your 401(k) contributions with its own stock, you may want to invest all your own money in vehicles other than company stock. • Take all the insurance that's offered. Typically, when employers offer life insurance as a benefit, it's at little or no cost to you, so you'll probably want to take all that's offered. However, this amount may still be less than what you really need to fully protect your family, so you may well need to purchase an individual policy to supplement your employer's coverage. And always be aware if your employer reduces or eliminates the insurance that's offered as an employee benefit, because you'll then need to adjust the policy that you've bought outside work. You can review and improve your financial picture during open enrollment — so take advantage of this opportunity. This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor. FREE PORTFOLIO REVIEW. Darin K Frandsen Financial Advisor www.edwardjones.com 446 South Mall Drive B-7 St George, UT 84790 435-627-2159 EdwardJ ones MAKING SENSE OF INVESTING TO Elder Connor Dyreng is serving in the California Fresno Mission and loving every minute of it. He says he is getting acclimated to the weather and now freezes if the temperature drops into the 60's. He has the privilege of serving under Mission President Larry Gelwix, former coach of the Highland High School Rugby team featured in the movie Forever Strong, and deems this a privilege. Pres. Gelwix is very motivating, and as a zone leader he gets many opportunities to learn from him. His mission is going much too fast and he will be home in 9 months. Connor tells his family "I am very HAPPY!" Connor is the son of Richard and Annette Dyreng of Gunnison. into all the World Rasmussen Ace Hardware is sponsored by 528-7513 The helpful place. UTAH HERITAGE CREDIT UNION FOR AUTO LOAN RATES AS LOW AS 2699% ACE Paints Sporting Goods Whirpool Appliances 435 South Main • Gunnison OAC EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY Member SIPC Must Be Eligible For Member NCUA Membership |
