Culture is a complex and multifaceted concept that encompasses the values, beliefs, behaviors, and traditions shared by a group of people. It shapes the way individuals within that group interact with each other and the world around them.

In my early 20s, I had a strong sense of two things:

1. Emancipation: I yearned for independence and the freedom to make my own choices.
2. Freedom: I disliked the idea of working as an employee and felt constrained by it.

I distinctly remember the summer of 1992, right after high school graduation. At the time, I was employed at Blockbusters, but I had an innate desire for more. I wanted to pursue higher education and achieve greater independence.

So, I applied to a community college, knowing that having a college degree was essential to my future aspirations. While I had reservations about the traditional employee-employer model, I was curious if it was possible to climb the corporate ladder and find happiness within it.

During this period of contemplation, I encountered a family friend who was juggling a business venture while preparing to move into a college dorm. I couldn’t help but ask, “Does multilevel marketing really work? Could I actually make money in sales?”

However, as I explored these questions, I encountered a common theme: risk. There’s the real risk associated with pursuing one’s dreams, and then there’s the perceived risk that often holds people back. Many of my friends were either heading off to college or entering the corporate rat race, driven by this perceived risk. Whenever they contemplated pursuing their dreams, they seemed unable to muster the courage to do so.

But what was the root cause of this hesitation? It boiled down to excuses. I vividly recall gazing out at the vast ocean from the beaches of Miami and pondering, “Is this all there is?” Despite my comfortable living situation and a supportive family, I knew that there had to be more to life.

Growing up, my parents had experienced divorce, and my grandparents played a significant role in shaping our upbringing. Their guidance and care were invaluable in our development, a luxury not everyone enjoys today.

Today, we witness a shift in the way people work, with many embracing remote work from the comfort of their homes. However, this change has its consequences, particularly in the upbringing of our children. Schools now play a more substantial role in their lives, often influencing their values and morality. This shift has led to concerns about functional illiteracy and moral decay.

The key message is that culture begins at home. Education doesn’t equate to true wisdom, and it’s essential to nurture values, ethics, and a strong sense of culture within our families. Education goes beyond textbooks; it’s about instilling the principles and beliefs that shape individuals into responsible, moral, and informed citizens.