Don't Leave School Without It!

All I Ever Needed to Know About Life I Learned in Home Economics Most of what I really need to know about life and what to do and how to be. I learned in home economics. I didn't learn it in calculus or physics or French. I learned it in my home economics class.

This is what I learned. Choose foods from the food pyramid. Avoid fats and sweets. Keep food safe. Choose clothes to flatter your body type. Clean and fix them when needed. Budget your money wisely. Shop sales. Read labels, leases, sales and mortgage agreements very carefully. Don't be a parent too soon. It's also a good idea to be married first. Choose someone you get along with. Then know when to let it go. Learn to balance work and family. Learn to get along with others. Learn to like yourself.

Think of what a better world it would be like if we were all equipped with the life skills taught in home economics. If we all had strong happy families. Had balanced budgets could resolve conflict without violence.

It's still true, no matter how old you are. Whether you are female or male. What career you've chose. It's still best to go out into the world equipped with basic life skills.

Written by Marilyn Swierk, 1993 National Home Economics Teacher of the Year, American Home Economics Association

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