I am a woman who loves clothes. I spend far too much of my hard earned income on purchasing items (often superfluous) for my wardrobe. Many pieces hanging there are more than twenty years old and haven’t been worn for many of those years. They stay there though, because each unworn item represents stages and phases of my life, treasured memories (and those not held so dear) but both as important to retain.
The way we dress expresses ‘us’ as an individual to the world; it speaks of our values, our belief systems, our interests and aspirations. Our identity is tied up with the choices we make when we build our wardrobe, and select our daily outfits.
If I were to analyse my wardrobe, I could study items that represent the many facets of me as a person professionally and personally. In a metaphorical sense, this is exactly what an education is. My education has enabled me to take the path that has led me to where I am now; and because education is a lifetime’s process, I will continue to grow and change as I age, just as my wardrobe will.
As educators it is our responsibility to ensure we provide all the ingredients for our students to build their well stocked ‘wardrobe’. They need to be able craft the perfect outfit for each occasion of their lives.
Take the ‘perfect’ pair of jeans: Every woman aspires to own such a pair. If you are lucky enough to find this holy grail of attire – they go with everything! They fit well; they are multi-purpose. They are your ‘go to’ item for comfort and familiarity.
These represent the fundamentals of an education: The three Rs and other skills, knowledge and understanding that are needed to become an expert in a chosen field. As we age, our experience and know-how develops; just as the specifics of our coveted ‘denim’ treasures evolve as we get older. Education must ensure that whatever the subject there is a well balanced fit-for-purpose delivery of subject knowledge and skills for the socio-economical and political landscape our learners will be navigating. A poorly fitted pair of jeans spoils the entire look. An education would also be useless without the right essentials.
Then there’s ‘the’ occasion dress. The one that cost extensively more than it should have. The one that is so special that you reserve it for the most special of occasions when you want to look the ‘bees knees.’ Every woman has a dress like this in their wardrobe, and this is also an essential ingredient to a successful education. We need aspiration and goals. Educators need to encourage and nurture a learner’s ambition so that they strive to be the best they can be. Supporting self-awareness and self-reflection, it is vital that education facilitates a learner to empower themselves to succeed.
I have a favourite blazer in my wardrobe. Tailored to my size, and in a neutral navy blue, I can wear it with many other items of clothing, and it will change the feel of the look accordingly. This item is usually worn at times whenI need to be taken seriously, for example when I’m inspecting and need to present myself professionally and with the correct level of importance, or when I’m attending an interview and I need to present the smartest version of myself. Of course, this item has also been worn on the occasions throughout my life where I have had to cope with adversity and learn resilience. The times when I’ve had to develop a growth mindset and accept I have more work to do to achieve my goals, because I wasn’t successful on that occasion. Education must nurture this skill, provide opportunities to rehearse failure and equip individuals with the ability to bounce back when life doesn’t play their card.
When we’re not out working, there’s the comfy legging and sweatshirt that are the clothing that’s needed when it is the time to roll up your sleeves and get on. The times when there are invitations to more exciting events and activities; when we have to turn down those invitations because there are items on our to-do list that have to be cleared. The self motivation to close the door and get on with independence and motivation are essential skills in any individual’s education; and we must ensure our schools and classrooms encourage this in our young people to enable them to draw on these experiences throughout their lives.
When we are ready to take on new challenges, there’s the all important wardrobe accessories. The scarf or belt that can be paired with other pieces to revamp it or alter it to create a new look. These items are essential wardrobe items that allow us flexibility and adaptability. Sometimes we may not think to combine two items but when we do we absolutely love the results, and a whole new image is created. If our education does not support us to have an open mind, or develop new ideas that there is little hope for the future. Innovation is revolution and young people must be given the chance to explore this aspect of themselves. Afterall, will be them in the driving seat of progression and change in our future world.
The ‘what shall I wear?’ question is a universal to women when they are dressing. There are many factors that need to be considered and drawn together to make the final decision. A balanced wardrobe provides the best foundation for choosing the right outfit for the occasion, and allows us to feel confident and ready for whatever the day brings. Selecting the correct style sets the tone for the activity we are taking on; just as drawing on everything we have learned through our education readies us for a lifetime of professional and personal challenges. Respecting others and understanding how our actions affect others; having an awareness of the context in which we are working and how to behave appropriately is the embodiment of this. Intrinsically embedded equality and diversity practices must be the backbone of our education system so that our learners must also have the same beliefs deep in their consciousness as they play their part in society.
Of course, this frivolous analogy I am presenting does not by any means represent all women. Around the world millions of women do not have the luxury of a wardrobe, or different outfits to present the different facets of themselves. Through poverty, or religious or political restrictions they are unable to enjoy the possibility of ‘choice’ when they get dressed.
I am passionate about education, and as a woman, I unequivocally believe that all women should have a right to this figurative ‘wardrobe’. I support the work of global agencies to improve access to education for all women; not just the privileged.
It is well researched that Education brings opportunity and empowerment to an individual and ultimately improves the health and wealth of entire nations.
And so with this notion of our wardrobe shaping our identity, next time we’re selecting an outfit, let us as educators remember that our work is fundamentally about shaping identity.
At an individual, group and society level, it shapes who learners become, how they feel and the values they embody. It challenges everyone’s thinking and allows us all to develop and evolve as humans in our place as a global citizen…
