Not long after the Senate confirmed Betsy DeVos as the new Secretary of Education, upset Facebook users responded by sharing where they went to school, saying they were a proud #ProductOfPublicSchools.

Public schools are not just extremely valuable to the students enrolled in them but also to the communities around them. They challenge and transform students, playing a huge role in their young lives. The teachers that I had and friends that I've made have gotten me to where I am today, which is continuing my public education at a top state university. It is no secret that public education may be in danger with DeVos in charge but here is why it is important and why everyone should proud that they are a product of public schools:

1. Equal Opportunity

Public education guarantees that all kids have access to education. I know that not all public schools provide the same opportunity as the next and there are many flaws, but every student has a chance to educate themselves and establish a future for themselves. DeVos, educated only by private schools, will push for privatizing schools, only giving students who can afford it the chance for a truly good education.

2. Flexible Curriculum

Private schools may have smaller class sizes but a smaller student body limits students greatly. Public high schools offer many different tracks, from Honors/Advanced Placement classes to career tracks like construction to support for struggling students. Kids have the chance to create their own education and explore their interests without the requirements and limitations of a private school.

3. Diversity

One of the goals of public schools is to unify diverse communities. So not only are students exposed to many academic options, but also different cultures and backgrounds. One of the best parts of public education is forming relationships with people who are different than you. It opens a student's mind to other perspectives and teaches them how to approach a situation with an understanding mind.

4. More Ways To Get Involved

Sports, music, JROTC, theater. There are countless opportunities for extra-curricular activities and clubs in a public school. A lot of private schools have certain requirements or smaller programs, but public schools allow students to get involved in whatever they want and let them fully immerse themselves in whatever they are passionate about. Students that get involved outside of academics have a better education experience and learn even more than they would in the classroom.

5. Passionate Educators

Being a public school teacher is probably the most underrated job out there. The pay and conditions are sub-optimal yet they choose to continue to teach. They make such a huge difference in their students' lives and are the biggest asset to public education. With DeVos' position against teacher unions, who knows what will happen to teachers' careers.

Each #ProductOfPublicSchools has their own reasons why they're proud to be a part of public education. Share your story and keep fighting for an essential program in our country.