Many education professionals cite one of the most often-asked questions by young people as that of why education is important! While this may seem like a no-brainer to those of us who are older and have paid the price of a lack of a good education, lots of young people really don’t understand the value of education. This lack of understanding contributes greatly to the high dropout rate we’re now seeing in the U.S. The irony is, that you are the primary beneficiary of a good education. Here we take a look at why education is important to every one of you.
You’ve probably heard an older relative say, ‘Youth is wasted on the young.’ While that sounds mean spirited to young people, it’s not said idly, or with malice. Young people tend to live in the moment. Turning thirty seems like it’s a lifetime away. Going to class, doing your homework and going for good grades, is secondary to having a good time. Time does, indeed, fly, when you’re having fun. You imagine growing up and having a career which falls in your lap, bringing in a good income as a ‘natural’ development. It doesn’t happen that way.
Perhaps you should try to define education in terms of personal satisfaction and a better financial situation in your future. Just a few decades ago, a person with a B.S. in almost any field could easily land a job with a Fortune 500 company. Later, during the late 1980s and early 1990s, with a glut of Bachelor’s degree holders on the job market, employers began to up the ante. The holder of a B.S. began to be edged out by those with a Master’s degree, for the same positions. The high school diploma was then downgraded, with entry level positions for minimum wage jobs the only option.
Today, you need to complete some college level work, just to successfully compete for that entry level job with a future. That’s just one reason why education is important to you, now. Think of it this way: if you’re considered the coolest fashion diva, it’s probably just because you spent some time studying style and have a natural flair for clothing. It’s the same with any other type of knowledge. If you have a desire for a specific type of knowledge, you’re more inclined to pursue that knowledge, as well as being more likely to succeed in that endeavor. Knowledge is power. In the practical world, being a fashion diva alone isn’t going to get you anywhere in terms of your future security, nor will the ‘cool’ designation pay the bills.
When you consider why education is important, keep in mind that a thirst for knowledge stands you in good stead for a lifetime. Not only on a professional level, but in terms of your own personal satisfaction throughout your life. An active mind is a happy mind. You won’t be fooled by the ‘herd’ mentality. This is one of the major reasons why education is important ? to you. Only through critical thinking, achieved through education, can you make good decisions. Following the crowd may be the worst thing you can do for yourself! Do, think outside the box! Look for innovative solutions to ordinary problems. The more knowledge you accumulate, the greater your contribution to society will be. The curious soul becomes a happy soul and a person who becomes more prosperous.
Some of the less obvious reasons for why education is important include giving yourself a chance to succeed, at something you truly enjoy doing. There are so many opportunities available with which to gain an education. For example, there are educational grants and scholarships which are free for the taking to the student who desires to increase their knowledge.
Although you may be just 18, or 20 now, don’t let this time slip away. What’s your heart’s desire? Do you want to be a veterinarian? A doctor or surgeon? A writer, a painter, or a cabinet maker? All of these ambitions are within your reach. All it takes is a commitment on your part. However, once you go down the road of your heart’s desire, there’s no question as to why education is important. Lacking that passion for education is what leads many a person to a life of financial lethargy, stuck in the minimum wage cycle which you usually don’t ever get out of ? yes, think outside the box! Your future is in your hands.
Don’t fall victim to a lack of education and an uninspiring future. Aspire to greater results. Do you know that fully 25% of your fellow Americans are functionally illiterate? This is not the path to a satisfying career.
The bottom line is that the more education you have, the more satisfying your life will be in the future. If you don’t have a high school diploma, go get a GED. If you’re already in the work force, sign up for just a couple of classes at your community college ? many can be completed online, adjusted to suit your work schedule. Persistence is the key. Those credits will pile up faster than you might imagine. It’s all up to you. If you’re 20 now, this painless strategy can easily earn you an A.A. or A.S. by the time you’re 24. That degree will open so many doors for you, often with an employer willing to pay for continuing education that earns you the Bachelor’s degree.
Hopefully, you now understand why education is important! Follow your dreams. As for turning thirty, you’ll be facing that big 3-0 sooner than you think. Why not hit that benchmark with a satisfying career and better financial security?
