Education: Becoming My Most Authentic Self by Amanda

Education: Becoming My Most Authentic Self by Amanda - April 2015 Scholarship Essay

The purpose of education has been debated for centuries. It’s at the root of every Board of Education meeting, every mission statement, and every education policy that comes out of the White House. The fundamental education question everyone is trying to answer is: why are we educating students and what should they be learning? This answer probably varies drastically based on who you ask, and each student will respond differently based on their educational experiences.

In my eyes, the purpose of education is to promote compassionate leadership, and to encourage students to become their most authentic selves. I’ve been fortunate enough to attend amazing elementary, middle, and high schools, and now I attend a college that’s equally as incredible. Many people would argue that the purpose of education is to prepare students for the real world; to give them the skills they need to succeed and get a job. The schools that I’ve attended encouraged me to become the best version of myself that I can. I’ve been inspired to work hard, foster my passions, and give back to my community. In the process, I’ve been able to develop a confidence and love for learning that transcends all areas of my life. I have no doubt that I’ll be able to find a great job that I love when I enter the workforce in a few years. However, it won’t be the result of years of teachers and professors forcing me to memorize facts and focus on a career path in the 6th grade. It will be the result of teachers who saw my potential, helped me grow, and enabled me to become confident in my skills as a student.

The last thing our country needs is more students who enter the workforce thinking their sole purpose in life is to find a well-paying job that they sometimes feel okay about going to. What we need is compassionate, authentic leaders. Students who aren't afraid to stand up for what they believe in. Students who are confident in their abilities and skills, and are determined to find jobs that are meaningful to them. When we encourage students to become their most authentic selves, they become comfortable in their own skin and make decisions that reflect their revolving identities. Students become patient with the world around them, and develop both academic and non-academic interests. When students become compassionate leaders they are conscious of the world around them, communicate responsibly, and step up to the plate and effectively lead others. This creates not only active, enthusiastic members of the workforce, but it also creates enthusiastic people.

Education shouldn't teach students how to make a living, it should teach them how to make a life. Education should foster a spirit of learning that is present throughout a student’s life. It should encourage students to become their most authentic selves, which in turn will cause them to be successful employees, CEO’s, mentors, parents, friends, and leaders. When I think about the people who had the most impact on my life as a student so far, it isn't the teachers who taught me how to divide fractions or how many square miles cover North America. I remember the teachers and professors who asked me difficult questions, who challenged me to think creatively, find causes and disciplines I’m passionate about, and helped mold me into the student and individual I am today.