In your opinion, what is the purpose of education? by Brandi

In your opinion, what is the purpose of education? by Brandi - April 2015 Scholarship Essay

The purpose of an education is simply to acquire knowledge. As a human race we've been acquiring knowledge since our inception.

Let's take a look at Adam and Eve. They lived in complete bliss until they chose to eat the forbidden fruit. It was then they learned about the consequences of their decisions, both good and bad. Education does not have to be in the form of formal academics.

Before the time of the written word morals were taught through stories and chants by the elders. The youth would work alongside elders learning trades to survive as a group. Presently, there are underdeveloped countries using these methods of educating their children.

Predicting weather wasn’t as easy as observing atmospheric conditions from satellite images while using super computers to analyze data collected from Doppler radars and then spitting out the forecast based on an algorithm. Before computers, weather patterns were recognized by experiences and common characteristics of the developing pattern, such as changes in wind direction, cloud development as well as coverage, and the smell of moisture in the air to temperature changes.

This knowledge was passed from generation to generation. When this knowledge was written down and observations were made from this historical data, algorithms were developed to aid in the prediction of weather, currently called forecasting. Specialized classes exist now because of this.

Our country’s history was passed down through generational stories. Experiences of our ancestors told to us, historically documented, eventually manifested into a history book which is formally taught in our country.

Kung Fu is yet another example of passing down information from one generation to another. Kung Fu is a way of life, while it is also known as a fighting art. It incorporates the strengthening of the mind and body through hard work, practice and patience.

Kung Fu is taught beginning with the fundamentals of basic strikes, kicks, stances and techniques. These fundamentals are emphasized in a series of movements called forms. Regular practice of forms develops the external part of Kung Fu training. Externals consist of developing hand eye coordination, proper stances as well as body conditioning.

As the practitioner continues to gain knowledge through diligent training they advance in level, which is displayed proudly with a new sash color. As a Kung Fu practitioner myself, I found it very rewarding to gain new knowledge. Diligently working on perfecting my techniques, paying attention to the details and learning what works for me is always challenging but well worth the journey.

As a Kung Fu practitioner I would not find this type education in an academic setting. This is a specialized knowledge only taught through a school specializing in Kung Fu.

All of what is believed to be education started simply as knowledge.