The Passion of a Non-Academic Education by Isaiah

The Passion of a Non-Academic Education by Isaiah - July 2019 Scholarship Essay

In our time, it is often believed that college is important for life success. And to some extent, it is: the existence of a college premium - that is the income gain from achieving higher levels of degree certifications - is well-documented. But, the distaste that students have with the institution of public education, at least American students, is equally well-documented, if not more so. These two pieces of evidence together suggest that American students lack a genuine passion for schooling, but nevertheless regard it as a necessity for prosperity in the 21st century. At least, this is the common narrative. Although, does it hold any substance?

In the grand scheme of things, no. Schooling simply makes one marketable in the world of global capitalism, rather than do much to satisfy the utility of the individual person. Indeed, as Teaching to the test rather than the student, and simply failing to see has made schooling a largely wasteful pursuit. But, this does not mean that education is useless. Rather, the public vehicle that we use to transmit a sense of education into our youth is.

In this light, I have little passion for schooling. But a passion for education, that is something I believe all people hold. To invest in one-self, to pursue a strong degree of both emotional and social intelligence - that is, being able to control your feelings and connect with other members of society - and do much more that is completely unconnected with a means of income. I have a passion for educating myself on nature, educating myself on finance and investment, and a passion for educating myself on how best to maximize my own happiness. What this means, ultimately, is that tests, grades, and studying are not of the utmost value; but rather, my humanity, my investment in myself and the physical world around me, my desire to appreciate my successes and learn from my failures.

Such a passion means that I recognize my genuine lack of knowledge, and my ability to learn from people of all colors, cultures, religions, and socioeconomic backgrounds.