Education: A Formula for Life by Molly

Education: A Formula for Life by Molly - April 2015 Scholarship Essay

Many see education as a competition, a battle for the best, or an elaborate show of intellect. Others see it conversely as a distraction from the real issues in life, a detractor of individuality, or an attempt to control the thoughts of the masses. These two opposing points of view are both radical, though. They both take the valuable institution of education and turn it into something to be either worshipped or feared. Education should instead be viewed as a tool. This tool should be incorporated primarily in the academic sense, though it should not stop there. The values learned while in the school environment should then be carried on to improve the individual in all aspects of their life. Education proves its importance through enlightenment, enforcement, and empowerment.

An uneducated brain is a brain that is probably also unenlightened. Without enlightenment, a person would never be driven to expand their thoughts. This person would also become stagnant and unproductive in their day-to-day life. The enlightenment, sparked in many cases by education, is what guides each person to a true sense of purpose. When a new idea is presented in the classroom it connects with many, a few, or maybe just one of the students present. This idea will then flourish after the connection has been made, and could grow into a life-changing action.

Education, just like life however, is not entirely made up of these moments of enlightenment, though. Furthermore, enlightenment does not immediately manifest in a drastic change or mastered practice. This new idea needs to be worked explored. Here is where enforcement comes in. Human nature causes each and every one of us to gravitate to that which comes easy. In an educational environment, the student is forced to cement an idea through research, repetition, and recollection.The idea is cemented when it is able to be used by the student for its intended purpose without any outside aid. Education not only teaches specific academic concepts through enforcement, but also teaches the actual ability to enforce a life lesson upon oneself. It provides the building blocks for future self-discipline and improvement.

The last vital purpose of education is empowerment. Yes, the ability to learn and to persevere through difficulty has rewards in and of itself; however, the recognition of mentors and peers is also important. A student's self-confidence soars over the mountaintops when hard work is met with appreciation and admiration. Recognition of an educational accomplishment empowers the student to continue to strive for this level of positivity in future endeavors. More importantly, empowerment can come in the form of job offers. Employers are most impressed with a student who gave their all to their education, and will expect them to do the same in the workplace. Education opens the door to a network of employers who are constantly seeking professional collaboration with those who prove themselves worthy of it.

By enlightening, enforcing, and empowering students, education acts as the foundation to a successful life. While teaching tools necessary for a specific career or trade, it also more importantly gives a formula for the process of learning. This formula can be carried on throughout any individual's life and used over and over. Without an education to establish this groundwork for success, a person may find themselves quite lost. An educated individual is one who does not fear or ignore what he doesn't know, works hard to be able to know it, and displays confidence when this unknown becomes known.