Educo by Shannon

Educo by Shannon - April 2015 Scholarship Essay

The purpose of education is not grades. It is not testing. Learning happens when one has a passion to acquire and obtain all the information available to them. Schools have been established for the purpose of education, to act as a place for colloquy and flow of ideas. The function of education is to learn and experience as much as possible. Without it, this world has limits and not a lot to offer. Human intellect has been responsible for countless feats, ideas, and philosophies that would not have been possible without education. The purpose is to build up the minds of individuals and in return they build up the world around them.

The word “education” is derived from the Latin word “ēdūcō” meaning “to draw out” or “to build high”. This derivation of the word “education” exhibits how for thousands of years scholarly objectives have been put in place to better society. Aristotle once said, “Educating the mind without educating the heart is no education at all.” I have found this to be true. Imagine what our world would be like if there weren’t people in love with bettering themselves academically! Where would the lawyers who study Latin be, the teachers that have passion rooted in advancing their students, and the doctors that have an adoration for science and discovery? They seek knowledge, and through education they are granted understanding that they than use to improve the world. Yes, by bettering standardized test scores a school can earn more money. However, that is not the purpose of education. The intention is rather to gain knowledge, and then turn around and better the world with that knowledge gained.

Therefore, despite some who have veered from the true purpose of education, others hold strong. An aspiration for knowledge drives education. Not the grades, or the praise, but the fulfillment of the ability to learn and discover that education has to offer. The purpose of education is to draw out what is in each individual which then allows them build something grand with the rest of the human race, completely unattainable without the presence of education.