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Kathleen Kennedy
Kathleen Kennedy

Learning the value of my education

By  Kathleen Kennedy, Youth Speak News
  • March 20, 2015

Nelson Mandela once said, “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” Most people think education is a rather simple process: you go to high school and graduate, then move on to college and graduate, and ultimately find a job and start living your life. However, it often isn’t that straightforward.

Education is one of the most valuable assets in our lives. It affects our lives and those of the people around us. Knowledge and learning should never be taken for granted, they are a privilege.

At the age of 21, I look back at my life and think, “Wow, I’ve spent most of my time in school.” To some, that may seem rather dull, but I see it as an accomplishment.

Yeah sure, it would be so much easier flipping burgers at the McDonald’s around the corner instead of studying 12 hours a day for a midterm. But do I still want to be a 40-year-old McDonald’s employee by the time I should be raising kids? That would definitely not be the most exciting and stimulating job around.

The main goal of going to school is to learn, understand and be motivated. Nonetheless, school is also important for more than just your education. The experiences you gain from going to school are enriching, whether they are difficult or not.

High school, for example, is often seen as the most difficult years of our teenage lives. But I would beg to differ. I was never the popular or homecoming queen type of girl in high school. I was known as the jock, music and student council geek and I was okay with that. Not only did high school enhance my education, but I also learned about myself. School throws challenges your way and you have to learn to adapt to them, using your own skills and techniques.

Our educational institutions help us discover who we are and who we want to become. I would encourage young students to stay in school, pursue their interests and hopefully their dreams.

Education has a much bigger role in society than we ever could have imagined. From teaching us the basics in school, to increasing our chances of employment and leading us to better health, education is pivotal. Studying and exam writing may be hard work, but down the road of one’s lifetime, the hard work will pay off with a stable job, food on the table and better overall health.

(Kennedy, 21, is a second-year student at McGill University studying for a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science with a minor in environment.)

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