UMassD Believes 2023

Summer Writing Project

Education

What do you believe about education?

Post submissions here that match this topic thread in comments.

68 Comments

  1. I believe in education because by being well educated and earning a college degree, will increase my chances for a better career opportunity, and it also can help to open up new doors for myself in the future. Education shows the importance of hard work and determination. Getting a good education ensures growth and development not just as a individual but as A person in society. With that we are able to shape a better society to live in
    by knowing and respecting rights and laws. Education helps people become better citizens and really gives you a better perspective on what’s good and bad. Education could turn weaknesses into strengths. I believe that education gives us the confidence to stand up for ourselves and helps to improve my decision-making skills and capabilities. Being educated improves your ability to appreciate other people viewpoints. People who are educated can quickly comprehend the difference between right and wrong therefore reducing the crime rate and improving society.

    • I agree with you; by earning a degree, we are able to take more action in our community and even open doors for our future.

    • I chose this category because I feel like I learn a lot in the last year, and not just book smart but grew as a person this last year. I took a gap year to work and grow up a little and it help me a lot to prepare for this year of college. During my gap year, I worked with my cousin doing electrical work for T-mobile, Verizon, At&t, and pretty much most of the phone companies. During this time I learned how to manage my time better, stay on top of whatever needed to be done and the biggest thing was working on my communication skills.

    • Athanasios N.
      Education is one of the most important things to have in today’s world to be able to follow your dreams. I believe that education is the foundation step for your future wherever you go. Without education it is very difficult to find a good job to be able to support your beliefs/family. Education can be broad or specific, in high school we were taught many things. In college, we will be able to choose a specific path to follow to be able to improve ourselves and prepare for our future careers. Education also gives you the freedom to be able to do whatever you want with your life. That is why many adult figures always push younger people to follow education.
      A college diploma will show the determination college students had over the years, and the self-improvement/obstacles had to endure to be able to graduate. A diploma will also benefit your social image because in today’s world people who didn’t go to college are looked down upon. Being educated in a specific space can also help connect with others. Being educated can help defend your difficult situations, for example, we hire lawyers to defend us in court for their education in the law system.

      Overall education is very important for many different reasons, to be able to get a job more easily, to follow your dreams, to improve your social image to others, and to be able to improve yourself through difficult obstacles.

  2. I’m writing about this category because I work in a community center. Although I have only worked there for a little over a year, I really took notice of all the work that goes on behind the scenes of my town. No matter where you are, there will always be negative people who do not appreciate or help others. However, I was seriously surprised by the sheer quantity of those who were willing to go above and beyond.

    At my work, there are almost always events going on that take a lot of time and effort to set up. Most of those events would have never been possible if it weren’t for all the volunteers who were only there because they genuinely wanted to do something good. Even the smaller things that go on like blood drives get you thinking that everyone there came all the way to give to others in need. It honestly is inspiring, and I love seeing all the hard work paying off and making everyone’s day a little brighter.

    I am proud of my town and look forward to meeting everyone and seeing the engagement at University of Massachusetts – Dartmouth!

    -Joshua C

    • I agree that it is important to engage in the community and I think that you made a good point, especially when you stated, ” if it weren’t for all the volunteers who were only there because they genuinely wanted to do something good.” A lot of the time the attitude of the people participating can either positively or negatively affect the event. I also appreciate everyone who genuinely wants to help and be an active member in the community.

    • I totally agree with this! Education is absolutely boosted by those who care about what they are doing and having an educator or volunteer who cares about the material/event as well as the students can be such an enriching experience.

  3. I am writing about education because I believe that education is one of the best tools anyone can hold. With the power to be educated or to educate others anything is possible. Our earth has been brought up on education and continues to thrive everyday due to that. Evolution is a result of education. I myself love to learn new things all the time, it makes me feel great knowing that I am able to learn something I didn’t comprehend prior. I believe that with the power of education we can better ourselves as a whole, and work together to develop new education for new generations. With learning new things comes confidence and a sense of direction, sometimes learning new things comes with the eagerness of learning even more, and that is what I believe college does for a lot of people. There are people in high school that actually go to learn and they finish and want to move up to higher education to further their learning experience and widen their range to move onto bigger and better things in life. Education helps individuals decipher what is and isn’t a good thing to say, do, or practice that could end in a bad thing happening.

    • You make an excellent point; education opens more possibilities and can help us obtain more confidence and oftentimes move in a positive direction.

    • Great point! Education is the root of our communities as we know them and education is never ending.

  4. Education holds an exceptional value, especially since many other places do not have access to it. Education provides us with the opportunity to choose our life’s outcome. Life is complex, but education definitely affects its quality. Everyone should have a chance to accomplish their version of success and have access to resources to inspire and change the world.

    There are so many young people in my community that could not imagine ever attending college or achieving their career goals. As we reach our goal, we should share our educational journeys and attempt to encourage others to commence their own. Through education, we become more aware of societal issues and develop an increased awareness of the world. Issues such as racism can be addressed by educating and encouraging kindness wherever we go. If we know more, we take greater action to promote diversity and acceptance which helps people to feel seen. At the same time, we learn new lessons and develop values that could only be obtained from experiences and educational opportunities.

    Just like education oftentimes, assistance such as healthcare is not always accessible to everyone; many cannot obtain the care they are entitled to. Through working in healthcare, I have noticed the difference that we make in our community simply by engaging. It allows them to see that somebody cares about them. In short, I hope that by furthering my education I could allow eventually be able to give back to the community by taking care of their health physically and mentally. Everyone has different reasons for pursing education, but regardless of the reasons, through seeking education and educating other, we are actively playing a greater role in the community.

  5. In my opinion, an education is one of the most important experiences one can have. Not simply for the learning aspects, but for the interconnected communities that are brought together by it. Coming from a hometown setting composed of almost entirely conservative beliefs within both my community and our educational system, I have been astonished at the complete shift that coming to UMass Dartmouth has provided. I have longed for such an escape from the environment which I came from for half a decade, where I felt as though a single slip-up of self-expression would have me ostracized from both the community and my family. I see higher education as a milestone, not just in my professional career, but also in my ability to become the person that I truly believe I can be.

    Throughout my educational career, I have come to understand that all of life’s many gifts and hardships come in the form of experiences. Every conversation, every friendship, every conflict, each of them make up who we are. Yet, these experiences do not define all that we are. An experience can be a challenge, a struggle, a gift. They each push us in a direction to better understand who we are and who we want to be. Though I detest the overall sentiment that runs rampant in my hometown, I cannot deny that being surrounded by such beliefs has been a catalyst for my self discovery. It has made me ever more grateful to now be traveling to a place where I feel that I can put down my guard and become more than the hidden evil I felt like I was in my hometown. This education is my light at the end of the tunnel. My way out. I believe that my past will not define me. That those who will shun me will not destroy me.

    If I simply backed down and turned away from my college career, I would be doing myself an injustice. I am the only one who can make the necessary steps forward along the path of progression that I strive for. No one else will do it for me. I have chosen higher education to be my next step because it offers a glimpse at what life could be. It gives me the ability to develop my interests and to discover new ones. It has granted me a second chance at learning in a place where I do not feel as though there are daggers hovering just above my back, ready to strike me at the slightest exposure of my true self.
    I understand that it will not be easy. I understand the challenges and obstacles that will rise in my path. But, I believe that here at UMass Dartmouth, I will encounter experiences that will further shape me as a person. Experiences that I can use to rise above the barriers in my way. I believe in higher education because it is a community built by those who want to be there. Who want to dedicate years of their lives to building a skillset that they can shape the rest of their lives around. It provides a sense of purpose, a feeling of pride. Here at UMass Dartmouth, I believe that I will turn away from being haunted by my past and instead harness my passion into creating my future.

    • I agree with this because without knowledge there can be many flaws in the world and every systems we live with everyday. Like you said, An experience can be a challenge, a struggle, a gift. Also, everyones learning experience is different depending on their backround. People don’t think of education being an experience but, you go through trial and error when you are growing up learning and getting knowledge in school.

  6. I believe in fear. I am so afraid of growing out of what I am familiar with in my life, that all my feelings have become numb. I have been waking up in the middle of the night, sweaty and disgusting. I am afraid of a silly nightmare that doesn’t make any sense. This is because I want to stay awake. I want an excuse to live in this moment for another hour, to not forget how I am feeling right now. I am happy, I just don’t want to forget this happiness. How much longer do I have in my childhood home till it doesn’t feel permanent anymore? How much longer in my hometown till I don’t recognize anyone? How much longer do I have to be a kid until I am truly an adult? I can’t escape growth, none of us can. I just wish I had more time. When I was younger I was so excited to grow up and be a part of the big world. I just had no idea what that meant. I knew I wanted to grow up, but now all I want is to stay young. I didn’t know growing up meant fear, all I have turned out to be is afraid. I don’t know about the positives or the negatives that will come my way in the future. I am just terrified of losing the good life I have now. I feel like I have control of the now, but the future will always be up in the air. This moment I am writing, my next moment I’m in a new state, with new friends, and a new life. What if I lose what I have now, and I don’t even realize it?
    My therapist said that I need change, and I am much more capable than I let myself off to be. She is one of the reasons I am attending UMass Dartmouth because she encouraged me to do things I’m not used to. I am adjusted to my control with my own life. The only way I can learn and achieve higher things is to uproot my comfort, take my strength, and find higher power for myself. My only problem with all of this is that; My therapist only knew what I chose to tell her, yet I believed her when she told me I should attend this school. I am afraid of making my own choices, without having some sort of support behind me. Most of all, I am afraid of myself, yet I label myself as happy. What is happiness? How does fear cover other emotions? How will I know I made the right decision? I won’t, and that’s the scariest part.
    I know that this school really called to me, and in the end, I was the one that made the decision. I just hope that I find comfort in the huge change of college. The work that I signed up for is going to be very different. Then there’s the huge commitment of living without my parents. What I do know is that I want to get my education to grow into adulthood, and really find what I am passionate about. Everything is set in place. I move in a month, and I want to do this. The only thing that keeps getting in the way is fear. I just can’t let that stop me this time. I believe in Umass Dartmouth. I’m excited to start the next chapter of my life and thank you for being a part of it. I’m ready to let go.

  7. School has never been my first priority but as I’ve grown to realize I need an education for the things I was to pursue later in my life. A core value of mine that is going to be a major help through my educational journey is going to be self accountability. Self accountability is useful in everyday life but it’s especially useful for a person’s education. I will be able to develop good studying habits and also be able to prioritize school over other things in life. I was able to develop self accountability through my high school wrestling team. I was able to do this because I knew that if I wasn’t giving it my 110% not only were my teammates not getting any better but neither was I. After the season was over I was able to translate self accountability into my personal life by holding myself accountable in the gym and other aspects of my life and I believe it’s time I start holding myself accountable in the classroom unlike in highschool. Education will be my main priority for the upcoming years of my life so why not do it to my best ability and open doors for my future career and life?

    • I agree with your views and comments on accountability. As we chose to further our education in college, we are also now choosing to take advantage of the opportunity that is presented to us with studying and time management. Highschool did drain a majority of us as well as gaining “senioritis”. Now is our chance to prove to ourselves and others what we are capable of when we actually enjoy the education we are receiving within our major.

  8. I believe that education gives us the opportunity to grow as individuals. We grow, not only, intellectually but as better humans as well. The information we gain regarding education can be applied to all aspects of our basic lives. I also believe we can become kinder individuals with proper education. Education has a broad spectrum of different topics such as basic manners to more complex subjects such as biological advances. In college we choose to further advance the education we have with a major we are interested in. Such a major keeps us engaged with learning.

    • I believe that everyone should have education. Most people aren’t able to get an education. Getting my diploma was one of my greatest accomplishments. I wouldn’t be able to be here if it wasn’t for all the education I have received over the years. Lots of people say that the education system is a scam or not worth it or some people hear “go to college then you’ll get a better job in life” which is not wrong but college is not the only way to educate yourself we have many resources around us not just what college offers us. School for me has always been stressful and pressure. Living with my parents made it that way. Being a first generation student is hard. My parents expected me to be going to college on a full ride because they think if you get good grades you should be good. They sent me to schools that could boost my chances into getting into a good college with great education system, in their eyes theft thought they were setting me up for the future in reality they were setting themselves up because they expected me to become a lawyer which is what I thought I wanted too but they put that into my mind at a young age I just accustomed to wanting to become a lawyer. Now I realize that my education is mine and I should do what I’m passionate about. I am passionate about kids and wanting to get them their education and help that they need.

  9. John D
    A lot of us may be at a stage where we think we know a lot more than we truly do. However, most of us have only been introduced to the ideas that live in our home community and have not yet had the opportunity to engage in an academic way with people from all walks of life. What I look forward to most this upcoming year is being able to sit next to classmates who come from vastly different backgrounds than I do. In this way I hope to change my current belief system into one that better encompasses the entire world I live in. To recognize that some of our speculative beliefs may be wrong is the only way to move forward to proper objective beliefs.

    In essence it’s my belief that higher education can strengthen an individual’s intellectual character transforming certain speculative beliefs into objective beliefs and weeding out those speculative beliefs that turn out to be errors. While we never stop learning and relearning thought life I believe university years are the most formative and the most important years when it comes to the development of someone’s belief system. With this said I believe it’s critically important to allow for discussion, diversity, debate, and a passion for the cultivation of ideas on our campus.

  10. I believe that education gives you choices to improve your life. Education is important to me mainly because it can determine what my future holds. It’s also important because it can teach me everything I will need to know to be prepared. Without a diploma, I won’t be able to get a decent job. Education will prepare me for the future, and the highest education level I accomplish will make me more successful in life.

  11. I believe in education in the fact that it will set you up for the rest of your life. College is one of the most important 4+ years of a person’s life if they choose that route. I believe the next 4 years will help me find my way through the challenging obstacle of life and set me up to go out into the real world. Even if you don’t know what you want to do after college, the information and the experience you get at places of education mature you and leaves a massive impact on yourself. Education can really shape you into a better person in the way of making decisions. Living on your own in a college setting can be a very tough process and you will come across a ton of decisions big or small. I believe that everyone should be entitled to their education and should take full advantage of it as it will improve society as a whole.

  12. Education is truly one of the most important things in our lives as human beings. We are always furthering our education whether we know it or not each day we learn something new whether it is through the obstacles we face in our day to day lives or, through schooling. Our education means a lot to our futures by opening various doors for us, all employers look for someone who is well educated as they know they will be able to adapt and do the job well much quicker because they are ahead of the game in the education department. Some jobs require college degrees to even be considered and some employers may even give you a pay boost just for your higher level of education. Moral of the story your education can really just set you up for a good future so it is always good to further your education to the highest level you can accomplish, it is not only good to get a education due to career sakes getting a good education can also benefit you in your personal life. Education through schooling can also be very helpful not only for just the degree you get to meet many people with all types of cultural backgrounds this could even help you in the future, building these connections connects you to more and more people and you never know who they know or who they are they could be your future employer so it is always good to build connections with those who surround you.

  13. The reason im writing about education is because i believe that it is one of the best factors into a person’s life. When i think of education i think of personality, life goals/ growth. Thinking back to when i was younger i had such high hopes for my future and without education it wouldn’t have came true. with education being such a high factor in my life it gives me time to grow and it gives me time to think more about how it would affect my future in the long run.

    • I agree with this, education has a big impact on your future and your career. A lot of jobs like to see a continuance of education after high school, and some jobs it’s mandatory. Education is important for a good career that can stabilize you in this world.

  14. I believe education is needed to a certain extent. Some high school classes are important, but others could be replaced with more useful classes that we could use in life as we grow older. I believe college is a different setting where you choose to go, you have to do what you have to do to get your degree in what you want to pursue in life. But high school, everyone has to go through, and half of the stuff we learn doesn’t benefit us in real life. Yes, some may be helpful with going to college, like a science, or a certain type of math. But, I feel we would benefit from more life oriented classes that teaches us things for when we get into the real world, like money management, taxes, buying a house, loans, etc. Everyone could benefit from that because not everyone has someone that can teach them. Also, I believe if we did learn those things in school, there could be a lot less people in debt because they wouldn’t have to go through the struggle to learn. They would already know what to do and prevent themselves from getting in that situation. Or, when college comes, that’s a pretty big bill. Everyone should be taught how to manage their loans. If everyone was taugh how to manage well, they could make a payment plan that works for them, rather than reaching too high and drowning themselves in debt. In conclusion, I believe that education is important. But I think we should definitely have some classes that teach us things that can help us in real life, and I think these classes should happen in high school. That way if you decide to go to college, you have an idea of what you’re getting yourself into. Or if you graduate and go straight to work, decide to move out and get an apartment or house, you know where to start because you learned the basics in school. You wouldn’t be doing it all blind and maybe making your life more difficult.
    -Arianna P

  15. Education is a strong instrument that allows us to grow as individuals while also making the world a better place. It’s more than just acquiring facts; it’s about being better individuals and bettering our society. Education, in my opinion, helps us grasp diverse points of view, challenge things, and think critically. This allows us to communicate honestly with one another and learn from one another.

    • I agree, great point on how education can allow us to communicate and connect to each other better.

  16. Education is a fundamental aspect of each and every being on this planet. Even from birth, all living things are inclined to learn more about the world around them. Think of a baby the moment you let them crawl around a room, they instinctually reach for the nearest object and ponder how they can use it. Although they usually never use the thing properly, the experience is still a learning opportunity. Learning new things through lectures or personal experiences is how we develop as people and grow as a society. Education is often associated with obtaining a degree and using it to succeed in a specific career, but that is not its only purpose. Being well-informed allows us to better connect with others and understand their backgrounds and beliefs. In fact, the more we learn about other people, the deeper our understanding of ourselves becomes. By discovering the differences we have with others, the more we can appreciate them and incorporate them into our own lives. The more inclusive we are of different people and cultures the closer we become as a whole, which makes it easier to work together for the betterment of the world. As for education within schools, I believe it is essential to teach kids the basic skills they need to succeed outside of school, whether that be paying taxes, taking out a loan, or even cooking basic meals. These kids should then be able to choose a career-specific education path that teaches them the essential skills required for the job they intend on pursuing. This means people would spend less time in school and more time in the actual workplace to decide whether or not it is the right career for them. Education as a whole is important because it allows the human mind to expand, which if put into action, can lead to a better world for all of us to live in.

  17. When growing up in an environment like I did, education is the most important thing because there’s so many traps designed for young men and women like me, and education is a way we can arm ourselves to protect us from these traps that pollute our communities . As a first generation college student, education has always been stressed to me by my family, who didn’t want me to fall into their way of life. My older siblings took a while to graduate highschool and it made my mom frustrated because she didn’t graduate herself so she wanted to see her kids walk across the stage and do better than she did. This put the pressure on me and my younger brother to be the generation to break the cycle. The day I graduated I was so hyped and my family was too. For 12 years I’ve been preparing myself for this and it was finally happening. Grabbing my diploma was me taking the ticket to the next chapter of my life.

    “Education is the passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to those who prepare for it today.” – Malcolm X.
    I believe education is the way we can steer our country into a better future because it is responsible for training our scientists, architects, and doctors of the future. These are all some jobs that will contribute to our society.

    Overall my strongest beliefs about education is that you shouldn’t have to pay for it, and that everyone deserves the same quality of it.

  18. Isabella Gulley
    I believe in success. Success is defined as an accomplishment of an aim or purpose. But success is much more layered than what people think. In the eyes of society, you are only perfect with a white collar job that makes 6 figures a year. Society doesn’t give support to those who are pursuing different paths yet we rely on these people to keep food on the shelves, to fix our homes or to produce entertainment. I have been going to a trade school through all of high school and have come to know many friends that are continuing on so-called “nontraditional” paths. I’ve seen first hand the amount of rigid minds there are that don’t understand how success can be different for everyone.
    For many years I worked in HVAC, fixing peoples AC and heating systems while sweating all day long just to make half of what some people make in an office all day. I was told for so long that I couldn’t be successful while I was doing this and I wouldn’t live comfortably. Hearing that can make you not appreciate all the good things this type of job was doing for me. I learned new skills, met new people, heard good stories and whether I was making the best money or not I enjoyed it. That was the success of my occupation that many didn’t understand.
    People spend so much time worrying about “being successful” when all along they’re not appreciating the small successes. Things like getting an A on a test, finding a new favorite restaurant, being able to help someone out when they are struggling, are all successes that are not given enough light. I believe in appreciating things that come to you no matter how big or small and to not put success in such a small spot in your mind. Tell someone today that you’re proud of all they’ve done and tell yourself how proud you are for all the little things.

  19. Education is the one thing in life that everyone has to go through, no matter how you want to go about it. I believe that education is the stepping way that decides your future and how your gonna live out your life. High school is just a leeway into how your college and career will be like in the future. In high school many things can be changed and a lot of courses should be re placed with more helpful information that can be used in everyday life skills. This is why I am so excited to start my college education, the courses and the information I will be digesting will be so much more helpful then it was in my high school years and this will set the way into my future and all the good things I will do with it.

  20. I believe that education is something that is needed by everyone if they want a better chance to capitalize and be successful throughout life. Your education is the most important tool you are given and one must take it serious in order to have a well off career. It can help you to do things such as think critically, solve problems, and make money. We have learned a lot in high school, but now that we are in college we can focus our education on something specific we want to do with our lives. If we take it seriously it can lead us to a great future.

  21. Gianna P.

    Some nights I sink in my bed and wonder if anything I try to do will ever amount to anything. Whenever I push myself as hard as I can it only gets me to the starting line for everyone else. I struggle to even keep as steady as the people who don’t even try, so how am I supposed to make a place for myself in the world when I struggle to even keep up with the tide? Every day I feel like I sink deeper and deeper into nothingness. If paddling as hard as I can only keeps me above the surface, am I even swimming? Sometimes I think I might as well just sink… what’s the point of treading water if I am just barely surviving, even though I am putting all my energy into being like everyone else. Then I remember that I worked so hard to just get as far as I am. If I gave up a while ago when I felt like there was no light at the end of the tunnel I would have never even imagined how beautiful the sky is. Even though my steps are small, each step gets me further than before. I believe in never giving up because giving up is the only way you can truly fail. If you never give up you will never fail, you just have to keep getting back up again even if that means you are just surviving.

  22. I believe that in order for sources of education to be effective, they must change and adapt with us. Similarly to how our culture, traditions, and values change throughout our lifetime, any great source of education must do the same.

    We take education and inspiration from an ever increasing range of sources. Every few years we find a new way to gain some sort of education. This is a great example of how education can adapt and expand throughout the years. However, it isn’t only our forms of educational media that must evolve, what we are learning must evolve as well.

    Our education and culture must change and adapt together, almost mirroring each other. In a culture primarily based on the arts, our education should reflect the same ideals. Just the same, in a culture with a general interest of diversity, equality, and inclusion, our education should reflect that too.

    If we allow our sources of education to be stagnant and unchanging, then our cultures will begin to diverge, and seperate, allowing for discourse and hostility. If we want to strive for a truly cohesive community spanning different cultures, the first step is our education.

    Our first form of education in our lives is our parents, followed quickly by the school system and community around us. In order to prevent hostility between our cultures, our education must start here, and it must adapt here as well. Due to the increasing divide between the cultures of the world, education, and the growth of education, becomes ever more important.

  23. Adriano S

    I believe that education is a very convoluted area of life in which many people enter mindlessly or experience a change of heart later, with very few pursuing their intended subject. Yet, an education is essential in shaping who we become and are. So exploring as many subjects as possible is imperative to narrow your true interests. It is also wise to keep an open mind to a topic as you might at first dislike it but eventually grow fond; keeping an open mind is especially important when going through a subject you’re liking as you might become burned out and become annoyed/hateful of it despite those moments being only temporary. But some people will take this mindfulness and twist it negatively when they explore a subject they don’t like and force themselves to believe that they do like it and are only experiencing the lowest point of it. Time is also an area people take for granted as it is often thought that an education needs to be rushed to be knowledgeable or to grow as a person. But the truth is that as people, we never stop learning; it’s just that some things we learn are not as remarkable as other, more important aspects of life. To summarize, education is an important yet complicated area of life that allows us to grow and change as a person as we discover subjects we like and don’t like and how the more time allotted, the more we can develop.

    • The main similarity that I have with your blog is the change of heart. There are many things in my life that I have put up a wall and disliked, forgotten and abandoned. After a while, I let those things into my heart and I began to love it as I should have, since the beginning.

    • I agree with you on exploring as many different topics as possible to find out what you are truly interested in. We are always asked as kids, “What do you want to be when you grow up?” without having any real knowledge or experiences to dictate our answer, and it can be very difficult for some people to decide what they want to do. That is why trying new things and figuring out what you like and enjoy doing is so important.

  24. Jon Bakwatwena

    The US education system is broken. Especially with the use of A-F based grading system or some type of scores for assessing student’s ability. The US education should be considered broken due to a lot of things such as: The way it doesn’t fully benefit students, its ineffectiveness, how outdated it is, how inaccurate it is, etc. But the grading system is what ruined our education system the most.
    This current grading system is doing more harm than good. Grades on paper don’t always reflect students’ actual abilities. The skills demonstrated alone, don’t determine how capable a student is. There is more to it. That’s why grades alone, shouldn’t be used to assess students’ level. Using grades or some test scores to assess students’ skills, is like using a straight ruler to measure the weight of something, or the speed of something. It just doesn’t work like that.

    It’s widely believed that getting so called “A’s” means you’re smarter, and are most likely to be successful in life. And those who get “D’s”, and “F’s”, are seen as unsuccessful. Which is such a ridiculous way of thinking. Not all successful people used to get A’s in school. Only hard work in real life lead to success. Focusing too much on Grades Is just a Barrier to students’ Learning, and an obstacle to their creativity. Grades (A-F) create an environment in which students fear the possibility of failure rather than focusing on the possibility of learning. Students are afraid to speak up, ask questions, and make mistakes when doing assignments for fear that it will impact their grade. No student should be shown a number, letter, or symbol to assess their intelligence or skills. This labeling of students and their thought processes is ridiculous and harmful to their self-esteem.

    Because of Grade obsession, this education system is pushing more and more unnecessary exams, and standardized tests, which are dragging many students to depression, while badly impacting their intellectual ability, and causing some to lose interest in school and drop out.

    Grades shouldn’t be used against student by determining who passes and who fails. Instead, they should only be considered feedbacks, letting students know what they need to improve. That’s it. Instructors need to start using several different methods to get students to understand, instead of directly giving them an F when struggling. Those “F’’s” are so demoralizing to students. Making them doubt themselves, and forget about all they are capable of. Instead, we should encourage interactive learning methods that engage students.

  25. I believe in education and creativity as I see them as the leading forces for both bringing humans to the pinnacle of the food chain and for keeping us there. Education and creativity are two sides of the same coin. You are unable to create anything without educating yourself on something along the way, and you are equally unable to educate someone without having created something in the by-product. Our ability to create and learn has helped us build houses to survive previously unsurvivable climates, weapons to aid us in battles against animals we should have no part in defeating, and the ability to farm land that would have previously been considered dead. Education allowed us to pass our findings on, from one generation to the next, creating a snowball effect of discovery and invention. From mathematics, to science, to engineering we as humans have been able to use learning and education to build upon our knowledge and come to understand and control a large portion of the world around us. No other animal on our planet is close to us in this aspect. In educating itself to create, humanity has progressed its species further and faster than any other species on earth (perspectivaly). Our ability to learn and teach is what I thank when I think of our achievements. It has gotten us to the moon and will get us to mars. Anything that has been accomplished by humanity was thanks to education, and everything that I will accomplish will be too.

  26. What i believe in education is, without education you’ll end up being poor and it will be difficult to find a high level job. Most people without an education end up living on the streets. With an education, it can give you an improved quality of life which means it can help you live longer. It can also give you a lot of self confidence.
    My parents would always tell me education is the first option because without that you will be nothing in life and you will be struggling for the rest of your life if you don’t take school serious.

    • I agree with your take on your opinion as far as education improving quality of life. It is very essential in that way.

  27. Janis. V

    I have always struggled in school; nothing ever really came easy to me other than art, so naturally, I got frustrated or anxious and would simply procrastinate on all my schoolwork. I even procrastinated all summer to write this belief statement because I wasn’t sure what I’d write, but I’m looking to change my ways this year. I know that college is what you make of it; I can do the bare minimum, hand in my assignments right before they’re due, never do any extra credit, and never go above and beyond with my projects, but I don’t want to be like that anymore. I want to push myself this year to be the best student I can be; I’m going to practice drawing outside of my assignments, get on top of my due dates, and put my whole self into the projects I care about, even when they seem intimidating. With ADHD, it can be hard to make this change, I’ve tried it before in high school and failed over and over, but with this new environment, flexible schedule, and support systems around me, I’m pretty confident that I’ll be able to make the right decisions this time around. I’m looking forward to meeting new people, talking to people that have similar interests and aspirations as me, taking on internships, and overall becoming a better artist and person.

  28. For a while school seemed like it was not preparing me for my future, but instead just frustrated me because everything I was learning seemed like there was no point. I remembered what I needed to for a test and then simply forgot it. Over time I began to realize that school is so important because it provides a foundation for you to build off of. You may not remember everything you learned but the basics, the life lessons, and what you learn about yourself are the most important things anyways. Now I believe that education is the basis to all things in life. School changes you as a person as it creates confidence from within, critical thinking skills, awareness of how the world around you works, and so much more. Education is all around us and we are educated in one way or another through everything we experience in life. You learn so much simply by talking to others and going out and doing which gives you skills you may never learn in a classroom. What you learn in school gives you the foundation to success in whatever you choose to do in life. Choosing to pursue a degree and further your education only opens more opportunities for future success and obtaining a career. What you learn in the classroom brings you knowledge and provides a starting point of your career. From the time we are young, the term education is used just to describe school, but it is so much more than that. Education in all its forms is a privilege whether it’s what you are taught in school, work, or just being out in the world and I believe it is something that should never be taken for granted.

  29. Julian P.
    I believe that education plays a pivotal role in shaping individuals and societies. Its significance extends beyond acquiring knowledge and skills, as it influences personal development, economic growth, social progress, and cultural enrichment.
    Education empowers people with essential skills, critical thinking abilities, and a broader understanding of the world. My thirteen years of school have helped me to make informed decisions and be more knowledgable about current day issues. The experiences i’ve had with school fostered personal growth by instilling me with values such as discipline, responsibility, and perseverance.
    Preventing ignorance and intolerance is another important aspect of education. It fosters an appreciation for different cultures, histories, and perspectives, promoting empathy and equality. Cultural knowledge encourages individuals from diverse backgrounds to understand one another, making a better world. By promoting critical thinking and research skills, education helps individuals discern credible information from misinformation, contributing to a more informed and rational society.
    On a societal level, education is a cornerstone of economic development. A well-educated workforce contributes to better technological growth and innovation. It reduces unemployment rates and increase quality of life for everyone.
    In today’s fast-paced and interconnected world, education is indispensable for adapting to technological advancements and the evolving job market. Lifelong learning is becoming increasingly essential as new fields emerge and existing ones constantly change.
    Education is the foundation upon which individuals and societies build prosperous futures. Its role in personal development, economic growth, and cultural enrichment shows its importance in shaping a better world for everyone.

  30. Ryan K.
    I’ve picked education as my topic for a multitude of reasons, I mean it’s the whole reason all of us are even here, right? But anyways, I have tons of opinions and beliefs in the education space. One of which is, the best type of learning can’t happen in a classroom. You’re never going to learn everything just from a class, or from someone telling you it. You have to physically try and do what you are intent on learning, there’s so many scenarios that won’t present themselves in a classroom compared to doing them for real, just as an example. Another problem is the rigid grading system that we’ve all come to despise, I’m hoping college will be different but we all know that feeling of trying really hard on an assignment just to find out it’s not what the teacher wanted or not in their preferred format. Then, they just give you a bad grade while you spent all that time and effort making it exactly how you wanted.

    I’ve always found it to be way more interesting and better quality learning when I’m actively doing something especially something I’m passionate about versus just sitting in a classroom taking notes. I’ve always had a decent memory so I got by without having to study much but ask me any of the test questions now and I’ll have no clue what the answer should be. However, ask me a solution to a problem I faced working on one of my programs or what I’ve learned from starting my own businesses and I’ll be able to recall every single one in perfect detail, that’s how real education works.

  31. Learning about history is very important. Growing up during history class, I notice than many history events were somewhat similar to each other. Repeating wars, repeated economic recessions, inflation with stagnant wages. History shouldn’t be doomed to repeat itself if history was taken more seriously.

    Take for example the United states and her history with equal rights; the 1st amendment, the 14th amendment, the Civil Rights act of 1964, and Obergefell v. Hodges. America kept making laws to ensure the rights of its citizens, yet each generation we run into the same, yet slightly different problem. Ideally, the 1st amendment is the basic version of all of these laws, yet the same issues remained persistent regardless. It’s not enough to be just aware of history. What can we learn from past mistakes? Why do we keep having similar problems each generation?
    I believe schools should take a different approach to how we teach history. Instead of memorizing dates, names, and places, how about discussions and comparisons? What are ways leaders today can change the future while being cautious of mistakes in history and inspired by the successes? Not only will there be well-informed students, but that knowledge can be used to create even better schools for the future.

  32. I believe that our education will play the biggest parts in our lives as it basically shapes us to what we want to become, be known for, and achieve success throughout most of our lives. Our education will continue to grow as the years go on because there is always something new or something valuable you could learn that will help you at some point in your life.

    When I was younger I always thought that education was just a waste of my time and that I will never be using the criteria that I would eventually learn throughout my years of school. However, as years passed, I learned that education would be very crucial to who I want to shape out to be.

    My parents always told me that they are who they became today due to their paths of education, as both of them figured that since they were really good at one field of education, they would primarily focus on that field, which shaped them to become incredible workers to me and the rest of the family.

    Your education would not only affect yourself, however, but it will affect the lives of your family. Let’s say a good education helps you get a decent job, you are not only affecting your life, but the money you earn could help out either your friends, family, or even the future generations.

    So yes, education is an incredibly important factor to your life, as a very good education will help you gain more success and help the future of your family be safe and happy.

  33. Education, I believe that it is the most important thing that we have ever had in the world that we currently live in. We wouldn’t have made it to this point in time without it and using it we can make it further. Education can allow us to acquire knowledge and values that will contribute to make us better people in the world. When someone has a breakthrough on an invention or a study that they are working on they can share their information. The sharing of the results will educate others on how the conclusion was reached. If their colleagues disagree with the results or findings, they can all share opinions and learn from each other.
    Education is also necessary on how to move on from problems. For example, if a couple is having a problem in their relationship they would go to a couples therapist who would educate them on methods on how to improve communication and resolve the issue.
    Education is also necessary in schools. We can learn about how civilization got to where we are now. It’s important for children to learn values and history. Education is also important for families to learn how to communicate with each other and to learn about each other’s strengths, experiences, to learn how to be more mindful and respectful of each other’s values.
    In schools we have classes on different subjects, so we can teach the youth on different ideas that could help them in the future with any career that they want to pursue. We also need the system of education throughout our time on this planet to learn from events that affected us in the past, so we can try to avoid making the same mistakes in the future.

  34. “Education is a human right with immense power to transform. On its foundation rest the cornerstones of freedom, democracy, and sustainable human development” – Kofi Annan, Former Secretary-General of the United Nations, 2018.

    Fair, comprehensive, and easily accessible education is, and always will be an inalienable human right. From the foundational building blocks provided by Pre-K education to the advanced and career building courses provided in university, nobody should have to live life without access to education. Being able to reflect on discoveries both past and present among our peers fosters a form of growth and community inconceivable mere decades ago. Despite my comparatively lackadaisical approach to my own education in my earlier years I have quickly grown to recognize the true importance it holds. Subsequently I stand firm in my belief that universal expansion of unbiased and high quality public education on a global scale is one of the first steps towards creating a more peaceful and inclusive society. Furthermore, I’ve come to realize over the years just how powerful an impact a primary education can have on someone. Brilliance takes time and nurturing to flourish and grow into something truly amazing, and it pains me to know that millions of brilliant minds are denied or otherwise unable to access what they need to prosper. While we still have a long way to go when it comes to ushering in a new era of learning, I still believe it is possible through determination and compassion. Hopefully as a community we can come together to help bring humanity closer to this reality, and may it too bring forth prosperity.

  35. Chris N.

    I believe that experience triumphs over education. In the age of rapidly evolving knowledge and information, the value of education cannot be denied. Formal education equips individuals with foundational knowledge, critical thinking skills, and the ability to navigate complex concepts. However, in the pursuit of personal and professional growth, experience often emerges as a more profound teacher. While education offers theoretical understanding, experience imparts practical wisdom that is often worth more in the real world. Experiences that cultivates a deep understanding of real-world dynamics, honing problem-solving skills that education alone cannot replicate. Facing challenges, making mistakes, and learning from them can provide insights that textbooks and lectures cannot encompass. Moreover, experience breeds resilience and emotional intelligence. Interacting with diverse individuals, overcoming failures, and collaborating in real-life situations foster interpersonal skills that cannot be fully acquired within the confines of a classroom. Learning to navigate politics, conflicts, and communicate effectively are all valuable lessons that experience imparts. Innovation often stems from unconventional thinking, and experience encourages precisely that. It encourages experimentation, pushing boundaries, and challenging existing norms. While education provides a strong foundation, experience enriches that foundation with practical insights, adaptability, and a deep understanding of human dynamics. Both components are undoubtedly important, but experience’s intrinsic value in shaping well-rounded individuals and professionals cannot be overstated. As the world continues to evolve, those who can seamlessly integrate their educational knowledge with the lessons experience teaches will be the ones who truly thrive.

  36. Hope I.
    Education is a necessity for all people, and everyone should have a right to obtain an education. Education is not something everyone is lucky enough to have, which is why I do not think it should be taken for granted. I think everyone should be able to have the chance of receiving a high-quality education because it is important to be a well-rounded and knowledgeable person. Any type of education teaches us about particularly important fundamentals of life. Having basic skills such as communication, collaboration, teamwork, etc. is a requirement to be able to thrive in the real world. Education helps us prepare for real world problems and helps us get through challenges for the future. A proper education provides you with the opportunity to attain success years down the line. Even though education is important, I do not believe people have to pursue college to be successful in the future. There are many jobs in the world that do not require a college degree. People without a secondary education are sometimes frowned upon, but the work force is a better choice than going to college for some people. Some of the most important jobs out there are jobs that do not require a college degree. Personally, education has always been an important part of my life. Education will help me create my own success and accomplish my goals. The idea of college might be scary at times, but if I keep a positive mindset, I fully believe I will make it through.

  37. Justin A.

    Living in the moment is about fully embracing and immersing ourselves in the present, rather than being preoccupied by the past or worrying about the future. It is about appreciating the small joys, cherishing every experience, and fostering a sense of mindfulness in our daily lives. In today’s fast-paced and demanding world, becoming entangled in chaos and losing touch with the present moment is easy. We are continuously bombarded with social media, emails, and many responsibilities. However, I firmly believe that our happiness and personal growth lie in the ability to be present. By doing so, we can cultivate a greater sense of gratitude, and mindfulness, and ultimately, lead a more fulfilling life. Living in the moment also allows for greater personal growth and self-discovery. It opens us up to new experiences, challenges us to step outside of our comfort zones, and encourages us to fully engage with our passions and interests. By being present, we can fully immerse ourselves in the learning process, cultivating a deeper understanding of ourselves and the world around us. Furthermore, living in the moment helps to alleviate unnecessary stress and anxiety. Often, we allow ourselves to be overwhelmed by past mistakes or uncertainties of the future. However, by consciously focusing on the present, we can free ourselves from the burden of regrets and worries. This empowers us to make the most out of each situation, utilizing our energy and attention to create positive change and growth.

  38. Being older and wiser has shown me the importance of an education. What I mean by that is that when you’re younger, you think of school as play time when you learn small things. But kindergarten taught us socialization, and for kids like me, it was the first time in a very different environment away from our parents. In places like The Dominican Republic where education is not very important, working to make a surviving amount of money has been the only option for many people. In my dads case school was never an option, when having to pick between having food on the table and spending 7 hours in a building learning he picked what everyone around him did. Getting older, my parents always told me to go to school. After this sentence always came the words “you see the struggle we go through” Education is the doorway to success, many of the struggles he had to go through all led back to not having a formal education.
    Education opens so many doors to so many opportunity’s people like my parents wouldn’t know about. Getting a good education is investing in yourself. Things like college open up a wider door to any profession a person is interested in, anything from wanting your own business to helping people in a hospital. I can also say that having an advanced education makes you more confident in yourself, especially when doing it on your own. The thing about life is that you can always have what you want later with a good education.

  39. I believe you do need education and that it is important but it’s not as black and white as people perceive. I think education is important to a person’s growth, not value. People based a person’s level of intelligence solely on whether they go to school or not. You can educate yourself in numerous different ways. That idea that someone without a degree is not as smart as someone who did is not always correct. This mindset may stop people from pursuing an education. Also when you base education off of school you tend to base it on grades and scores. If you are a person who probably didn’t get the best grades this would be less encouraging to educate yourself past a high school diploma. Education should mainly be about the information you retain and not how you score.Don’t get me wrong you should be proud of your diploma and degrees but you shouldn’t discredit someone’s level of intelligence for not having one. I have meant very intelligent people with and without degrees. Your level of intelligence Shouldn’t be based on if you pass a test or whether you choose to get a degree. Learning is the main goal in growing and education, so people need to stop identifying themselves with their last test score and more on if they know more now than they did going in. The whole point of learning is to get more knowledge. I think everybody should remember that before going into something new.

  40. Education plays a critical role in individual development and the advancement of society, cultivating analytical reasoning, useful abilities, and knowledgeable choices. It needs to incorporate interactive activities, technology, and classical techniques to equip us for an ever-changing future. availability of education is essential as it encourages equal opportunities and minimizes inequality. the importance of continuous learning can’t be overstressed, as it enables flexibility and development. Education goes further than academic knowledge, fostering essential life skills. It equips individuals with the capacity to make positive contributions to their communities and helps to close gaps.

  41. Growing up with immigrant parents as a first-native born child in a country that is fairly new to them has influenced my perspective on education. My parents lacked knowledge when it came to the American education system which meant I struggled to receive the help that other students were getting, but I learned a lot of other valuable lessons from my parents.

    I was taught independence and resilience at a young age while going through school without the same navigation that my peers would receive. I soon understood the importance of gaining an education independently early on, learning that I cannot easily access help at home from my parents. This taught me to be able to adapt, which is a skill that I value through education and day to day life.

    Growing up with a different culture and noticing that my family is different from others around me enriched my cultural awareness from a young age as well. I have learned a lot and first hand experiencing diversity and understanding the importance of one’s culture has prepared me to thrive in a society where different cultures and ideations are prominent.

    I believe that diversity builds understanding and resilience. Understanding each individual’s differences and background has strengthened the belief that challenges are opportunities to learn and grow. The differences I grew up with and my parents unfamiliarity with the local school systems caused me to constantly seek for knowledge. Though they struggled to help academically, while growing up I have learned many other important things from my parents that I value and am glad to have to help through day to day life.

  42. Brendan Ballon

    Throughout my life, I’ve realized that a lot of our real learning doesn’t just come from textbooks or classroom lectures. Sure, school is important and it gives us the basics, but it’s our daily life experiences that teach us the most valuable lessons. Think about it: from long talks with friends where we gain new perspectives, to trying out new hobbies and figuring out what we’re passionate about, or even facing challenges that test our patience and determination. Each of these moments gives us insights and understanding we can’t find anywhere else.

    Life, in its everyday simplicity and complexity, is a constant teacher. We might not get grades for our decisions, but the outcomes teach us what works and what doesn’t. Every new person we meet, every story we hear, and every place we visit adds a new layer to our understanding of the world. As we grow older, our views evolve, our beliefs may shift, and our priorities might change. That’s all part of the learning process.

    So, while school is great for foundational knowledge, life fills in the gaps. It’s like the practical application of everything we’ve been taught. That’s why I believe in staying open-minded, always asking questions, and being eager to learn. Because in the grand classroom of life, there’s always a lesson waiting around the corner.

    • I love this perspective! Life really is the one lifelong teacher, because even after we finish whatever education we pursue, there are always more opportunities to learn- whether that’s about ourselves, our relationships, our interests, or the world around us.

  43. I believe that education is one of the most important societal expectations to be pushed on anybody, regardless of gender, race, etc. I have found that if one does not have kids of their own to educate, they often educate. This sentiment does not extend only to school teachers, but also senseis in martial arts, those in higher roles in working areas, and more! Education is a power that all of us have, but are not masters at. It is important to be patient when learning new skills and when teaching them. There are some people who are not made out to be educators, getting frustrated or fed up with those that you are teaching because they “don’t get it” only hurts up and coming generations. Leading to feelings of uncertainty and doubt with whatever it may be they are learning. As the only species on Earth who grows via education, it is important to preserve this in society by being more gentle and nurturing to those who come after us, generation wise. While some immediately jump to schooling when education is brought up, I do not think it is always a fair comparison. One thing that we lack in some aspects with normal schooling is choice. It is why I found importance in vocational education, and now college going forward. It feels very refreshing having a say on what I want to be educated on. However, college is not the only form of teaching that is valuable. Seeking out our own forms of education is the most important to me. One of my passions is drawing, and I have never taken a single art class. Another passion is video, most of the things I learned about video I learned through youtube tutorials about whatever chosen subject. The point of this is to say that growing through hobbies and finding some way to implement these hobbies into daily life, or even work life is a great priority of mine, and I think that having a good balance between these two things is key to having a happy and fulfilling life. I hope to learn and grow with you all this upcoming college year! Don’t hesitate to ask for help, or to ask for advice from either fellow students or our professors. You can never know too much. Be open-minded, ask questions, and stay aware, for the most important thing that coincides with education is change.

    – Noah S

  44. To be able to succeed in your education you need to be able to accept things as they are and work with them, this is something that is much easier said than done. Throughout high school and especially now as I am moving to college, I have come to realize how important it is to be able to think to yourself ‘it is what is’ and keep moving on. That is not to say that you should be a doormat and never work to improve things in your life and live in mediocrity but, it does mean not getting hung up on one or two things and letting them run your life.
    I struggled a lot throughout high school with turning in work on time or not at all because I had a lot of difficulty applying myself if I wasn’t passionate about a topic or if I felt that my work was not good enough, which led to a lot of missing work and failing grades. One of the things that I started working on in junior year and am still working on now is understanding that turning in almost anything is better than nothing. When I say that people seem to get bizarrely defensive and start telling me that you should always apply yourself to the fullest and strive for all A’s. So let me clarify turning in a piece of work that you have struggled on or maybe not put 100% of your effort into because you just can’t and getting a C will ALWAYS be better than turning in nothing and getting a 0. It’s significantly easier to turn a 65% to a pass than a 0. Also getting in the habit of writing will make it easier to pick up the pen (or more likely keyboard) next time and get the work done. So, remember if you are getting hung up on a difficult or overwhelming piece of work take a deep breath, say ‘it is what it is’, and do what you can.

  45. In my view, education is the cornerstone of personal growth and societal progress. As a lifelong learner myself, I firmly believe that education has the power to transform lives, open doors of opportunity, and shape the way we perceive the world around us. One of my favorite quotes by Nelson Mandela resonates deeply with my perspective on education: “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” This quote encapsulates the profound impact that education can have not only on individuals but also on entire communities and the global landscape. Education equips us with knowledge, critical thinking skills, and the ability to question and innovate. It empowers us to understand complex issues, make informed decisions, and contribute meaningfully to society. Education goes beyond textbooks and classrooms; it extends into experiential learning, self-discovery, and the development of essential life skills. It teaches us resilience in the face of challenges and fosters a sense of curiosity that fuels continuous growth. Moreover, education nurtures empathy and understanding by exposing us to diverse perspectives and cultures, fostering a more inclusive and interconnected world. As a student, I recognize the value of education in shaping my future. It provides me with a platform to explore my passions, cultivate my strengths, and discover my purpose. Through education, I am preparing myself to contribute positively to society, address pressing global issues, and collaborate with others to create meaningful change. Education is not merely a means to an end; it is a lifelong journey that enriches our minds and hearts. With the right education, we possess the tools to forge a brighter future for ourselves and generations to come. Nelson Mandela’s words remind us that education empowers us to wield the weapon of knowledge and compassion, ultimately transforming the world for the better.

  46. Throughout my whole career as a student, I have never taken my education for granted. Education is an extremely important aspect to all of our lives. It helps us learn and grow as people. I have always prioritized my academics, knowing it would have great benefit on my life. We are blessed in the United States to have such great access to education whilst other countries do not have this luxury. It is important that we do not take our opportunity for college education for granted. Not everyone earns or is given a chance to study at such a high level. Now that we are at this stage in our academic careers, we are finally able to work towards a future career that we carry on for the rest of our lives. In my opinion, this is where people should take their education the most serious. I will be a finance major in the fall and cannot wait to dive deeper into the business world. Our college education is a great luxury that paves the way for our careers. Another great thing about our education, is it creates many connections. I have met some of my closest friends just through school. I expect to make many more friends through this college education experience and hopefully future connections in my business career! Our opportunity for education is a great thing and I hope everyone takes this opportunity to work towards a successful future!

  47. As someone who comes from a family full of teachers, the value of education is something I’ve been taught to understand for as long as I can remember. I know that I’m extremely lucky to have received the education I have thus far, and even more so that I’m able to attend college. I also know that many people hold these same views but they may not have the same perspective about education that I do as a daughter, niece, and granddaughter of teachers. I’ve seen the realities of being a teacher, and how undervalued teachers are in today’s society.

    As a profession as a whole, teachers (especially those in the public sector) are wildly underpaid. Their pay rates vary from city to city and state to state, but compared to other public sector workers their salary and raises for inflation per year don’t even come close. I saw the realities of this first hand over the past year when the teachers at my high school, along with the rest of the public schools in my city, went on strike to demand a fair contract. Most of the community was extremely supportive, but there were more people than I expected who criticized our teachers and claimed that they didn’t really care about students because they were taking away valuable classroom time. Even our mayor and School Committee pushed back against the teachers and forced them to strike for an entire week before finally coming to an agreement.

    I think that people tend to assume teaching is an easier career because teachers get more vacation time than a typical 9-5 would offer, but they don’t see the behind-the-scenes realities of what teaching entails. For instance, my mom, who teaches elementary school, spends several hours every weekend and on weeknights working on lesson plans and preparing materials for her students. Additionally, when report card time rolls around 3 times a year, she spends even more time submitting data and writing personalized information for each student about how they’ve been working and behaving in the classroom. All this is in addition to the 8 hours she spends with students in the classroom every day. So many teachers also put in just as much effort and time preparing for their students, all while dealing with inadequate leadership in administration and less than ideal contracts and salaries.

    All this experience has led me to believe that not only is education important, but teachers themselves are unbelievably valuable to students and families. Without teachers, education would be much less accessible and considerably less effective at producing informed, well-rounded members of society. I’m so grateful that I’ve gotten the education that I have; that I’ve had so many incredible teachers who have gone above and beyond to make sure that their students are not only educated, but are also supported outside the classroom.

  48. I believe the Education k through 12 is a broken system that focuses on outdated standards rather than modern standards. Education is set in a factory like setting that zaps students’ imagination and creativity away. Leaving students only with knowledge of an outdated world.

    The education system is an outdated system, where students are taught outdated standards and lessons. School is set up like a factory where everyone must do exactly what the boss says. Just like a factory if you don’t do exactly what the boss or in education the teacher says you get a bad grade. Even if in the end you get the right answer or end up where the teacher wants you can still get a bad grade. All because you did not follow the exact steps the teacher taught. Which leaves students graduating high school without any creativity or imagination. The main lesson students learn is to copy exactly what their teacher taught them. Which in a modern world with modern standards and jobs does not cut it. Modern jobs require modern solutions that require creativity. Since these students never got to be creative or use their imagination regularly students are doomed to fail from the very beginning. This could change though. Many people have said this before and are currently making this an argument.

    Hopefully sometime in the near future education will become more modernized so, students can easily graduate school and join the workforce. As it stands now education is not as modernized as it should be. Between outdated lessons and classes students’ creativity is being suppressed. Where it should be flourishing.

  49. I think education is the most valuable asset in a person’s life. Having a good education will shape how you want to live your life. I only picked this category because I felt like I’ve learned a lot last year alone, not only school wise but life wise too. Yea sure I learned the school stuff like algebra, pre calc, literature stuff like that. But I also learned about life, the real world and how challenging life can be. I didn’t even want to go to college at first or it’s more like I didn’t think I needed it. I envisioned it like this: I would graduate high school and get a job and life would be a breeze. But I was completely wrong. In order to slightly live that sort of life you need a good job. And in order to get a decent well paying job you most likely need a college degree of some sorts. Also with that level of education you can basically get any job that correlates with your degree. The higher the education the more doors open in life. And with those opportunities life will be a little less stressful. Some people make it through life without an education but the chance of that happening are very slim and sometimes the way they make money isn’t legal. That’s why you can’t rely on that and you have to get an education so that way you can get a decent job and live your life a little better.

  50. I think we should value education no matter how old we are. Without education, we wouldn’t learn things about history and nothing would be recorded or taught. With education, you can get a job, money, happiness, knowledge. Without education, I wouldn’t have gotten so far in life. In college, it teaches us more about life than any moment in our lives. It teaches us how to become who we want to be, helps us make connections, and more. With college and education, we will be able to get through life with no complications.

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