Introduction.
We are constantly learning, all throughout our lives. Acquiring knowledge and skills is an ongoing process that takes place in and outside of a classroom. The value of training and disciplining ourselves is immense, and for that reason, investing in education is a guarantee that we will be able to face all life’s challenges with confidence.
Formal education is not a favorite topic to reflect on for some people. To them, the concept of learning and the necessary execution of tasks is overwhelming, and responding to expectations as well as following a certain set of rules – challenging.
Others view their experience in school as pleasant, but at the same time, they consider it as something they would have avoided if they had that opportunity in life.
Generally speaking, disregarding the importance of the role schools have in people’s lives and the value of formal education is as problematic as it gets due to several reasons.
What we (actually) learn in school
A classroom is a place where we learn about ourselves, especially our differences in regard to others. It provides exposure to diversity in terms of culture and religion and assists us in developing tolerance and empathy towards the other.
If you are coming from a multicultural background, there is hardly any doubt that you’ve been learning about diversity from an early age. Many have conquered their preconceptions and challenged prejudices right there – in the classroom.
Aside from that, the rules and codes of conduct that are an integral part of the education system, but many find difficult to follow – serve a higher purpose. They help the individual develop high levels of self-control which are much needed in later years of life.
Some may argue that a free spirit shouldn’t by any means be expected to fit within a structured system the school itself represents. However, persons who classify themselves as such, rarely manage to succeed within a larger structured system that society represents.
Therefore, ignoring the many ways in which formal education helps us become skilled individuals who are capable of operating on different levels throughout our lives, does more harm than good.
The power of education
In regards to the learning part, you are likely to be familiar with the phrase “Knowledge is power”.
As you discover the basic skills to read, write, critically analyze and do arithmetic, your horizons broaden since you are equipped with a general understanding of how the world works.
That enables you to become an active participant in discussions, as well as a competent observer and contributor to the functions of the society later in life.
It makes you knowledgeable about matters which are of your interest in the context of a globalized world that is constantly changing.
Simply put, education enables you to do the things that must be done. Additionally, it teaches you to recognize when the right time to act has come.
Once you internalize what you’ve been taught, becoming an individual who can contribute to the improvement of the quality of your life and the lives of your successors is essentially – inevitable.
How education can help you later in life
Although many fail to see the big picture, the fact is that school teaches you about social skills primarily.
In the classroom, from your relations with teachers, professors and classmates, you’ll learn how to deal with bosses and co-workers that you may or may not really like.
Note that underdeveloped social skills will bring you stress, anxiety, and discomfort more than most things in life.
There are many other life lessons provided in the classroom that will benefit you, the student, as an adult.
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Time management.
Time management refers to planning and controlling how much time you spend on specific activities. If you have good time management, you will be able to complete more in a shorter period of time. It translates to lower stress and greater chances of success.
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A strong work ethic.
Success depends on a strong work ethic, as well. It represents a set of values based on high standards in terms of discipline and hard work. In order to achieve it, you need to have a focus and motivation. People with strong work ethics tend to finish tasks immediately, instead of scheduling them for later.
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Collaboration.
By its definition, collaboration represents an immensely useful element of the creative process. If you focus on collaboration with the people you work with, there will always be almost zero room for conflict.
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Multi-tasking
Multitasking can be defined as a system developed by an individual which allows them to perform more than one task at a time. If you are aiming for a career that will require of you to manage the completion of a variety of undertakings in a short period of time, then further developing the multitasking skills you obtained in school is essential.
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Self-discipline.
Self-discipline refers to your ability to control your desires and impulses in order to stay focused on what needs to get done. This will enable you to successfully achieve your goals. The commitment to long-term gains is acquired from an early age, leaving little or no room for instant gratification.
And finally, education makes us capable of interpreting things as we are being taught the lessons of life, which sometimes come hard on us and are, in most cases, difficult to comprehend.