Mark Twain once said “I have never let schooling interfere with my education.” The pressure of the education system forces students—even the ones that love to learn—into a terrifying, despicable process of learning. We cram, we word vomit on the test, and we brain dump. So what are we actually learning? Students don’t care what they’re learning, or how prepared they will be for their future job. The only thing that matters is the grade. That little grade can determine some big things. In high school that little grade dictates what college you’ll get into, how much financial aid you’ll receive, and how successful you’ll be in life! Our educational system doesn’t give a flying you-know-what about creating students that have character, love of learning, and want to continually develop themselves.
Great, so what do we do? Who has the time to fit into the mold of a perfect student as well as find the time to educate ourselves? A student is more likely to fully embrace learning if they’re interested in their major, but will that major make them enough money or have job opportunities after college? We need to rekindle the love of learning that we had as kids! Science hasn’t become less cool, but we’ve become less curious. Art hasn’t become boring, but we’ve become less creative. So take a second, revert back to your childhood days and try one of these three things:
1. Read a book
Remember how you used to be obsessed with black holes, whales, or Ancient Egypt? Find a book about it and NERD OUT. Your mental capacity should be significantly higher than the last time you picked up a book about your favorite topic, and you have so much to learn. We have a wealth of knowledge at our fingertips and so many of us choose to ignore it pretty much every day. If you hate reading, listen to an audio book. Get off your phone, your laptop, turn off the TV, and get into a book; there is so much knowledge out there that will help you be a better, more well-rounded, intelligent person.
2. Find a (smart) mentor
At any college, you’re surrounded with people who have mastered the subject you’re interested in. Even if it doesn’t apply to your major, or if you don’t go to that school, instructors want you to learn. Pick his/her brain over coffee or a meeting. Learn something you’ll actually retain and appreciate from an expert.
3. Embrace your passion
If you’re stuck learning or doing something that doesn’t interest you, take time to do something that does! Do not be afraid of your passion. Embrace it. Love it. It is who you are. Share it with the people you love; cook, draw, sing, or learn for them. Do something that makes you happy and never stop bettering yourself.
Remember that you can do anything that you want to do, whenever and wherever you want to do it. Don’t let your schooling get in the way of your education and love for learning. Be better than the person you were the day before.
