Knowledge (noun): facts, information, and skills acquired by a person through experience or education; the theoretical or practical understanding of a subject.
Notice how nowhere in the definition above says the word 'classroom.' This is because knowledge is capable of being acquired in an infinite number of ways, and it should not only be done within the walls of a classroom. The best type of learning is done through traveling to new places, meeting new people and having new experiences. In my opinion, that type of knowledge is most valuable. That knowledge cannot be measured by means of testing or other methods of evaluation frequently implemented by the education system, but it's undoubtedly the most useful.
I am not saying that schooling is useless, because it is far from it. I am simply saying that the knowledge acquired from within the classroom is not the most important. The information that you learn in middle or high school could be interesting, but the majority of it lacks any true substance in terms of the real world. There's no life lesson to be learned or anything you could apply to your own life to better yourself. Sure, the teachers make you learn the periodic table or memorize all of the state capitals, but does that material positively impact your life in any way? If you're afforded the opportunity to continue your education and obtain a college degree, the majority of the courses that you take will most likely be of interest to you and will teach you something of actual substance. Regardless of your completed level of education, most of the stuff you learn within a classroom will most likely be forgotten within the next few months.
The most valuable learning is done outside the classroom. It's the type that cannot be measured by test scores, but by life experience. Learning outside the classroom is crucial and vital to one's personal growth as an individual. You do not need to spend hundreds of dollars on a plane ticket or even put a small dent in your wallet in order to gain knowledge either. Learning could be done while sitting on your couch in the comforts of your own home. It can be as simple or as extravagant as you want.
Whenever there is an opportunity to learn something new, whether it be a new skill or whatever, take it. Allow your mind to be like a sponge and soak up all the knowledge it can. Learning only enhances your life. Knowledge can't hurt you.
Travel to new cites. Study abroad. Get out of your comfort zone. Find ways to get involved in your community. Watch a documentary on a subject that sparks your interest. Watch random documentaries that come on television. Learn a new language. Talk to people who live lives completely different than your own - whatever that may mean to you. Visit museums, and art galleries, and libraries. Google any subject, and read articles pertaining to that subject. Walk into your backyard, and take hundreds of photos simply of the nature. Take advantage of this vast, magnificent world we live in and try to explore as much as you can of it. We're only alive for so long, and tomorrow is promised to nobody.
