Speech on Education - Report Example

Speech on Education If we divide the successful people of the world into two broad categories, one category claims that they would have never been successful if it has not been their solid education, whereas the other category will speak of how their education is not relevant to their success. Some from this category may even go as far as to reveal that they never received an education, and were yet extremely successful. Not surprisingly, the inactive youth of today will choose to learn from the example of the latter category, even when they know how only a small proportion of the world’s successful people belong to this category. Due to this reason, the youth sometimes overlooks the more obvious advantages of equipping oneself with a solid education before venturing into the career world. They lose sight of the fact that education gives a person a universally recognized advantage in the job market, helps them take advantage of opportunities, which ignorant people would waste, and contributes to their growing as a person in a unique way. These, amongst several other reasons, show us why it is imperative for responsible guardians and role models of today to impress the importance of education upon their youth. One argument that people often raise against education is that it is usually not even relevant to a person’s school and education, what job they end up doing. This argument has been substantiated with proof over the last decade, as people graduate from engineering schools and go on to start a business, or people who have studied accountancy for several years grow up to be social workers (Schwartz et al, pp. 198 – 192). It is not possible to detect a pattern in these random yet common examples, except the obvious pattern, which is that all these people studied years to obtain degrees, which they never utilized in their careers. This, however, does not mean that the education they obtained was useless. It only indicates a lack of proper decision-making and awareness at the age when these people chose their college majors. Had the same person who became a social worker thought thoroughly about what they wanted to when choosing a major earlier, they would have never spent four years studying accountancy when it had no relevance in their career. They would have instead studied something more relevant, like communication or social sciences. Jim Collins, the author of ‘Good to Great’ introduces the Hedgehog Concept for such young people struggling to make a career choice (Collins, pp. 130-150). He tells them to find a career for which all of the following three characteristics apply: it is economically feasible for them to do, they are passionate about that career, and they have the skills required for such a career. According to this leadership expert, once a person identifies such a career, they should concentrate fully on trying to achieve it, whether this entail getting more education pertaining to it, or more experience. If a young student trying to choose a major applies this principal from the start, they are almost certain to choose an educational path that will facilitate their career, instead of going to waste. Moreover, there is no doubt that a person applying for a job while having the necessary education for it is much more likely to get the job, as opposed to someone who is either uneducated, or educated in an irrelevant field. For this reason especially, the youth should consider education an imperative part of their preparation to become adults and survive in the career world. Apart from this major aid in career advancement, education also presents itself as a tool to living a better life (Randall, pp. 457). It may not act as a complete guarantee to a better life, but it is a tool that helps a person perceives their life more clearly, whether this is in identifying opportunities or avoiding problems of several kinds. For instance, a person educating themselves in health and nutrition will be prepared not only for a career in a relevant area, but will also be capable of applying the useful knowledge he has obtained to his own as well his family’s health. In the same way, a person educated in liberal arts will have knowledge about several different areas in life, be they related to geography, psychology, philosophy or economics. In each of these areas, the individual will find information, which she can apply to her practical life, to have a clearer perspective on things. With such a wide knowledge, these students will be better equipped to live their lives, less vulnerable to repeating the mistakes of an uneducated and ignorant person, and more capable of taking care of themselves. Thus, education not only enables a person to achieve a fulfilling career, but also equips them to lead a well-guided personal life. Thus, a tool that every youth should work hard to attain. Finally, education also helps shape a human’s personality. When a person is educated, they are well versed in the etiquettes and protocols with which the society around them functions (Smith, pp. 38). They are more confident in their speech and well informed about any claims they make. Thus, they are able to carry on an educated discussion on different topics, and are able to participate in debates and arguments using well informed arguments and logic, which only an educated person will be equipped to make. This reason has appeal for those amongst the youth who seek recognition in society as a highly respected individual who earns people’s respect through how he or she communicates and presents him or herself to society. Thus, one can view education as a valuable personality trait that a person can acquire, which will help them present a confident and impressive front to society. Apart from these, there are several other reasons why a good education gives a person a healthy advantage in life. It help one achieve a better standard of living for themselves and their families (Randall, pp. 457). It also helps make much more informed decisions about different aspects of life. In addition, if a person educates himself or herself to specialize in a specific trade or discipline, they are equipping themselves to be more successful in such a career than others, the aggregate effects of which can be extremely beneficial for the economy. Due to all these reasons, it is imperative that the youth realizes what a critical component education is for a successful life. One should not see it as a luxury, which one should only attain if they can afford it. It is a necessity that is available to everyone. A few people have to work harder for it than others, but the fruits of it can be enjoyed by anyone who is able to utilize it in the numerous ways above stated. Thus, any caregiver, teacher, or role model should encourage their youth to gain this advantage to the highest extent possible, as it is an investment that will pay off for a lifetime. Works Cited Collins, James Charles. Good to great: why some companies make the leap--and others dont. HarperBusiness, 2001. Curren, Randall R. A Companion to the Philosophy of Education. Wiley-Blackwell, 2003. Schwartz M. D. et al. “Career Change: In Quest of a Controllable Lifestyle.” Journal of Surgical Research. Volume 47, Issue 3, pp. 189-192, 1989. Smith, H Bompas. Education as the Training of Personality. Manchester University Press, 1913. Read More