Why education matters

As someone who's still in school, I experience my fair share of the typical Kiwi education which is laid back at most. Of course, some will disagree but I will continue to proclaim that it could've been much worse; we could have been doing the gao kao or the suneung. However, what is perhaps the greatest tragedy of our modern education system is the people who take it for granted. We have become accustomed to being handed our education on a silver platter; it has become a right rather than a privilege. Don't get me wrong, I completely agree that education is a right everyone should be able to enjoy. Everyone. Not just hordes of students from first world countries.

Here's a list of why education matters:
- It allows one to get a job
- allows financial independence
- allows one to be well versed in the ongoings of the world
- provides one stability
- opens new doors and opportunities
- allows for creativity of expression and interests
- allows one to choose a specific pathway, instead of just meandering around

There's more. The list could go on and on and on, however, the point is that education allows us freedom to chase our dreams. With the correct guidance and materials, we are able to pursue what we desire most in this world, no matter how bizarre. Not only that, being well educated allows us to be open to new people, ideas and opportunities. We aren't confined in our own personal bubbles, but rather, are aware of the happenings around us. So, where did we go wrong when we decided to take such a precious gift and and (for the most part) throw it away? In my opinion, it all comes down to exposure. From a young age, those of us who live in first world countries, have been constantly exposed to all forms of education. From kindergartens to high schools to college and eventually, graduate school, all of us have had at least one form of education thrusted upon us. Therefore, we become used to it. So much so that we normalise its value in our lives. Think of it like this: in a desert which one is more precious, water or gold? Gold might seem physically appealing, but it is the water that will help your survive. Similarly, education can be analogised as water for our bodies. Constant learning helps us survive and evade the possibility of a stale mind.

The ultimate point I'm trying to make here is the fact that education is important. Everyone across the globe deserves the opportunity to have a fair and just education provided to them. As a feminist, I strongly believe in the statement "in order to educate a family, you must educate a mother". However, in many developing countries, girls are being deprived off their rightful education and instead, being burdened by domestic responsibilities. In fact, whenever I visit the makeshift school at the slum, at least one girl has been forced to drop out due to familial duties. This is wrong and completely unjust. Everyone deserves a proper education, no matter their race, creed or gender. Therefore, I hope that you will join me in my pursuit of providing the children of India with a fair and equitable education.