To Be or Not To Be, Academic? Should That Really Be A Question?
We are told everyday to go to school and get an education, in order to get a better job, in order to matriculate through this challenging society….blah, blah, blah! We are spending years going to school, majoring in a particular field, only to get the job working right beside someone whose plight was just a little shorter. Or we spend all of our time educating ourselves, only to find the job that pays less than “Suzie’s and she has no degree.” So why seek additional education to be a part of this madness? Why should individuals go to community colleges, universities, or other institutes of higher learning altogether? How do we decide when and where to scratch the Academic surface?
Why should anyone want to seek higher learning? Well, the advantages definitely outweigh the disadvantages. The advantage of extending one’s education lies in getting to know who and what else is out there. There is so much information surfacing everyday, therefore it is necessary for one to assume the responsibility of knowing what “it” is. Equally important is finding out who’s producing the new information, because there is so much out there to learn. A disadvantage persists when one feels that he is not where he ultimately wants to be in life, thus the need to seek a new perspective.
Whether it is a community college, university, trade school or workshop, it can provide another dimension of learning that can truly be beneficial. It is important to seek a point-of-view other than your own; even it involves reading a book or an article. The key is growth and upward mental mobility should be the goal. Location, income, time or lack of it are all factors to consider when deciding upon an educational endeavor. So, if you are questioning whether or not to go “back to school”, you must be “alive”. Most importantly though, is to find the avenue that will fit best with your income and time schedule. Remember just as no question is a dumb question, you are never too old to learn. Beauty really is skin deep and ignorance definitely lies in the eyes of the beholder.
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That is a very good question you posted here. I had an interesting thought right in the middle of my undergraduate career. I was not happy with the prospects of where I was going (being a band director). I sat down and really spent time trying to figure out what was making me happy and where I wanted to in the future. I had been working as a student assistant at a library and had become pretty good at what I was doing so much so that my old boss told me I would make a good librarian and encouraged me to follow that room. So my reason for seeking higher learning in library science was just the love of the profession, and the encouragement of a professional that believed in my potential. My old boss’ point of view was my other point of view
My plight was a little similar to yours. I began to have an interest in the library when a librarian showed me how to use the computer database to find my information. I will never forget that day. I then spent so much time in the library, I figured that I might as well work in it. I was a student assistant in the library getting ready to work on an M.A. in Communications.
I stopped into the library office for a quick second to drop off some paper work and the Head Librarian stopped me and asked me if I would be interested in going to “Library School” because they were having an information session. I thought to myself…..Library School? I then responded, “well, I am getting ready to go to grad school in Communications, but I can at least check it out”.
I didn’t want to be rude, but I realized early on in undergraduate not to be so quick to turn down invitations, as one never knows what lies on the other side. As soon as I walked in I was immediately interested. The term “Library School” put a unique spin that through me off. When the details of the Program were explained, I immediately jumped on board.
Hey there.
I am very passionate about the need for continuing education as adults. This is the information age, an age with constant change, a highly competitive workplace- setting these ‘professional’ realities aside, what about education for personal development? Education is not just a means to an end; it is a continual process of self discovery. It involves the notion of a quality of life of which we determine. Education is a privilege. We in the United States and Canada have educational opportunities not available and or accessible in many countries of the world. We are the ‘haves’ in a ‘have-not’ world. I loved your summary of education- “The key is growth and upward mobility should be the goal.” Think back to Maslow’ hierarchy of needs- self actualization. I get easily bored and I need to learn new things, I need to be fed by constant knowledge and opportunity. I could not have the same job for a lifetime or do the same tasks over and over again. I see myself as a life long learner not just for professional development but more importantly for my own personal growth.
Personal development set aside, I do appreciate the need for developing professional skills in order to obtain a career that makes money and provides benefits such as healthcare. I also appreciate that there are barriers to accessing continuing education such as time and money. Unfortunately, any type of formal education costs an astounding amount of money and it concerns me that governments should be doing more to help individuals to access educational institutions. There is however, opportunity in self- teaching and public libraries provide free classes and collections ripe for personal and professional development. I am currently writing a history paper on John Newbery (Newbery Medal- ALA children’s book award) and he did not receive much of a formal education however, he loved reading and valued learning. He truly was a self-made and self-taught man!
Miranda
Hey Miranda!
I totally agree, especially with Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs! I love learning about new things as well. I also agree that broadening your educational horizon not only improves your personal life, but your professional skills as well. Who am I kidding, we all want to make those big bucks, but the advantages of higher education definitely outweigh the disadvantages. It can also serve as a positive influence to others.
Tricia Rene’
Tricia,
One of the reasons I have been pushing myself through our Library Science program is to get a job and then start putting away as much money as I can in order that my children receive a topnotch University education. Ultimately, I hope they can purse an education that provides personal development and “those big bucks” necessary for life. I also want them to appreciate that education does not stop after you receive any type of diploma, degree or certificate. Education is a life long pursuit…education pushes us out of our box of comfort. It provides us with new skills, opportunities, and fulfillment! I feel that education is the greatest gift I could ever give them (although my 13 year old is pretty ecstatic about her new cell phone).
I would say though, I think all education programs should provide opportunities for internship and application of new skills. These internships provide students with networking opportunities. There must be a way for students to bridge from academic graduation into the workforce. I think it is the responsibility of any academic institution to make this accessible. Two of the librarians who came to speak to our class commented upon the value of internship.
Miranda
Wow, Tricia your comments really hit home with me and probably everyone who is pursuing an education. Sometimes it feels like all of your hard work goes unnoticed especially when your job hunting and the pay might not be what you expect. Your right, the advantages definitely outweighs the disadvantages because of the conversations that you can participate in. A college education exposes you to people who you may not have a chance to meet or work with in any other situation. The beauty of an education to me is the enjoyment of being included in a fraternity of sorts with people who have experienced the triumphs and hardships on similar journeys.
Richard, Tricia, Gus,
No matter what job we get in the future- education is a reward in itself!
Miranda