on education

for many of us, our education culminates in a piece of paper, our degree scroll signifying our entry into one of the fields of work - be it engineering, law, medicine, teaching, management, the starting point of our careers.

but what does it mean, really?

the assurance of success? the compilation of knowledge waiting to meet application in the real world as opposed to the more sheltered world of school?

education is more than that and in its most ideal form, it is a means of opening our hearts and minds to growth and deeper understanding of who we are and what we can give to make our lives and the world at large a better place.
for some, the hard work studying and pursuing a diploma or degree is the method by which they seek to take their family to a higher strata of society and to enjoy a better quality of life.

which is why it becomes a fundamental liberty, guaranteed under the Federal Constitution. it should never become a mere commodity, but a life giving fire to be safeguarded and shared with all who need its warmth and light.
one of the saddest things is to know that a student has the gifts and abilities to excel, but is hindered by factors such as lack of resources or opportunities. why do we deprive our young of what they can do?

which is why also i don't understand why a career in education is sidelined and regarded as less important than engineering, for example. we are who we are today, regardless of what rung of the socio-economic ladder we stand on, because of our teachers. to say they have an easy job with very little responsibilities is to insult the ones who brought you where you are today.

a belated happy teachers' day to all teachers everywhere.
somewhere out there, you have touched someone's life. :)