This entry is part 17 of 106 in the series This I Believe
This I Believe
This I Believe
The Value of Education
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I believe in the value of education. Education is what has allowed me to have most of the things I have today, from basic reading and writing skills, to worlds of knowledge that pique my curiosity and wonder. It has given me strength and instilled numerous values and beliefs into me. It is the one thing that everyone can benefit from, and I strongly wish for everyone to have equal access to a good education. Not as much emphasis and support is given to it as there should be, which is an issue that dearly needs to be addressed.

I am privileged to be able to be writing this essay, sitting where I am. Many youth across the world have not had the opportunity to access education good enough to provide them with basic reading and writing skills. These basic skills are skills I could not imagine not having. Words bring knowledge, power, and whole new worlds. Writing allows sharing, expression, and creation. These combined allow access to an incredible wealth of opportunity.

Being in an environment of education has shown me much more than just basic learning skills. It has taught me values that I hope to carry with me for the rest of my life. Science has taught me the wonder that can be gained from just taking a look at the world around us. Math has taught me the importance of detail and dedication. History has taught me the workings and intricacies of human nature and its consequences, good and bad. Music has taught me the joy and warmth that comes with collaborating in a group. Education has shown me many perspectives of life, but most importantly, it has also shown me the value of being open to new ones.

Unfortunately, the truth is that the value placed on education is not as high as it should be. When children are asked what they want to be when they grow up, a teacher is a common answer. Ask the same question again to teenagers, and that answer becomes much more rare. Why does this happen? This should not be the case. Great teachers nurture greater students. Education in the elementary, middle, and high school levels is especially crucial to developing students’ worldview, work ethic, and even personality. I hope that America can grow to realize that education is invaluable to unlocking the potential of future generations. The world lies in the hands of youth, and we cannot only hope that those hands will be capable ones; we must try our best to ensure it.

Sometimes, people do not take moments to appreciate what they do have. My moments of appreciation often come when I am in school, learning an interesting new concept, laughing with classmates, or just listening to the buzz of a school day. Education has given me so much that I have no way of repaying except to use what I learn in a positive way. I will strive to use the knowledge and values I have to contribute what I can. Education is the key to worlds of opportunity, and it is possibly the single most powerful and influential tool we have. This, I Believe.

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Abby
February 26, 2019 12:50 am

I agree with the value of education. I was fortunate enough to get to go to a charter school since kindergarten. I have grown so much not only as far as my education, but as a person. Going to a school that doesn’t have a graduating class of close to 130 students definitely has its benefits and allows me to have a better relationship with my teachers. I don’t feel like I can’t ask them a question when I need help. Also, it allows me to be dual enrolled so that I can take classes that actually interest me. The school itself offers a wide selection of courses and electives to choose from, but also offers a chance for students to take classes such as nursing at a local community college to help them when they go to get their degree in the future. My school has helped set me up for a great future, and I feel as though some schools lack this necessity with their students. Teachers at charter schools are more willing to do whatever it takes to ensure that they are benefiting the student in a positive way.

Sarah
February 15, 2019 6:17 am

I agree with your essay because education is valuable for everything in life. Not only is education important for having success through school, but it gives critical life experiences that will be useful when preparing for the real world. As a student in high school, I have witnessed events that although they may not have been the most pleasant experiences, I am now able to pursue my career with those bits of information. Although education is very valuable, it is not portrayed in the best way possible. It is often looked at as a standard or needing to be revamped, but old-fashioned, solid schooling can get the job done quickly. The system that works is not always being used to its fullest. In order to restore the best possible success for students is go back to the method that works. This way students will be successful and be prepared for life.

Sarah
February 15, 2019 5:48 am

Education is something that must be internally fixed. From my own personal experience as a student who has been at the same school since kindergarten, the changes in academics have occurred drastically. Nowadays, since my school is constantly trying to be compared to traditional public schools, the main focus on students learning and preparing them for life has been tossed aside. For my school, our administration strongly believes in data. We are tested every quarter about our studies, and our focus is on the public image. Instead of this, we should be preparing for what students need, even if it doesn’t produce all of the glory that other schools have. Charter schools, and other schools in general, need a reverse shift back to where the student came first, instead of the picture. Education is valuable, with the help of the right focus, mentor, and curriculum, education can be more valuable and beneficial than the other.

Ellie
Ellie
February 12, 2019 5:13 pm

I agree that it is very important for students to continue to be asked questions about what they would like to do when they grow up. At a charter school this question is asked and students are allowed to pursuer it every day. At Union Academy there are a lot of duel enrollment classes and you can take electives in what you are interested in. I have friends that are taking a community collage class for free that allows students to peruse nursing. We also have a trades program for students that don’t want to go on the collage route, we have a group that takes a class called welding and they learn how to weld so that they can leave high school ready to go into work. This is one of the major benefits of charter schools. Electives at my school are mandatory, we have science electives like anatomy, psychology, and sociology. These are elective that students can choose to take to help them get ahead in collage and their future career.

Madyson
February 11, 2019 1:32 pm

I agree with the values of education. I am a sophomore at a charter school and I believe that the independent learning is the most efficient way to learn. Having the smaller classes is nice because you can have better and closer relationships with your peers and more opportunities to get help from your teachers. I believe that the parent involvement great because it allows parent to be more apart of their children’s social lives. Charter schools, as said in the original post, are valuable with education.

Janna
February 11, 2019 1:26 am

I agree with your deep values of education. I believe that a public charter school education is the best way for students to learn. Everyday when I go to school; I am met with so many new challenges that better me as a student and a person in society. My sophomore class has a little more than 100 students. This small class size allows for better relationships with teachers and students. I know I can turn to my friends with any of my problems and they will be there for me. My teachers help me when I’m struggling in school with extra practice and group tutoring sessions. Students truly have a chance at reaching excellence in a charter school. Charter schools are a family environment, and I am happy to attend one.

Kaitlin
February 9, 2019 11:47 pm

I agree with you on how education is not as valued in this day in age. However, I believe that charter schools give a new sense of value back into education. So much more involvement is found at charter schools. I have been lucky to see this involvement flourish my school since I was in first grade. Teachers at charter schools are willing to do whatever it takes to impact the school and the student’s lives in a positive way. This involvement is not only found in the teachers but the parents. Parents donate so much time and money to allow education to grow at charter schools. The value of education is able to be found within charter schools.

Rachel
February 8, 2019 6:43 pm

I agree that education is important and should be put at a high value. Without the education that I’ve been provided, I wouldn’t be able to read, comprehend, or compose a response to this. I’m a student at a charter school, so at times we have teachers who publicly complain about their pay. If you aren’t familiar with charter schools, they are tuition free schools who operate independently from the local public schools. Because they operate independently, they might not have the money to pay teachers efficiently. This often helps us find teachers who are truly there for the joy of teaching rather than for the money. Charter schools are given a hard time for the way they pay their teachers, but I find that I create real connections with my teachers and can openly talk with them without fear of repercussions. They have influenced me heavily to pursue my education as far and for as long as I can.

Kiser Shelton
Kiser Shelton
February 8, 2019 5:17 pm

I totally agree that a lot of people don’t appreciate the education that we are privileged with. I am so blessed to have gone to a charter school since kindergarten. I am currently a Junior and love how family oriented my school is. My parents have an input on any choice the school makes, and it makes me have a much easier life in the long run. I am so blessed for the opportunities I have been given and hope that people start to recognize the blessings they have in their life.

Rachel
February 8, 2019 4:58 pm

I agree that education is important and should be put at a high value. Without the education that I’ve been provided, I wouldn’t be able to read, comprehend, or compose a response to this. I’m a student at a charter school, so at times we have teachers who publicly complain about their pay. If you aren’t familiar with charter schools, they are tuition free schools who operate independently from the local public schools. Because they operate independently, they might not have the money to pay teachers efficiently. This often helps us find teachers who are truly there for the joy of teaching rather than for the money. Charter schools are given a hard time for the way they pay their teachers, but I find that I create real connections with my teachers and can openly talk with them without fear of repercussions. They have influenced me heavily to pursue my education as far and for as long as I can.

Rachel Myers
February 8, 2019 4:51 pm

I agree that education is important and should be put at a high value. Without the education that I’ve been provided, I wouldn’t be able to read, comprehend, or compose a response to this. I’m a student at a charter school, so at times we have teachers who publicly complain about their pay. If you aren’t familiar with charter schools, they are tuition free schools who operate independently from the local public schools. Because they operate independently, they might not have the money to pay teachers efficiently. This often helps us find teachers who are truly there for the joy of teaching rather than for the money. Charter schools are given a hard time for the way they pay their teachers, but I find that I create real connections with my teachers and can openly talk with them without fear of repercussions. They have influenced me heavily to pursue my education as far and for as long as I can.

Kaitlin
February 8, 2019 4:04 pm

I agree with you on how education is not as valued in this day in age. However, I believe that charter schools give a new sense of value back into education. So much more involvement is found at charter schools. I have been lucky to see this involvement flourish my school since I was in first grade. Teachers at charter schools are willing to do whatever it takes to impact the school and the student’s lives in a positive way. This involvement is not only found in the teachers but in the parents. Parents donate their time and money to allow education to grow at charter schools. The value of education is able to be found within charter schools.

Kaitlin
February 8, 2019 3:12 pm

I agree with you on how education is not as valued in this day in age. However, I believe that charter schools give a new sense of value back into education. So much more involvement is found at charter schools. I have been lucky to see this involvement flourish my school since I was in first grade. Teachers at charter schools are willing to do whatever it takes to impact the school and the student’s lives in a positive way. This involvement is not only found in the teachers but the parents. Parents donate their time and money to allow education to grow at charter schools. The value of education is able to be found within charter schools.

Mia F.
February 7, 2019 7:49 pm

I agree about the value of education. As time goes on people shouldn’t change who they want to be, if we can change the way people change in the school system as people grow older, we can unlock new potential never thought possible. I too have learned a lot in school that I hope to never forget, and we should work as a nation to help others feel the same as well.

Rachel Myers
February 7, 2019 7:42 pm

I agree that education is important and should be put at a high value. Without the education that I’ve been provided, I wouldn’t be able to read, comprehend, or compose a response to this. I’m a student at a charter school, so at times we have teachers who publicly complain about their pay. If you aren’t familiar with charter schools, they are tuition free schools who operate independently from the local public schools. Because they operate independently, they might not have the money to pay teachers efficiently. This often helps us find teachers who are truly their for the joy of teaching rather than for the money. Charter schools are given a hard time for the way they pay their teachers, but I find that I create real connections with my teachers and can openly talk with them without fear of repercussions. They have influenced me heavily to pursue my education as far and for as long as I can.

Kiser Shelton
Kiser Shelton
February 6, 2019 1:58 am

I agree with what you are saying about public schools needing to change their teachings styles and skills. I go to a charter school and have some of the best teachers in my life. They always communicate with my parents and can help me when I get behind. Anyone else have any views on charter schools? Best wishes, Kiser.

Kiser
Kiser
February 6, 2019 1:54 am

I really like what you said about the teaching in public schools. Personally, I go to a charter school and have some of the best teachers that I’ve ever had. I really enjoy my school because it creates an educational niche for it’s students. I am hoping that the public school system can change for the better. Best wishes.

Jessica
Jessica
May 18, 2017 7:40 pm

I agree with article about the values of education. I also agree that being in a learning enviroment will help you with social skills and responsibility. i believe people should appreciate education because not everyone is able to go to school.

Mathew
Mathew
May 17, 2017 8:26 pm

I agree with the other on the value of education.I believe that public schools should get more funding to improve skills for teaching and interacting with students.I also agree that people should appreciate what they have and take their education seriously and use it for the rest of their lives.

Avery
Reply to  Mathew
February 12, 2019 1:27 pm

I agree because education should be put to a higher standard than it currently is. Improving funding for charter schools would help better the school systems because they offer a second choice for choosing education. Having a good education can change the way a child future is shaped. improving education throughout the world will end up changing the world. Charter schools focus on small classrooms which allows for better student to teacher relationships. I think this gives better education opportunists because with the smaller class sizes its easier to be involved in class and ask questions.

Samantha
Samantha
May 17, 2017 8:23 pm

I agree with what you were saying on the values of education. Not everyone appreciates the education they have. When in other countries they do not have the same rights as us. Education has made me stronger and learn more skills. Education has showed me to be more responsible. We need this learning because in any career we do it will be needed.

morgan
morgan
Reply to  Samantha
February 8, 2019 3:32 pm

I agree that education should be valued more than it is. Education shapes a child throughout their most important years of being developed. However, a child’s education has been limited to learning by the book. Teachers should be able to have a creative space to teach what they think will help them get to the next course. Charters schools don’t have to teach to the book because they don’t have to follow the rules of the states. Teachers are able to connect to with their students and teach so they really understand the material in a unique, fun way. Funding and support for charter schools should be encouraged because they help prepare students for the future.

Rachel
Reply to  morgan
February 8, 2019 6:32 pm

I agree that education is important and should be put at a high value. Without the education that I’ve been provided, I wouldn’t be able to read, comprehend, or compose a response to this. I’m a student at a charter school, so at times we have teachers who publicly complain about their pay. If you aren’t familiar with charter schools, they are tuition free schools who operate independently from the local public schools. Because they operate independently, they might not have the money to pay teachers efficiently. This often helps us find teachers who are truly there for the joy of teaching rather than for the money. Charter schools are given a hard time for the way they pay their teachers, but I find that I create real connections with my teachers and can openly talk with them without fear of repercussions. They have influenced me heavily to pursue my education as far and for as long as I can.

Navjot
Navjot
May 17, 2017 7:02 pm

I agree with the text about the value of education. I also agree on how we need to improve our teaching skills in public schools. Education also has allowed me to have most of the things I have today. Education has thought me the values that I hope to carry with me forever.

Rachel
Reply to  Navjot
February 8, 2019 6:36 pm

I agree that education is important and should be put at a high value. Without the education that I’ve been provided, I wouldn’t be able to read, comprehend, or compose a response to this. I’m a student at a charter school, so at times we have teachers who publicly complain about their pay. If you aren’t familiar with charter schools, they are tuition free schools who operate independently from the local public schools. Because they operate independently, they might not have the money to pay teachers efficiently. This often helps us find teachers who are truly there for the joy of teaching rather than for the money. Charter schools are given a hard time for the way they pay their teachers, but I find that I create real connections with my teachers and can openly talk with them without fear of repercussions. They have influenced me heavily to pursue my education as far and for as long as I can.

Rachel
Reply to  Navjot
February 8, 2019 6:44 pm

I agree that education is important and should be put at a high value. Without the education that I’ve been provided, I wouldn’t be able to read, comprehend, or compose a response to this. I’m a student at a charter school, so at times we have teachers who publicly complain about their pay. If you aren’t familiar with charter schools, they are tuition free schools who operate independently from the local public schools. Because they operate independently, they might not have the money to pay teachers efficiently. This often helps us find teachers who are truly there for the joy of teaching rather than for the money. Charter schools are given a hard time for the way they pay their teachers, but I find that I create real connections with my teachers and can openly talk with them without fear of repercussions. They have influenced me heavily to pursue my education as far and for as long as I can.

Youth Voices is an open publishing and social networking platform for youth. The site is organized by teachers with support from the National Writing Project. Opinions expressed by writers are their own.  See more About Youth VoicesTerms of ServicePrivacy Policy.All work on Youth Voices is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License

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