The Pursuit of Education
Over. Done. Finito. My first semester back to school has ended today after taking my last final.
I can’t really express the kind of feelings that going back to school have given me: frustration, anger, excitement and enlightenment are just a few that come to mind.
There’s a lot wrong with the current institutional educational model. Promoting instructor satisfaction over discussion and intellectual argument promotes intellectual laziness. Students go through pain and stress to satisfy the teacher and get a good grade. Attendees (what I’ll call “students” that are not really motivated by school, both lazy or smart) become frustrated and give up. A huge, foundational reform to the education system is urgently needed.
Well, the way I dealt with going back to school after 10 years was to take the most of it by focusing in class, soaking every bit of knowledge and wisdom from the instructor, and promoting discussion and participation by setting an example whenever I get a chance (which most instructors appreciate it if done sensibly). But I never forced myself into doing something I can’t do well: memorization. Studying, for me, is done in class, while reading the material and having concepts and considerations pop up; not by attempting to memorize all concepts. Whatever I can get that way, sticks with me lifelong. Memorization is temporary and usually gone after a few hours or days. I’m back to school for lifelong learning. My grades may not be the greatest but I’m happy with them and glad to see some instructors focus on that a bit more than 10 years ago (and not the youngest ones, actually).
All in all, I’m glad to be back in school. Full-time student along with full-time job while trying to kickoff an entrepreneurial career is not easy but pays off every time you learn something new that can be put to work in understanding other people or yourself better and better. It has, so far, solidified my desire to take on my unique abilities and put them to good use, maximizing my talents and acquired skills.
Can’t wait for the Spring semester. :)
