The Price of Education
One day I was watching a movie called, “Gifted Hands”. It’s a movie based on the biography of Ben Carson. He came from a very difficult family and a very poor environment. Instead of focusing on what he didn’t have, he decided to fight with the help of his mother. He worked very hard and achieved his dream to become a neurosurgeon. He became a very influential person among the black community and in the United States. Lately, he ran for the office of the president of the United States.
We are amazed when we hear his story and what he has been through. He is such a great role model.
When you see the successes of someone, it can be compared to an iceberg in the ocean. Out of the water, there is the success, fame, recognition among your peers, etc. which is the tip of the iceberg. However, about 90% of the iceberg is usually under the water. This part represents the struggles, the tears, trials, and every kind of hardship that he/she has faced and overcome.
The same applies to what a student faces. As fellow students, one can understand the cost and the price to pay because of our goals and our hope. Sometimes, you may want to give up, but you endure and persevere because your breakthrough might just be near.
You hold on even if it is hard. Why? You do it because you know it’s worth it.
Another great movie that I saw was, “Homeless to Harvard: The Liz Murray Story”. It is a portrayal of a homeless girl who finally decided to fight and be educated.
Education is one way you can improve your life and make your voice can be heard in your generation.
Once you acquire your certificate, what do you do? Some people don’t find a job immediately after their graduation and they stop pursuing knowledge. Some may not have the grace to study further and be formally educated; even if they desire it, they might have nobody to sustain them. Some people will continue to study, not because they need it, but because they love it. I remember a 60-year-old man who will attend lectures at university because he liked to study and to get knowledge. He told me that it keeps him young. I heard another story of an old man who decided to study Medicine in his sixties because he wanted to work with his daughter who lived far abroad.
Some will achieve their goals in life like Ben Carson and become very influential people. Others will be content with their job and their daily life.
Education, however, should be seen as a lifestyle. Knowledge should be sought after, even beyond formal institutions. The pursuit of knowledge should be a personal race.
What do you live for once you get your degree or certificate?
There is a bigger plan in this life above the pursuit of our own happiness, achievement, or fulfillment.
You can have later a stable life, family, or job. However, what do you do for your generation, for your country, and for the improvement of someone else’s life.
Only in God can you find a real purpose that not only will benefit you, but also the others. It’s only God who gave us the intelligence and the resources we have naturally. We came from Him and He gave us these gifts.
Have you ever wondered when you see a fourteen-year-old in the walls of a university? Are you amazed when someone who has never been to a musical school put you to tears when she sings? Or someone who never studied economics but has natural business acumen?
Our lives if used rightly will have an impact for eternity. Therefore, we must remember to live for Him and use our education to serve His purpose and Kingdom. We can get all the knowledge in this world, be the most brilliant person, and be renown for our abilities. Our true meaning, however, doesn’t rely on our abilities or our gifts, but only on the love of God we show for humanity.
I’ll end by this verse from Ecclesiastes, I really like, “Fear God and keep his commandments, that’s being human after all”
Thank You for a good read.
I remain your friend. Dr. Charles Apoki
