The Gift of an Education
an article by Anna Aluko

I went to school today to get what they call an education. As I sat down in my biology, chemistry, sociology and history classes, I listened to the professors and took notes in the lectures: it was supposed to help me pass my exams and get the well-grounded perspective on life. I must admit that sometimes I wondered why I was in class.

Then it dawned on me that there was a reason why I was in class. As Nikki Giovanni, a renowned poetry author said during a speech at University of Connecticut “If I was taller or had the talent of a basketball player, a gymnast or a singer, I would not be here [sitting in class]. Instead I would be using my talents to earn millions and improve my life and the lives of people around me. But in reality, I am short, can’t shoot a hoop, but I’m half-smart and I need to use what I have in order to make something of myself in this society.” I do partially agree with Ms. Giovanni, I don’t have the talents of an athlete but I am an intelligent person and I can use this to make something of myself? This to me is the gift of getting an education.

Pursuing an education will get me to graduate from college and hopefully get a job and earn a living that will improve my life and the lives of those around me. This is my ticket to opportunity. Above all, education helps me have a voice in promoting peace. I learn and am conscious of my rights and the human rights of others. It also makes me aware of the news and events around the world, and through learning, teaches me different methods in which I could help my community. As a result I am empowered to help educate my peers. I am part of a Human Rights Student Ambassadors program under the support of the UNESCO chair; we go into high schools to educate the students on many human right issues.

Because of this, tomorrow I will pay closer attention in class, because using your own talents can get you somewhere.

DISCUSSION

Question(s) related to this article:

How do we promote a human rights, peace based education?


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SCHOOLS AND PEACE EDUCATION

LATEST READER COMMENT:

I can relate to Anna's school experience.  In America children are taught by society at a very young age that a sports/art/musical based talent will make you wealthy and powerful.  But usually the words talent and intelligence are not placed hand in hand.  The American education system emphasizes that education will give a person upward mobility. In turn the opportunity for a more prestigious job, which will enable someone to become wealthy and powerful?  However the education system does not teach us that education for the sake of learning is a gift and a reward in itself.  
It is important for adults to encourage today's children to use their intelligence as their talent and consider education a gift... . ...more.

This report was posted on December 4, 2004. The moderator is Adam.

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