It's funny - I've always hated school, yet here I am, working at a college and considering going back to school. I find the whole system tedious and, frankly, ineffective at creating truly smart individuals. The focus on standardization goes against the grain for anyone with a bit of intellectual curiosity. Homework, meant for practice, becomes a graded assignment, and the whole system can be a nightmare for both gifted and struggling students. Everyone learns differently, and our public schools just don't seem to grasp that. Maybe one day... but I have to remind myself how young our modern education system really is.
Despite my aversion to formal education, I've always positioned myself to seize opportunities. I joined the military, earned the GI Bill, and went back to school. Now, working at a college, I have the chance to earn another degree, potentially taking up to 9 credit hours per month.
As things settle down, I'm strongly considering getting my Master's. There's a bit of a twist, though. Apparently, a Master's in Marketing is considered a "specialty" degree, but an MBA with a Marketing concentration isn't, making it eligible for my GI Bill benefits. I can't wait too long to make a decision, or I might miss this opportunity. It's definitely on my to-do list for the next 1-3 years. It would be a waste not to at least try.
I've noticed that the more educated people become, the more they tend to rely on "appeals to authority." One thing I appreciate about Freemasonry is its emphasis on individuality and intellectual freedom. We need to engage in thoughtful debate and challenge ideas to find the truth. I want to maintain this mentality moving forward. While I might know a lot about marketing and business, I recognize my limitations compared to others with different expertise. It's important to stay humble and keep learning. Too often, "overeducated" individuals develop a sense of superiority over those with more real-world experience.
If learning is a lifelong pursuit, then I have a duty to embrace the educational opportunities available to me. I want to make the world a better place for my son and future generations. But "making the world a better place" doesn't always mean grand gestures. It can be about the small things, too. Maybe it's developing a game that strengthens relationships, growing a garden and sharing the harvest, or contributing to my community through organizations like my fraternity. I have skills in marketing, programming, and web development. I'm excited to see how I can use them to make a positive impact, however big or small.