The question is often asked, why do I need to go to school? I’m not going to use this stuff anyway…

If I may, that sentiment is only partially true. I’ve come to recognize the true purpose behind General Education. School is designed to prepare you for what many call the ‘real’ world. Each of your core subjects present more value than what we gleam on the surface. What I am about to share with you has not been proven in any institution, please do not try to fact check me. Instead, I ask that you read until the end and keep an open mind.

Mathematics

First up is Mathematics, now upon first glance a lot of the time math can be very intimidating. Numbers, letters, factors, and equations…there is just so many levels and elements too math. Yes, math is about solving equations, but the true purpose of math is to teach us problem solving. From basic addition to complex calculus, the whole focus is to condition your brain to solve problems. This is the part of math that we readily use in our everyday life. No there most likely won’t be a time where you will need to use the Pythagorean Theorem or Quadratic Formula in whatever path you take in life. However, what you will use is the problem-solving potential that accompanies these concepts. It pays to try your hardest in this subject, for even if you are unable to grasp the concept the sheer fact that you attempted means that you unlocked a new level of cognitive potential. 

History

Now History or Social Studies is a whole other beast. We’re used to timelines and dates in excessive amounts. Stories from our past that if understood properly can affect the way you look towards the future. The useful skills these classes bring out in us are the ability to research and recall. Knowing how to properly research is becoming an ever-growing need as an adult. For with the entity that is the internet the truth is often not easy to gleam. We must be able to research and find the truth and stand on the knowledge that comes with it. Now being able to recall information is more pivotal than one might think. For the average person the risk of information overload in just our everyday life is greater now than it has ever been. It’s no surprise that sometimes information might be lost. But, thanks to history we are taught how to recall countless seeming useless information.

Science

Usually being some of the more challenging classes; Science brings heavy lessons. Chemical reactions, molecular examination, and the study of life and how it works. When examined, it is fitting for these lessons to be so complex. For the purpose of science goes deeper than the aforementioned things, but science teaches us about relationships. As you may know relationships are a very complex thing in and of itself… no two relationships are the same. Now I’m not solely talking about romantic relationships but more importantly the interaction of one thing to another. Understanding how things relate to one another comes in handy as an adult. With the knowledge of relationships, we can somewhat control the flow of our life. A big part of a relationship is how the things involved interact, and what does it produce.

English

To wrap up the core classes, we have English or Language Arts. A lot of people dread this class because the heavy emphasis on reading and writing. Personally, I struggled with this growing up, however I had to work at it and eventually I got really good at both. So much so to the point where ironically, I grew up to become a writer. The reason that I share that information is because I’ve grown to see the skills I learned from this class as invaluable. English not only teaches us grammar, vocabulary, and comprehension, but more importantly it teaches us how to understand and how to communicate. The same way one breaks down a word to understand how its pronounced is the same way one can dissect a situation in life and understand it. This one trait spills over into the other subjects and it makes using those skills easier. Increasing your vocabulary works hand in hand with being able to express yourself. With a bigger vocab we have more words to pull from to express ourselves and this can be useful in life when you find yourself at a loss for words. Communication is a huge part of life and if one struggles to communicate then its safe to say they are struggling with many other things.

Honorable Mentions!

Now some honorable mentions are P.E. and any Foreign Language class. The purpose of these classes are pretty cut and dry. P.E. teaches us how to keep our bodies in the best condition for a healthy life. Whereas your Foreign Language classes not only teaches you another language but also how to understand and appreciate another culture. Both are very useful skills to have in life. Another factor that often goes unnoticed is how school in general teaches us about social interaction and how we get along with our fellow man.

In Closing

So, in conclusion the entity that is General Education holds a lot of value. Most are unappreciated until after the fact. The classes that we often can’t stand for one reason or another hold lessons that we can’t afford to miss. Lessons like how to solve problems and doing one’s own research. Other lessons like how to understand relationships and even teaching us how to understand in general. We learn how to communicate and interact with our fellow man. These lessons may not be printed in a textbook; however, they are very much an equal part of the school experience. So do yourself a favor and STAY IN SCHOOL! You Got This!!!