Why I Don't Go to School Just to Absorb Knowledge

“School is one thing. Education is another. The two don’t always overlap. Whether you’re in school or not, it’s always your job to get yourself an education.”

—Austin Kleon

     It's the end of the school year. I, for one, have already finished— graduated high school, actually. This time of year, the apathy truly starts to set in. We don't care about being here; we just want to return home with a decent grade after a not-too-trying day. I understand that feeling.

     But what I really don't understand is the people who never try. The people who just want to barely pass. Or the ones who are so obsessed with knowledge in its rawest form that that's all they show up for.

     School is an interesting place. We're there to get an education.

     But my thesis today is this: We are not just in school for an education but to leave a lasting effect on others' lives.

     If you take nothing else from this post, take this: It's very rare (if ever!) that we, as believers, are in situations just for ourselves.

     This is why I don't go to school just to absorb knowledge. This is why apathy is pointless. Don't just scrape by with a grade and ignore the people around you. It's not just about knowledge. It's not just about grades.

     School, any kind, is an environment where we can learn about others and share the truth with them.

     So, next school year, when you're off at a new place, think about all the reasons why you're there:

to help others in the class

to put in your best effort

to learn new things

to encourage the struggling teacher

to share notes

to coach those who aren't as strong in this subject

to be kind

to share your life with those you thought you had nothing in common with

     Don't return to school just for a letter grade. Don't wait around for a teacher to impart knowledge. Give yourself an education by investing in the lives of those around you and living the life Christ would in your shoes.

     There. Pep talk/rant over.

What would you add to the list above? Do you find yourself being apathetic in educational settings? Why?

~Madeline