why is it that some people don't value education?

Question

A friend of mine always told me that i wasn't motivated enough when I told her I attended college fulltime and as a result I'm unable to work. I stay at home with my parents because it's quite expensive living on campus. Now, this friend dropped out of school so she could "be free" and live on her own. She now lives on her own, out of school and is struggling to pay bills

Answer 1

Because we are all different and value and want different things in life. You have to do what is right for you, and your friend had to do what was right for her. Someday she may decide to go back to school, or she may not. I long ago gave up trying to figure out why people do what they do. Here is a piece of writing that may help you come to terms with it:

Desiderata

Go placidly amid the noise and haste,
and remember what peace there may be in silence.
As far as possible without surrender
be on good terms with all persons.
Speak your truth quietly and clearly;
and listen to others,
even the dull and the ignorant;
they too have their story.

Avoid loud and aggressive persons,
they are vexations to the spirit.
If you compare yourself with others,
you may become vain and bitter;
for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.
Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.

Keep interested in your own career, however humble;
it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.
Exercise caution in your business affairs;
for the world is full of trickery.
But let this not blind you to what virtue there is;
many persons strive for high ideals;
and everywhere life is full of heroism.

Be yourself.
Especially, do not feign affection.
Neither be cynical about love;
for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment
it is as perennial as the grass.

Take kindly the counsel of the years,
gracefully surrendering the things of youth.
Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune.
But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings.
Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.
Beyond a wholesome discipline,
be gentle with yourself.

You are a child of the universe,
no less than the trees and the stars;
you have a right to be here.
And whether or not it is clear to you,
no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.

Therefore be at peace with God,
whatever you conceive Him to be,
and whatever your labors and aspirations,
in the noisy confusion of life keep peace with your soul.

With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams,
it is still a beautiful world.
Be cheerful.
Strive to be happy.

Max Ehrmann, Desiderata, Copyright 1952.

Answer 2

I think it may have something to do with what inspires a person as they are growing up. If a child comes from a family that didn't have an education, they could be influenced to think education wasn't important. Or, they could be more motivated by that fact, and think, "I want more than this when I'm an adult, so I better get an education!"

If a person comes from an educated family it could go either way, too, depending on the dynamics of the family. If a child is always being pushed, it may turn them against education. But it everyone in the family is educated, it is just a normal part of life to get an education.

Also, everyone isn't college material, and if a parent realizes that when the child is still in high school, it would be wonderful if they influenced the child to go to a vocational school. I work at one, and it is so wonderful to see kids trained in areas such as heavy equipment, cosmetology, electricity, plumbing, business, or food preparation, and end up making just as much money as someone who went to college because they were able to pick up a wonderful trade. Oh, how I wish everyone realized how important a good education is! I applaud your willingness to go to college and stay home with your parents to save money. Good for you!

Answer 3

Your question reminds me of the line from the song "What it's like" by Everclear: "Where it is usually depends on where you start." I came from a family and community that valued education, so it's no surprise that I did as well. But I get the thinking of the other side of the issue.

Translation: some people don't value education because they haven't seen other people they know and can relate to be able to succeed at it and achieve their goals through it. It's the same reason some people don't value participating in elections, or physical fitness, or nutrition.

Plus, some people have goals that they can advance toward more rapidly through paths other than education. Want to see the world and have adventures? Enlisting in the Navy will get you there faster; of course joining the Navy with a college degree will make for an even better experience.

Lastly, not everyone is an effective learner in a formal education setting like college; some people do better through hands-on, experience-based learning. Apprenticeships may work better for them.

Answer 4

Education comes in many forms. Education is a valuable gift, the most powerful people in the world are normally the best educated. In simple terms if you want a good life where you don't have to worry about bills and money, get a education, if you are happy cooking burgers or packing box's in a factory, education is a waist of time. I also believe that paying for education is wrong, it should be free to everyone!

The day you stop learning is the day you die.

Answer 5

You sound sooo much like me!! A lot of my friends and co workers thought I was soo crazy to cut back on work to attend nursing school full-time! They just thought it was so impossible. But, I always think about the long run and not to brag, but next year when I finish I will be making three times as much money as them. I too stay with my mom now to save money. Yes, it was a sacrifice but it's well worth it..Next year, I will have my career, a job I love, and all I had to do was sacrifice two years. People don't think outside the box..they always think short-term. Anyway good luck with your education!

Answer 6

Some people just don't get it. My mom was always more pleased with the part-time job I had at the hospital both she and my grandmother had worked at than my accomplishments at school. I always assumed it was because she had little education herself, and when she was growing up, people were fortunate to have any kind of job at all. I didn't argue about it with her, but her support would have meant the world to me. Plus I suppose that money you can see in the hand now means more to some people than the promise of money you might get later.

Answer 7

An education is one of the most valuable things you can ever receive. It is almost a necessity to be successful in life, and I've found that people who attended an institute of higher education are so much more content with their lives. Good for you that you are in school! Don't listen to those who say it is a waste of time.

Answer 8

You keep up the good work. Your parents are very proud of you, I know. I bet they are glad you are home with them while you go to school. Once you are finished with school, and have a good job, nice place to live, invite your friend over for a "free, and own your meal". You may want to help her with a bill or two. Or not!! Best of luck.

Answer 9

People who do not value education are pretty stupid. People who take for granted the public education system, disrupt the class and cause trouble don't have a clue. They generally don't appreciate eduction until it's too late, but then they have to pay for it, they may not have enought money because without a high school diploma, they can't really get a good paying job. It is a downhill spiral and a good way to wind up in prison or on public assistance. It generally sucks.

Answer 10

My father always said that an education is the only thing they cannot take away from you.

He is right. They took everything from him. A business, a job, all his money, all his savings, cancer took his wife, but he still has his education and the ability to use it.

If you are able, stay in college and get as high a degree as you are able. It will be with you for life.