This article was published in the June 2011 issue of Jet Club Magazine and was chosen by editor, Linda Mali, as one of the top articles of the year.
.jpg) Education, why is it so important? How do you fund it? Rebecca Jackman has all the info you need for a meaningful life of knowledge and freedom.
Education is what prepares us for a happy, balanced and successful life. In pre-school, we learn to play well with others and to communicate. In primary school we learn to read and write, and the basics of the other essential subjects such as geography, history and maths. In high school, we better our knowledge of maths, science, languages, art, literature and the world in general, so that we can choose which field of work we want to pursue.
Along with all this, we learn morals, ethics, life lessons and the importance of being active and healthy. When it comes to tertiary education, we get to choose our future path in life. We become independent, armed with all the tools we need for a fulfilled and successful working life.
Passion is the key
Don’t be afraid to do what you want to do. If you’ve always loved numbers, choose a career in which you can use this ability. If you dream of your own hair salon, offer to style all your friends’ hair. Never choose a career based on how much money you think you’ll make – choose one that interests and excites you or makes you want to do your best because you’re naturally good at it. Ambition drives you to succeed and if you work hard, with patience, you will succeed.
Inventions and innovations
Had it not been for education, we would not have any of the innovations, companies and developments that we have today. Nobody would have invented TVs, mobile phones, cameras, aeroplanes, fridges, stoves or washing machines – and nobody would be working on a cure for HIV and AIDS.
Without education, Tokyo Sexwale and Patrice Motsepe wouldn’t be the phenomenal successes they are today. Mark Shuttleworth might never have been able to sell the computer company he started in his parents’ garage for R3.5 billion, and go on to establish the Shuttleworth Foundation.
Cyril Ramaphosa might never have become the business mogul he is today… South Africa has room for many more success stories like these, so don’t be afraid to know what you want and go after it. Work hard towards your goals. Even attaining the smallest goal is an achievement.
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