Journal # 5 "The Irony of Education"

Why is it that in North America we (as a society) seem to take education for granted? In other countries students will take any opportunity they can get to improve themselves. In our society, educators sometimes have to take extreme measures to perform their function. Why is this?

Education in North America is one of society's largest assets. It is prized and respected internationally. So, why is it that many people have a blatant disregard for the education system? In other countries around the world, people will take and use every opportunity to improve themselves in every way possible. In North America, it is seldom done. Of course, there are the few who jump right on board with this. But, what about those who don't? There are times when teachers seem as if they have to force the education down a kids throat in order for them to learn something. Even then, at times, it still doesn't work.
It all comes down to a lack of caring. Why, do we, as North Americans care so little about our education, when it is the thing that will do wonders for us in life? I think that many people do not seem to care about their education because they believe that they can get by in life, with or without education. A lot of people know that there are always going to be jobs out there that don't require more than a high school diploma. Knowing this, that's what they aim for. It doesn't matter if they have really poor grades, as long as they can manage a 50%, they can graduate. As well, there are also other institutions that will grant you your high school diploma if not previously received. Places such as Second Chance are available.
Education is the one thing that has always been available to us. In the past, only the privileged and the rich were able to receive education. Now, it is mandatory for everyone under a certain age (14, I think) to attend school. After a certain point, people are able to leave school, at their own free will.
As well, school is just not for everyone. Not everyone is able to excel in school, and not everyone wants to spend five years in University in order to be considered ‘successful’ in their lives. There are also people that are quite content doing a job that does not require post-secondary schooling. The opportunities that school is able to present to you are always stressed. But, what about the opportunities that do not require schooling? Some people don’t care about schooling because they are happy with their lives at present, and believe that they are able to get by.
In North America, there are many opportunities to succeed with or without education. These opportunities are taken all the time and many North Americans are able to live successful lives. People in other countries take their education a lot more seriously than we as a society do, because they are unable to be presented with the same opportunities as we are.
Education is important, but so is doing what makes you most happy.