There is value in knowledge no matter your plans. I promise you will never ever regret being smart.
Dear Sister,
No matter what path you take in life, I can guarantee you will not regret being clever, well-read, or articulate. Let that marinate in your mind for a moment. There is value in learning, even if you don’t go to college.
I get asked again and again, why? Why does my math teacher teach me algebraic formulas if I’m never going to use them? Why do we have to study Shakespeare? Why do we spend so much time learning about the past? Why do we have to learn grammar?
Because I want you to enjoy being a smart, well educated human.
I’m not a math person, but I know that the study of numbers and equations builds connections in our brain that help us become better critical thinkers. It’s true, I don’t use algebraic formulas on a daily basis, but I’m thankful that part of my brain was stretched to find logical solutions.
Shakespeare shaped our language. He shaped how we tell stories, and the quality of storytelling we expect. He gave us so many of the words we speak. Yeah, Shakespeare’s writing sounds different than how we talk, but it’s beautiful, witty, and epic. Once you study Shakespeare you’ll start to see his influence everywhere and wonder how you missed it all before.
If I ignore the lessons I’ve learned, I’m bound to repeat my mistakes. Despite history being fascinating and tragic and stranger-than-fiction, history teaches us powerful lessons. Without studying the past, we’re doomed to repeat the mistakes of our ancestors.
No, I don’t care if you can spout grammar rules at dinner parties. And if you can, you probably shouldn’t try. Sadly, it’s not as cool to other people as I find it. BUT it is important to study the structure of sentences and have a fundamental understanding of the language you speak, write, and communicate in. Most jobs require some form of communication, and the savvier you are the higher you’ll rise.
I’m profoundly sad when I’m asked these why questions, because I realize that the young adult doesn’t understand the joy of learning or how precious it will be in their life.
I’ve had a lot of education. I’ve been very fortunate. I paid my way through undergrad, and now I’m paying off my graduate degree. I didn’t have to go back to school. No one forced me to pursue my MFA in Creative Writing. But I knew that I wanted to grow as a writer. Learning and growing has always added depth to my life experiences.
In my first year of college, I wondered what the point was in taking so many classes that had nothing to do with my major. I wasn’t the only student wondering about this. Some of those pointless classes turned into the most fascinating courses of my college career. Honestly, I would never have stepped into a Sociology class if it hadn’t been a requirement. There were so many amazing things I learned that I didn’t know I wanted to learn or that they even existed.
Be open to new things. Be open to expanding your understanding of the world. Be open to math and Shakespeare and history and grammar. Soak it up, because before long, you’ll have fewer people in your life trying to help you learn.
I hope you can capture the joy of learning. Because once you learn something, no one can ever take that from you. Brains and knowledge aren’t just for the college educated. There is depth you cannot imagine waiting for you. So please don’t feel like there’s no point in studying just because you don’t plan on college or it doesn’t fit your major.
Explore.
Your sister,
Mallary
XOXO