Schools: Are They Important, Or Just Overrated?

I didn't say children should waste away their youth playing. I merely stated that, if a child cannot/does not do well in school, isn't it better, then, to focus on what they ARE good at? Instead of pointing and saying, 'Oh, look, he's an idiot. He failed his maths all the time. Let's not hire him/ Let's just ignore him,' shouldn't we find what they're REALLY good at and help them find a way to use it to their advantage? It's a common stereotype for people to think that someone is stupid and/or useless whenever they find out that the person never finished high school. Well, guess what? Bill Gates dropped outta school, too. And now he's a billionaire (not that I actually like him). The same goes for Walt Disney. The man was considered a retard when he was young and eventually dropped out, as well. But he was a talented cartoonist and with that, he became the creator of one of the most well-known cartoon/fantasy franchise (is it considered a franchise? I wouldn't know) to this day. Bear in mind that I'm not saying that education isn't important. I'm just saying it's not EVERYTHING. An educated man would take a million dollars in exchange for the life of one man and use it for the better good (because face it; from a logical standpoint, this makes a lotta sense. You could help a million other people with that kind of money). But a good man (who doesn't necessarily has to be well-educated) would never accept such a deal because it's immoral in a way (how do you measure the life of a man?). Of course, it's always good when an educated man is a good man, too. Or vice versa. It all really depends on the individual. Honestly, though, my point IS, there are certain things a Harvard graduate can't do that an average joe can. So we really shouldn't judge people for their college degrees (or lack thereof). ~K~

That is true. But in real world, you can't remove human biases and what you call PR. Graduating in a real exclusive school is already an advantage.

Aha! That's EXACTLY what I mean. Is it alright for people to dismiss someone who went to a community college and got a degree there when you have someone who has a degree from Harvard?? What's the difference? Just. A. Name. In the end, the work that they'll turn in, depends solely on the person themselves. ~K~

True, true. I understand where you're coming from. But I'm actually focusing more on the fact that, if someone had only a high school education, should they be ignored when it comes to being accepted for a job in favor of taking someone from, say Harvard or whatever? Is it right to look down on them? I'm not saying schools should give up on students, no way! But when there's no other way to help them, isn't it better for them to focus on what they can do best rather than trying any harder to cram knowledge into their brains? Certain schools don't have the kind of consideration for their students that you're speaking of, sadly. ~K~ PS: Personally, I think we're already living in a society of ignoramuses, but that's beside the point.

I actually do believe that it's very unfair that some employers give more weight to those with a college degree over those without one...but who may have more real life experience. My field is computer technology and many times knowledge, experience and talent greatly overshadows degrees and certifications so, no, it's not right to look down on someone for that reason. "I'm not saying schools should give up on students, no way! But when there's no other way to help them, isn't it better for them to focus on what they can do best rather than trying any harder to cram knowledge into their brains?" Here in the U.S., once you get into high school, you can usually choose to learn a trade as part of your education if you're not academically inclined. A friend of mine saved her son's future by getting him into a program that focused on his talents and interest in computer engineering when he was failing in school. He also had to learn the basics. P.S. I agree with you about the ignoramuses.

nice. here is a tip that I wish I learned a long time ago. 1. When you reach legal age, find a low risk low reward sources of income. This can be a job or a part time job (there is really no choice. all low risk sources of income are low rewards). This is important so that you can pay your bills and you don't have to worry about them. But don't get stuck there or else you will be working hard all your life. 2. Then at the same time find a job/project/business that pays you even while you are sleeping (such things do exist) or even when you are not always physically present. You are still young. You still have enough time to figure this out. But I do hope you figure it before you reach your mid twenties so that you can really enjoy your success. Once you find one source of income like this, find another one. Until you have enough that you don't have to work in a job. After that you can do whatever you want like travel, engage in meaningful work like helping the less fortunate, or go back to school to study subjects you really like. Good luck.

I never thought of it that way, but you make a lot of sense. =D. I especially agree with that last part; there ARE many ways to one goal. There's not just one road in life. ~K~ PS: I love your style, =P.

Hehe, sorry if I made it sound offensive to schools. I just meant, if you don't do well, should you be looked down upon because of it? Also, I'm still schooling, actually, and well. One of the reasons I'm asking is BECAUSE of my teachers. Some of them are quite bigoted, not that they aren't good teachers. But they take things too personally, as in they hold grudges against the kids for little things. It's okay to scold them, but should you really verbally abuse them in front of their peers? It's scarring for some. I speaking on behalf of my friend. I don't really care what the teachers wanna call me, because I know what and who I am. But some of my schoolmates aren't as strong willed and frankly, they aren't very good with academics, though they're very amazing at sports (unlike me... XD). ~K~

Thank you! =D Colleges like Harvard and Cambridge are simply inaccessible to some people but because of that, these people are less respected than those who are capable of going. It's really not right, encouraging something like that. And yes, school IS a formality. It's like an orientation class; you should go, but even if you don't, it's not the end of the world. ~K~

=D Congratulations to you, then. Thanks for being my online evidence, lol! ~K~

I love your opinion. =D. Pros and cons always go hand in hand, after all. Anyways, there are such schools?! O.O I really wanna see them... ~K~

Awesome! =D You're a great manager, then. You've got my respect. ~K~