During this holiday season, many people will take time to reflect on what they are thankful for. Family and friends are the most obvious recipients of holiday gratitude, as they should be. But don’t forget to spend some time this year being thankful for your education.
Even if you have frustrations about the education system, have you ever stopped to think about how fortunate we are to have access to so much life-changing knowledge?
Consider these reasons to be grateful for your education:
You Have Access to Something That Millions of People Miss Out On
It is easy for people to take education for granted. For Americans, education is such a normal part of life that it can become almost like background noise; you don’t even notice it, anymore.
However, millions of people across the world are not so lucky. There are plenty of countries that consider education a luxury, not a basic right. People living in impoverished countries may never have the chance to get educated.
Nelson Mandela once said, “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.”
We are fortunate enough to have easy access to tool that can make this world a better place. How cool is that?
Education Options Are More Flexible Than Ever
Not too many years ago, proximity was a crucial part of education. If you didn’t live near a school, you were unlikely to have any access to it.
Today, we are more connected to education than ever. There are evening classes, online options for traditional college programs and certificate programs for people who want to learn a specific set of skills.
Free courses on a number of topics can also be found online. The Internet gives us access to scholarly journals, video lectures from prominent members of academia and many other educational tools.
During any time of any day, a simple online search can bring us to millions of pieces of information on any given topic. It is amazing how much we have literally at our fingertips.
Finding the Best Teachers and Mentors is Simple
Having access to so much information also extends to improving our chances of making the right personal connections. When looking for teachers or mentors, online searching can help us find the best fit for us.
Seeing past curriculum’s, published work or articles about potential teachers or mentors can make the decision easier. Since teachers can really shape what we learn and who we become, it is a huge advantage to learn about our options before enrolling in a class or reaching out to a potential mentor.
We Have the Chance to Give Back
Studies have shown Millennials give back more than the generations before them, putting a lot of their time and focus on philanthropic efforts. Having access to so many wonderful things has put this generation into the fortunate position of being able to easily help others.
Volunteering has become a common part of the college experience, but it doesn’t stop there. People are increasingly opening their hearts and wallets to help the causes that mean something to them.
So as you reflect on what you are thankful for, consider taking some time to figure out ways to pass that gratitude forward. Thankful for the mentor that changed your life? Consider mentoring someone yourself. Thankful to your friend for pointing you in the direction of a great new job? Pass it forward by letting your network know when new opportunities come up.
Have a wonderful and appreciative Thanksgiving!
Erin Palmer is a writer and editor with a huge amount of gratitude for her education and the people who made it possible. Her work has appeared in numerous publications and websites, including The Chicago Tribune and The Huffington Post.
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