...and now that you have gone to school, what next?

...and now that you have gone to school, what next?

                Education. A term that has literally come to mean academic qualification in a schooling environment either online or offline. This term borders on the horoscope of development and yet a society such as ours, though full of theoretically educated and academically qualified professionals, lacks growth. Not growth in terms of what we have, what we see and what we have access to as a result of education, but growth in terms of intellectual capabilities to translate what we know theoretically into physical solutions for our society. The essence of education is to broaden the horizons of interest. Now, I know talking, typing and voicing out my opinions do not transform the situation, so it is not my intention to change or transform. However, I would like for you to consider your own life and your own truth. Why did you go after an education in your field of study? Why are you currently in a B.Sc, Masters or Ph.D. program? Is it to get a better job, earn a living, and achieve a dream...? Whatever your reason, I assure you, if what you studied does not in one way or another translate to making our society a better place with your newly acquired knowledge and skill, then it is a waste. A little analogy would show you what I mean:

                If you went to school for a degree at 18 years of age and graduated at 22, did your national youth service at 23 and finished your masters at 25. This has just been 7 years in acquiring employability. No problem with that whatsoever. However, if what you studied, does not relate to what you do hereafter, what was the point. Now, I also know that many times we do not have a say in picking a career path or course of study, but we do have a choice in deciding to make life and living worthwhile, more than just a routine.

                Hence, the question: Now that you have gone to school what next? As someone who understands, I recommend that you take a little while to think about it all and what it means. Is life really about your potential and purpose in the way that you have come to accept it? Do you think it was predestined for one man to fail and another to succeed? Is there really a guarantee that if you follow the plan and path you are on, you are bound to get to your pre-determined destination? The answers to these questions are not a definite yes or no. What is certain is life as it is. To decide what to be in life once the cycle of academic qualification is over is to see your life as one part of many. As there are doctors to tailors, there are tailors to doctors and farmers and industrialists and entrepreneurs and artists and mass communication experts and journalists and so many more job descriptions, some of which have not yet been given identities. Most times we see education as what we need to get a better life. Although I cannot deny that with a good educational background, academic qualifications and professional certifications, you are bound on a good path, what is also key is the quality of life you lead and live. This value is not determined by qualifications but rather by choice and as a result of choosing, education in your field of interest becomes the tool to which you can arrive safely and happily at your desired destination while being grateful for every step of your journey.

                So, dear friend, before you make your next move in life, ask yourself, WHAT IS MY WHY FOR DOING WHAT I AM CHOOSING AND HOW DOES IT FIT INTO MY LIFE.