What if the key to unlocking your dreams and overcoming life’s struggles was right before you—and it was education?
There are moments when we feel lost, sometimes useless, and others depressed. We feel like we do not know where we are going with life. We ask ourselves if we will ever be able to provide for our needs and provide for those we are responsible for.
We have all felt that way at least once in our life. I have felt that way several times in my life and have asked myself all those times, “What is one thing I can do to change my life? What are the things missing in my life that make it great?” I concluded that the lack of a proper education was the leading cause of all these feelings.
Education Overcomes Life’s Uncertainties
Many people worldwide do not have access to a decent or even an education. Some want one but do not have the means to afford one. Others don’t have access to the kind of education they need or want in their home country, and like many other people, this was and is my case.
As someone born into an impoverished family living in the Republic of Congo, I struggled a lot with having access to a good education, at least to the one that I wanted and needed. When I was a teenage boy, the lack of education was affecting me from the inside out, causing me to have dark moments, feeling lost and useless, and not knowing which direction exactly to take my life. That was true until I realized something: I needed to change, improve, and get better. That feeling first came when I came across Patrick Leroux’s audiobook “The 12 Habits of a Winner”. Back then, I knew that I needed a proper education if I wanted to change my life, have a better life, have a sense of life, and stop experiencing those uncertainty and suicidal feelings I was having.
In his 2019 address, United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres spoke about how the lack of education affects the individual and impedes societal progress. He noted that children worldwide face violence, early motherhood, and rising suicide rates, all linked to the absence of quality education. Guterres stated, “67,000 adolescents die from suicide or self-harm every year due to the pressures created by their lack of access to education.”
Education as a Catalyst for Personal Growth
Beyond providing valuable skills, education molds character and unlocks an individual’s potential.
Getting educated enhances cognitive, intelligence, and emotional development. The Unity Environmental University supports this by saying that neuroscience has proven that the brain is a muscle that can retain its neuroplasticity throughout life. However, like other muscles, it must receive continual exercise to remain strong. Higher education allows people of any age to improve their cognitive abilities, such as problem-solving and decision-making. This can make many parts of life more manageable and help society run smoothly.
Education is also a key factor in developing emotional intelligence, a crucial component of success in the workplace and personal life. Studies show that individuals with higher emotional intelligence tend to perform better in leadership roles, manage stress more effectively, and build stronger interpersonal relationships.
Emotional intelligence is key to workplace success. Studies show that people with emotional intelligence exhibit more:
- Self-awareness
- Motivation
- Confidence
- Willingness to try new things.
- Innovative thinking
- Active listening
- Collaboration skills
- Problem-solving abilities
By attending higher education institutions that value these soft skills, students can improve their emotional intelligence as part of their career development in college.
Education Unlocks Opportunities
Education creates pathways to career advancement, financial security, and societal impact.
Education allows individuals to access better career opportunities, equipping them with the knowledge and skills demanded in today’s job market. For instance, a recent study by BYU-Pathway Worldwide found that its students experienced a substantial increase in income, with many reporting an average growth of 57% after completing their education programs. This significant income growth is just one of the many tangible benefits of higher education. Beyond personal financial gain, education also empowers individuals to make meaningful contributions to society. Educated individuals often return to their communities as leaders, mentors, and innovators, addressing social challenges and inspiring others to follow their path. Education, therefore, is not just a personal achievement but a catalyst for societal progress and prosperity.
Education is the foundation for overcoming challenges, fostering growth, and unlocking life’s most significant opportunities. Education alleviates uncertainty, promotes self-development, and leads to success.
Enrolling in higher education is one of the best decisions I have ever made. Doubts and all those feelings that were dragging me down have disappeared. As I continue my path as an Ensign College student pursuing a bachelor’s degree, I already see all the opportunities that will unfold before me, whether as a freelancer, an employee, or even a business owner.
It’s never too late to pursue an education, and with BYU Pathway Worldwide, you can access college with very cheap pricing and fees as low as $15 per semester. You, too, can enroll now!
Investing in education is the most valuable door you will ever open.
