“The function of education is to teach one to think intensively and to think critically. Intelligence plus character—that is the goal of true education.” —Martin Luther King Jr.
My reason for posting this article is driven by my passion for learning, education and bringing out the passion in others to strive for higher education.
I consider myself a lifelong learner, an advocate for education and have a passion for educating myself and others. In a 2016 article in the Education Research Review, the authors provide a definition of passion in education as “a strong inclination toward a self-defining activity that one likes (or loves), finds important, and in which one invests a significant amount of time and energy.” That’s me! I am dedicated to assisting, guiding, and supporting those in higher education or seeking continued education.
An understanding of passion is important in fostering students’ adjustment and knowledge. I remain energized and passionate about education, learning and developing others. I think I would lose some of my passion if I didn’t continually find new opportunities and new outlets for my creativity and energy.
As a person who advocates for education and higher education, my goal is to motivate, inspire and encourage others to go to college and achieve academic success. I love school and have always excelled. My passion for learning comes from my mom, a retired high school teacher. The standards she set for her children helped me to achieve and go beyond those expectations, thus setting standards for my children.
What is Meant by Higher Education?
Higher education is considered the last step in formal education. It follows the achievement of a high school diploma and generally involves the completion of a degree. Most recognized definitions explain higher education within the confines of a college or university that awards degrees, and in some cases, certifications.
Higher education prepares students to meet challenges with grit and determination. A college education is more than classroom instruction. It is a holistic journey that explores facets of individuality, perseverance, and skill. A degree is about learning, engagement, creativity, the subject’s election, or mastery goals. It’s also about a diversity of promoters, such as positive relationships, supportive context, or an innovative cognitive style; how to think, communicate, and deliver.
In addition, a postsecondary education confers numerous benefits both to the individual and to society, including higher earnings, lower rates of unemployment and government dependency, an increased tax base, and greater civic engagement.
Education Statistics
According to the 2023 Census Bureau Releases New Educational Attainment Data, 2022, the highest level of education of the population age 25 and older in the United States ranged from less than high school to advanced degrees beyond a bachelor’s degree.
| Highest Level of Education | Percentage of Population age 25+ as of 2022 |
| Less than a High School diploma or equivalent | 9% |
| High School as their highest level of school completed. | 28% |
| Completed some college but not a degree | 15% |
| associate degree | 10% |
| bachelor’s degree | 23% |
| master’s degree, professional degree, or doctorate. | 14% |
| Bachelor’s degree share has not risen significantly since 2020. In 2020, 37.5% of people aged 25 or older had at least a bachelor’s degree, and in 2022, 37.7% had a bachelor’s degree, but the difference is not statistically significant. |
Thoughts About Higher Education Today
Many Americans continue to believe in the overall value of higher education, but what do today’s parents have to say about higher education?
In a study published by Statista Research Department, statistics show parents’ attitudes toward college in the United States, between 2010 and 2017. In 2017, 84 percent of parents surveyed stated that they strongly agreed with the statement that college is an investment in the future.
Then there is the September 2022 in-depth consultation conducted by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) of more than 100 young people from 43 countries that shows most participants in the consultation believe that acquiring knowledge is the main benefit of higher education – not simply improving their job prospects. These responses highlight not only the fact that higher education has individual benefits, but that youth are also thinking about how it can impact their local and global societies and communities.
Looking from another perspective, according to EducationWeek, two new polls show that Americans—particularly young Americans—don’t see a college degree as crucial to their career success. This is yet one more sign that people are questioning whether higher education is worth the debt that typically comes with it. One poll found that nearly half of young people ages 13 to 29 think a high school diploma alone is sufficient to thrive in the workplace. Only 23 percent said a college degree is essential.
The Advantages of a College Degree
Granted, young people can aspire to a vast sector of jobs that pay well and don’t require four-year degrees, but in general, bachelor’s degrees still produce much higher lifetime earnings. Higher education may not be for everyone, but what I can tell you is that having a degree affords you a lot more leverage as a bargaining tool in the job market.
The job market can be very tough, and companies are actively looking for candidates with a well-rounded education. In my experience when I’ve conducted interviews, we looked for candidates to be well-spoken with strong proficiencies in communication and writing as well as problem-solving and critical thinking skills. These are skills that are learned for the most part, in college.
Higher education is about learning new ways of thinking and acquiring problem-solving skills. A college education enables students to build this complex list of skills.
Access to Higher Education
Granted, barriers exist when it comes to access to higher education, and access to higher education remains challenging for many families. Access to higher education is a topic of high interest, with direct consequences on national educational policies, the development of labor market, and quality of life.
There are financial factors such as the costs of schooling and student aid but also students’ attitudes and their preparation, their aspirations, and other factors rooted in family background that start early in an individual’s life.
Once these challenges are removed or lessened, and easier access to higher learning becomes more readily available to all potential students, individuals will have the opportunity to have access to valuable knowledge and well-paid jobs!
Closing Thoughts
It doesn’t matter what age you are you’re never too old to learn. I was in my 50s when I received both my Master’s and my Doctorate in Education. For me, this was an enormous accomplishment. The support, encouragement, and guidance I received helped to shape me into the person I am today.
Education is one of the few things in life that can never be taken away, will never go out of style, and that truly makes you a better person. Education and knowledge enrich your mind and opens the door to new people, places, and ways of thinking.
Destination: Higher Education. From high school to college and beyond, life is full of times that challenge us and demand us to be at our best. But know that education is more than just acquiring knowledge; it ignites a lifelong passion for education.
Featured image/photo by Tim Mossholder on Unsplash.