Years ago I read an opinion piece in the newspaper in which the columnist wrote that anyone in America can obtain the equivalent of a master's degree through the public library.
Today, with the vast amount of resources available through the internet, accumulating such a level of knowledge may even be easier.
Easier that is, if one has a thirst to learn and the discipline to see it through.
A love for learning is crucial, not just for academic success in school, but to develop the wisdom and the keen mind necessary to excel in life.
Educators are responsible to help ignite the passion for learning in students and to help instill in each of them the discipline it takes to see a task through until its completion.
An editorial in the Jefferson City News Tribune on Feb. 4 touched on the issue of wanting to learn more: "Educators love learning;" it stated, "it's among the factors that attracts them to the challenging career of teaching. But no profession has cornered the market on a love for learning."
That's very true, and we see examples of ongoing learning everywhere.
Rudolph Giuliani, former mayor of New York and once a presidential candidate, felt the need to stay sharp with regular reading. He said he likes to read a book for growth for every one he reads for enjoyment.
The News Tribune piece concluded, "Learning is free and readily available. Knowledge empowers those who pursue it, nurture it and share it - as personified by local scholars."
The idea of learning for enjoyment, learning for empowerment, and learning to be equipped for life is one that needs more emphasis in schools.
Sometimes, without intending to, schools and their communities communicate that the purpose of school is to get ready for more school. But is that really what we wish to convey?
It makes more sense to teach our children that the purpose for school is to get ready for life.
The only way to do that is to provide students regular opportunities to see the meaningfulness and the usefulness in the learning. When students come face-to-face with how skills and knowledge are beneficial, they are likely to embrace - and perhaps even love - the learning process.
David Wilson, EdD, is the associate principal at Jefferson City High School. You may e-mail him at [email protected].