Differing Goals of Education

School was always a given in my life, but not the purpose of said attendance.

Being present in classes was never an option, it was part of my early life, a routine not questioned, just done.

I don’t remember my teachers’ names until my third grade. Mrs. Applecrumbie I recall in name only, but what she looked like or what I learned from her goes unhoused in my mind.

That momentous year was when I decided to play the drum in the elementary band. No flute or clarinet or trumpet for me…no, I wanted to bang on something and set the beat to the music. Not like there was much music pushed out of instruments back then, but we did make a lot of noise.

I learned to run competitively and throw balls further than classmates much earlier than the 3rd grade. In fact, I remember running races, chasing balls and learning Red Rover even before I started school, but those early years helped me hone my skills of interacting with others.

Oh yeah, I do remember playing the Easter bunny in a school play celebrating that particular holiday. I thought I was an odd choice for the role since I wore thick glasses in order to correct my crossed eyes, no matter how many carrots I ate.

You may notice, what I don’t remember is learning to spell, add, read a clock nor a book. I must have picked up the ABC’s by accident.

I’m pointing out these initial years of education so you understand my focus throughout the 12 years in elementary, junior high, and high school, plus my undergraduate years were on the social aspect of learning vs. intellectual acclaim.

While my sisters sought expertise in mind power, I was more interested in knowing who was doing what with whom, and if possible, why and where.

I wanted to help people make friends, be elected to class offices, and know whose locker was next to whose so I could see who was running around with the most or least popular kids in school.

Fun was my aim, since I had not been told there was a greater purpose intended when sitting in rooms where one could not talk, plan activities, or catch up on people’s desires and the latest gossip.

I am aware this was not the goal of my parents when enrolling their three daughters into school, but I missed the message of purpose, and continued to look at the gatherings of youngsters and young adults as a social event.

Thank goodness learning to socialize during those school years has led me to interesting careers, in multiple places, and encountering fabulous people.

I guess we each learn something different as we become educated.