Rory Welsh, ContributorACCORDING to the African writer, Ayi Kwei Arnah, a young man who walks the street and narrow path of the education system will never truly accomplish his goals, until he is old and incapable of enjoying it. To this extent it is said that the system is a failure.
Individuals usually leave secondary and tertiary institutions unsure of getting jobs. Those who are able to secure employment usually have to work for years, while furthering their education in order to accomplish some of their goals.
The irony is that, while that person might dedicate 30 years of his life to mapping out a career path, in one year someone who illegally exports or sells drugs could accumulate more wealth and fame. Such a situation would make one ask, why bother?
Everyone desires wealth and prestige and in life there are two ways of achieving this -- legally or illegally. The illegal aspect represents an illusion. It is not real because it is dishonest. Hence, as fast as the lifestyle comes it goes.
Then, there are those who use their physique or beauty to accomplish goals. However, beauty and strength will one day fade, but education will always remain. Therefore, with all its problems the education system is the only system which will give each person an equal chance of legally accomplishing his or her goals.
For those who feel discouraged, I say: Your destiny is in your hands. No matter how hard it is, or long it takes, never give up because one day you might achieve your goal. Remember also that life has many more pleasures than just making money. Your education might never bring you wealth, but it allows you to explore the riches of the mind.
Rory Welsh is a student of Kingston College and one of six teenagers whose opinions will appear in this spot each week. Send your responses to feedback@jamaica-gleaner.com.
