Life has a fairly standard path for most of us: birth, care from our parents, education, self-sufficiency, family formation, aging, and eventually, passing away.
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It sounds like a good way to kick off an article, doesn’t it?
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In this piece, we’ll zoom in on the education part of this journey, a significant chunk of our lives that lasts approximately 12 years or more.
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Considering an average lifespan of around 80 years, that’s over 15% of your life dedicated to education.
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The Goal of Schooling
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Education should equip you with the skills and knowledge needed to be self-sufficient and contribute positively to society’s socio-economic system.
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Unfortunately, in the past few decades, it hasn’t done a stellar job at it.
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It’s okay, but it could definitely be more efficient and effective.
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Here’s a list of crucial life lessons that should be part of the curriculum, but are often missing:
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- Understanding Money Matters
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Learning how money works should be a priority.
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Subjects like earning, saving, investing, and even basic financial management would benefit students, as money plays a pivotal role in our lives.
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- Mental and Physical Health
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Mental health education should address issues like anxiety, depression, and stress management.
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Alongside this, understanding physical health, nutrition, and basic first aid should be mandatory.
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- Dating and Romantic Relationships
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Learning how to build healthy relationships, identify compatibility, and navigate the complexities of dating is essential.
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- Taxes and Bills
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The basics of taxes, bills, and financial responsibilities should be taught, ensuring that students are prepared for managing their finances effectively.
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- Social Skills
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Teaching students how to make friends, communicate effectively, and network is critical.
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Success often hinges on our ability to connect with others.
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- Debt, Interest, and Mortgages
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Differentiating between good and bad debt and understanding how interest and mortgages work are skills needed for navigating adult life.
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- Learning How to Learn
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Mastering the art of learning should be a part of the curriculum.
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Knowing how to acquire new skills and knowledge independently empowers individuals throughout their lives.
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- Discovering Your Passion and Values
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Encouraging introspection and helping students understand their values and passions is crucial.
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It paves the way for making informed life choices.
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- Job Search and Interview Preparation
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Practical guidance on finding the right job, crafting resumes, and preparing for interviews should be part of the curriculum.
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- Public Speaking and Selling Ideas
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Overcoming the fear of public speaking and mastering the art of articulating ideas should be taught.
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These skills are invaluable for personal and professional success.
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- Basic Life Skills
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Teaching basic cooking, home maintenance, and self-sufficiency ensures students can take care of themselves and their homes.
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- Digital and Personal Etiquette
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Understanding the impact of one’s digital presence, maintaining digital etiquette, and respecting privacy are essential skills for the digital age.
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- Human Rights and Government Function
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Educating students about human rights, government functions, and the importance of voting is necessary for creating informed and responsible citizens.
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- Time Management and Discipline
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Time management and discipline are critical skills that prevent procrastination and inefficiency in all aspects of life.
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The educational system needs a significant revamp to prepare students for the practical challenges of adulthood.
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By including these life skills in the curriculum, schools can better equip the next generation for a successful and fulfilling life journey.
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After all, education should go beyond the classroom and provide essential tools for real-life success. 💡📚✨
