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My Education is the Key to a Successful Future Essay

Decent Essays

“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world;” this simple statement by South Africa’s first democratically elected president, Nelson Mandela, expresses a fundamental truth of the world- something as simple as education can change everything. A constantly changing geopolitical environment has continued to place increasing amounts of emphasis on obtaining a post-secondary school education. Despite this, as many as 16% of all Americans ages 16-24 drop out before completing a secondary school education and obtaining a diploma.(1) The question which few dare to consider, which I now find myself faced with, is simple: how my education is the key to a successful future. To completely grasp the extent which my …show more content…

What my education will culminate in is making me aware of all that goes on around me, both directly and indirectly, and the reasoning and motivations behind it. During my career as an Army officer I will be faced with decisions that will put men and women’s lives in danger; there will be no room for hesitation, never will I be able to ask, “Why am I doing this?” By obtaining a premium education, by understanding the reasoning behind what I do, I will be able to quickly and confidently assess any situation and make decisions that will further the goals of democracy and peace. “I am a member of a team, and I rely on the team, I defer to it and sacrifice for it, because the team, not the individual, is the ultimate champion.” With this simple statement Mia Hamm exemplifies the importance of considering one’s self as part of the group rather than a stand alone individual. In accordance with this, assessing how my education is the key to a successful future must not be limited to my individual future, but rather to how my education will benefit society as a whole. A powerful high school education, one which allows for the discovery of the operational parameters of society, which enumerates cultural misunderstandings and fosters understanding, is the first step. Following this, a West Point education- a massive investment from the American taxpayers, valued at about $350,000 in 2002- will make certain that I am educated in all matters of national

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