Lifelong learning is a form of education that nobody mandates, rather, it is considered a personal choice. As Henry Ford once said: "Anyone who stops learning is old, whether at twenty or eighty. Anyone who keeps learning stays young." Although many endorse his words, today, many teenagers and adults, instead of continuing to learn, tend to stagnate, exemplifying precisely what Henry Ford cautioned us against. Consequently, numerous educators have organised lectures for individuals of all ages to combat this adverse trend in society. Simultaneously, these educators hope that secondary school students will opt for lifelong learning courses, rather than squandering time on mobile phones, computers, or unproductive media content. In my opinion, I support the idea that secondary school students should partake in lifelong learning courses, primarily due to the potential for self-discovery, heightened self-esteem, and the improvement of both personal and professional skills.
Firstly, the reason I agree with instilling lifelong learning courses in secondary school is that students can recognise their personal interests and goals. There is more to life than excelling academically. In fact, in this current day and age, pursuing a personal interest outside of the academic world poses many advantages such as reducing stress levels and providing extra income. Unfortunately, many people do not know what they are interested in until they grow up. When that time comes, they are most likely going to regret choosing a career that they lack interest in. Thus, it is important for students to explore their interests through lifelong learning courses before they grow up. In addition, if schools offer lifelong learning courses, it enables students from a financially unstable family to discover their goals and dreams. Although not everyone will find their goal by joining lifelong learning classes, it is still better to try and learn a skill or gain knowledge than to learn nothing. At the very least, said skills may become applicable in the future.
Secondly, students should participate in lifelong learning classes in secondary school because it can boost self-confidence. When people undertake tasks such as exams or job interviews, many of them gain confidence not only from completing numerous exercises but also from engaging in lifelong learning. That is because lifelong learning classes are not academic in nature. Thus, the instructors have enough time to equip students with extra skills like public speaking, presentations, and many more. This confidence may extend beyond exam situations, and lifelong learning can instill confidence in other areas, such as interviews and debates, where one might engage with opponents.
The last reason why I believe students should participate in lifelong learning during secondary school is due to the improvement in their personal and professional skills. In the 21st century, many individuals pursue higher education and seek employment with prominent companies. Consequently, gaining admission to prestigious universities and securing positions at renowned corporations, such as Cambridge University or Harvard University and companies like Samsung Electronics or Microsoft, has become increasingly challenging. To achieve such goals, one must not only attain high grades but also acquire valuable skills, and lifelong learning is the path to acquiring those skills. Skills must continually be updated because the world is in constant progress, and if one aims to stay on par with these advancements, lifelong learning is essential. Moreover, lifelong learning is not limited to acquiring professional skills but extends to personal interests and hobbies. In the same vein, if you aspire to advance in your hobbies or become more proficient in them, the sole avenue is through lifelong learning.
In conclusion, I support the idea that secondary school students should partake in lifelong learning courses, primarily due to the potential for self-discovery, heightened self-esteem, and the improvement of both personal and professional skills. Embracing lifelong learning is not merely a choice but a path toward a brighter future. It fosters personal development, nurtures self-confidence, and equips individuals with the tools needed to excel in an ever-evolving world. As we continue to learn, we remain forever young, ready to face the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.
Vocabulary
- mandates: 规定
- endorse: 支持
- stagnate: 停滞
- exemplifying: 举例说明
- cautioned: 警告
- numerous: 众多
- combat: 打击 / 应对
- adverse: 不利的
- Simultaneously: 同时
- opt: 选择
- squandering: 浪费
- unproductive： 无生产力
- partake: 参与
- primarily: 主要
- due to: 由于
- potential: 潜力
- instilling: 灌输
- pursuing: 追求
- reducing: 减少
- applicable: 适用于
- undertake: 承担 / 进行
- prominent: 杰出的
- prestigious: 有声望的
- on par: 平等地
- avenue: 途径 / 大街
- sole: 唯一的 / 鞋底 / 脚底