The Cost of Education has always been above and beyond a normal parent’s finances. The attitude towards education however has changed diversely.
The Past
In the past, Education was a gift, a rarity that parents as well as children appreciated. Becoming a doctor or an engineer took years to study and thus dedication was needed. There was pride and honor associated with the degree. The Cost of Education of the Past was high financially, but morally was immeasurable. One of the greatest examples would be Mahatma Gandhi, a lawyer by education, a humanitarian by morality.
The Present
In the present, education has become a commodity, a necessity. Parents urge their children to take up a degree that will earn them the maximum salary. Every tom, dick and harry is a doctor, engineer, computer programmer etc. Education is no longer considered a gift, no longer given dedication. As long as the marks are high, entrance is taken into top schools, degrees from foreign countries that are important. The end goal is a high-paid salary, because of which tuition classes have become a staple of our community rather than a rarity. The Cost of Education of the Present is that most can attain a fairly good education, but the students belong to a rat race, vying for top positions which soon lead to a burn out, depression or in extreme cases, suicides if they fail in their endeavours.
The Future
The future is something I worry about. The way our Education system is, how will our future generation turn out? Will they only see Education as the ends to a means or will they cherish the knowledge they gain. Will Education ever become fun again, a curiousity burning to learn and answer the why’s and how’s of a question. The Cost of Education of the Future will rise, that is always been the monetary trend, but morally, I hope to find a generation that thinks beyond what’s taught, that challenges the very nature of the boundaries and thus allow even a street vendor with his make-shift cooler to educate on how to make a homemade refrigerator.
