Purpose of education – Term Paper

Liberal arts education deals with subjects that have no restrictions unlike issues with politics as some may think. According to Webster “college or university studies (such as language, philosophy, literature, abstract science) intended to provide chiefly general knowledge and to develop general intellectual capacities (such as reason and judgment) as opposed to professional or vocational skills” (1). My choice for liberal arts education was influenced by various factors. I feel that my passion is geared towards the different subjects that are available in liberal arts including literature. Therefore I chose to lean towards this option to pursue what I feel will bring fulfillment in my life. I had an opportunity to go for a different subject but preferred liberal arts to ensure that I was pursuing a course that I was comfortable with and one I would enjoy going to class for. 

I had many other options including community college, vocational training and a certificate program. They were all easily accessible and at my disposal, but I preferred something else which was liberal arts. I felt like these options would not satisfy the inclination I had towards specific areas of study. The community college, vocational training, and certificate program did not avail the preferences I had towards training for a subject area that would support my educational, expertise, developmental and career objectives. My view of the liberal arts education was the first step in a journey that would see me develop in knowledge. I felt that the rest of the options at my disposal did not give me this chance. As Steinberg states, “College degrees are simply not necessary for many jobs. Of the 30 jobs projected to grow at the fastest rate in the next decade in the United States, only seven typically requires a bachelor’s degree according to the bureau of labor statistics” (116). My opinion was that the college level liberal arts education would enable me to reach higher heights that the other options were not availing.  

I appreciate the decision I made to study liberal arts, and my opinion of the future the subject holds for me may differ with that of an ordinary college student. I felt that my drive towards the course was not just by being employed. It is contrary to many college students who go to college for the primary purpose of employability. I desire to develop critical thinking skills and intellectual engagement as I pursue my course. Employability is among the least of my concerns because I feel that once I am well established in the subject area employers will have a desire for my input. Therefore, a focus on liberal arts is the most appropriate starting point for me. I believe that I will further my knowledge and training as the year’s pass and a good foundation will be critical in determining how I advance in training and education. My college experience will equip me with the building blocks for a conscious life that I am focusing on. My goal for the future is that I will have the ability to impact on other individuals through the information I will acquire during my college experience. Therefore, I feel that I made the best decision to pursue liberal arts education and it is an opportunity self-development and development of society in the future. I view it as a form of investment for my future. As Bhardwaj states, ;Education is an essential human virtue, a necessity of society, basis of effective life and sign of freedom. Education is necessary for integration of separate entities; (2).

Works cited

Bhardwaj, Ajay. “Importance of Education in Human Life: a Holistic Approach.” 2016. 1-6

Steinberg, Jacques. ;Plan B: Skip College.; The Blair Reader: Exploring Issues and Ideas. 8th ed. N.p., 2014. Print.

Webster. ;Definition of LIBERAL ARTS.; N.p., n.d. Web. 9 Feb. 2017.