Educations the Meaning of Higher

¶ … Educations The Meaning of Higher Education J.T. Adams stated, "There are. two educations. One should teach you how to make a living and the other how to live." This statement might appear cryptic to one about to enter into the realm of higher education. To this point, the focus of higher education preparation has focused on choosing a major that will lead to a career that is suited to the individual.

In choosing the right career, it is important to consider the final outcome in terms of the ability to make a decent living. However, this alone does not equate success in one's chosen field. The field chosen must be meaningful and fulfilling, or the candidate will not be likely to succeed. The statement by J.T. Adams refers to living a life that has higher meaning and purpose. The following will explore both educations mentioned by Adams.

The first education of which Adams speaks is the most obvious to many students. They enter into a field that will offer them opportunities to find a job that will allow them to earn financial success and that will offer opportunities for financial growth in the future. However, if one only focuses on the first education, and they miss the second education, they will soon find themselves miserable; a slave to the empires that they create. The second education mentioned by J.T.

Adams is that which brings meaning and happiness to one's life. It is about learning to balance work and other aspects of one's life. It has been said that all work and no play makes Johnny a dull boy. This cliche fits well with what Adams was referring to by the second education. Secondary education is more than about learning a trade; it is about learning to appreciate the finer things in life and to achieve greater balance.

In order to achieve balance and have a fulfilling life, one must first choose the right career path. All of us were born with certain talents and as we grew, we developed certain interests as well. These innate talents and interests help to determine what career would be a good match for us. One must be interested and passionate about their career; otherwise, they will not pursue it with the type of enthusiasm that leads to success. This is one aspect of the second education.

The atmosphere in which higher education takes place provides many opportunities for enrichment, not only on a professional level, but on a personal one as well. Developing into a well-rounded individual will lead to the greatest chances for a happy and successful life. Enrichment opportunities come in many different forms. Some are in the different people that are encountered, others are in the activities in which one participates and yet another type is in opportunities such as co-ops or internships.

Through seeking out these activities one will not only learn more about others; they will learn more about themselves as well. Success cannot be measured by the bottom line alone. Every person must find how they define success for themselves. Paying attention to the second education represents an important step in defining how one will.