When I read Educated by Tara Westover last year, it really made me think about what school and learning are all about. Westover writes about growing up in a strict, survivalist family and how going to college opened her eyes to a bigger world. She discovered that education wasn’t just about getting good grades—it was about understanding different viewpoints, asking tough questions, and growing as a person.
Like many students, I used to think of education as simply a path to a job or success. But now, I see it as a way to grow, not just academically but personally. Education gives us the chance to talk with people who think differently, to listen and learn, and to expand how we see the world.
Why We Need to Go Beyond the Headlines
In today’s world, where social media spreads news fast—and not always accurately—it’s easy to get confused. We often hear quick statements like “The Department of Education shut down,” or “DEI programs ended,” without really understanding what they mean. Many teens get their news from parents, teachers, or friends, which limits what we know.
To truly understand what’s happening around us, we need to think critically. Like Westover, we have to research, ask questions, and dive deeper into issues. That’s how we form smart opinions—not just emotional reactions.
The Classroom as a Place for Real Conversations
Our schools can be more than just places to memorize facts—they can be where we have deep discussions about real-world issues. In classes like AP Government, we’re pushed to read important documents and news stories, and then form our own opinions. Topics like abortion rights or free speech challenge us to think beyond simple answers.
At first, I found it hard to speak up. I didn’t feel ready to take a stand on topics I was just learning about. But talking with classmates who had different views helped me understand those topics better. I started comparing their ideas with what I already believed, which helped me form stronger, more thoughtful opinions.
Seeing Both Sides of the Argument
Some issues—like free speech—don’t have just one answer. One person might say it’s a basic right, while another might worry about how speech affects others. Both points are important, and the real value comes when we explore these ideas together.
Too often, we focus only on remembering facts for a test. But when we do that, we miss the chance to truly understand what those facts mean. When we talk to classmates or teachers about a topic, we see things from different angles. That’s how we grow—and that kind of learning lasts much longer than a test score.
Learning from Each Other
Education isn’t just about books and lectures. It’s also about the people around us—classmates, teachers, even guest speakers—who bring different backgrounds and experiences. Everyone has something valuable to share.
Instead of treating every conversation like a debate to be won, we should treat them as opportunities to learn. Listening with an open mind, even when we don’t agree, helps us think more clearly and respond more respectfully.
Becoming More Thoughtful Through Learning
We live in a time when it’s easy to pick a side based on what little we hear. But that leads to shallow arguments and confusion. If we take the time to listen, ask questions, and learn from others, we become more informed and thoughtful people.
Education isn’t just about passing exams or getting into college. It’s about shaping the way we think and how we treat others. If we want to build a better, more respectful future, it starts with learning from each other—just like Tara Westover did.
