Getting a degree should mean more than simply going to school to pass exams. Ideally, it should be about truly learning, gaining knowledge, and building skills that can be applied in the real world. Unfortunately, that is not the case for many students today. A large number of people see education only as a means to an end,a certificate to secure a degree rather than an opportunity to develop themselves intellectually. Because of this, many graduates struggle to apply what they learned in school to real-life situations.
This problem is not entirely the fault of students. In many ways, the educational system itself has contributed to this reality. In some parts of the world, degrees have become commodities that money can buy. Wealthy individuals are able to “purchase” certificates without necessarily putting in the hard work, while others have to burn the midnight candle, making huge sacrifices to earn the same qualification. This creates an imbalance and reduces the true value of degrees. For many people, the motivation to put genuine effort into learning has diminished because they see the system as unfair. The degree has become the goal, not the knowledge it represents.
In my own part of the world, education is not as fascinating or inspiring as it should be. Much of school life is reduced to attending lectures, writing tests, and passing final examinations. There is very little focus on practical knowledge, innovation, or problem-solving. The school system should go beyond rigid curriculums and standardized assessments. Education should be deeper, more intellectual, and better aligned with the realities outside the classroom. Graduates should leave school equipped with skills that will help them survive and thrive in today’s world, not just armed with certificates that may not open doors.
It is no surprise then that many students already begin planning alternatives while still in school. They do not depend entirely on their certificates because they are aware that a degree alone no longer guarantees a good job. Instead, they explore entrepreneurship, skills acquisition, or digital opportunities that give them an edge beyond the classroom. This shows that while education remains valuable, society has shifted in such a way that relying on certificates alone is no longer sustainable.
Of course, many people argue that the end goal of education is to secure money and financial stability. But education, in its truest form, should go beyond that. Being educated shapes how people think, reason, and interact with the world. Even if someone does not need to seek formal employment, education provides the foundation for creating businesses, managing them effectively, and adapting to change. That is why we often see illiterate business owners employing literate people to help expand their ventures. Knowledge has no substitute when it comes to building sustainable growth.
In conclusion, I believe education is still very important in 2025. The system may have its flaws, and the journey may sometimes feel disappointing, but the knowledge and intellectual growth gained through education are personal assets that no one can take away. A certificate alone may not guarantee success, but the process of learning, thinking critically, and applying knowledge will always be worth the effort. Education, when pursued with the right mindset, remains a powerful tool for personal and societal advancement.