Education is more readily available today than ever before. Throughout history, people have fought for the right to a high standard of education. However, many adolescents fail to take advantage of this resource. Far too often, our youth fall captive to many of the luring distractions they encounter and end up throwing away their education along with the rest of their lives.

Many teenagers tend to give precedence to their social life at a time when their learning capabilities and opportunities are at their peak. These impressionable, young hearts seek acceptance and belonging, and fail to realize that only education can put food on the table in the future.

Having “fun” and enjoying life has become a fad with today’s youth. Despite all the things to do and learn, all many young people ever want to do is “hang out” with their friends or girlfriends and boyfriends. Studying all the time is hardly considered healthy nowadays. People waste time just relaxing. But what is the purpose of this? Time is not to waste; it is to use!

To be successful in today’s world, every second must be utilized. Using every spare moment to study is much more productive than loitering blindly in the name of a social life. At this age, there is a much greater goal ahead of us which we must strive towards in order to make something of our lives. Young people who prioritize socializing usually either waste their lives with pointless acquaintances or fall prey to peers who take advantage of them.

Moreover, the acquaintances we form at this age are not always carved in stone. Often because of transitions or quarrels, many teenage relationships are lost. This is not to say that all young attachments are short-lived. There are those that are of great emotional value and as Shakespeare says, hold on to them with hoops of steel; but not at the expense of your future. Do not distract yourself with every new Tom, Dick and Harry that comes your way. Friends and relationships may come and go, but a lost education is very difficult if not impossible to regain.

When speaking of success, the first thing that comes to mind is one’s profession. Although it is common courtesy to have respect for every line of work, everyone wants a decent career. Nobody wants to work long shifts at a job over a hot stove or hauling heavy machinery. But at the same time, many of us do not put in the effort required for our dream career. Being able to live a comfortable life with a satisfying career requires every one of us to put in a great deal of time studying during our teenage years. This means focusing attention on our education and not being side-tracked.

Besides having a good career, it is human nature to desire to be at least financially stable. Perhaps a well-paying career is the most obvious justification for dedicating your teenage years to your education. However, there are many other less obvious reasons that often tend to go unnoticed.

Not only does education promote a good standard of living, but it also has a significant effect on relationships. Although people often like to think of a person’s level of competency as being disconnected from emotions such as love, this is truly is a very fine connection. Often, love and acceptance from friends and family are usually only present as long as education and wealth are. Many of us will only accept someone when they are educated and the value of this education will never diminish.

Many people argue that a formal education can never substitute for the real-life skills that are necessary to face the real world. It is often thought that these skills are absent in the midst of all the theoretical learning that takes place at school. However, this can be proven otherwise.

Once formal education lays down the foundation, a person is able to think through almost any situation. This can even be applied to social skills. It is only when an individual has some level of formal education that he or she can think open-mindedly and logically about a problem. Not only do you learn, but you learn how to learn.

Thus, education should be a young person’s first priority. Its benefits are much greater in the long run than any other activity. Any social endeavors we may seek are utterly fruitless in the absence of a strong education.

Of course, it is not easy. It demands much dedication and hard work. But at one point, when you have made your dream a reality, it will be all be worth it. All it takes is one minute acknowledgement, one distinct place in this society, and all the pain and hardship you experienced will wither away.

- Abi S.

For an alternative perspective check out: "Learn to Live"