What they don't teach you.

I have a son in the eighth grade, and a daughter who is in college, which has me thinking quite a bit about education, and are they getting what they need in a way that helps them learn it best? In general, I am happy with the educations they are getting, one in Botetourt Country, Virginia, and the other at Mary Washington University.

But more and more, I realize how limited the education system is. It's good at teaching facts, but it leaves out so much. I am thinking specifically about things like.....

• What's the best way for them to learn? 
• How to live their life "on purpose", rather than blow in the whims of the world. 
• How to build the life they want. 
• Self awareness, and what to do with it. 
• Learning their particular giftedness, and knowing what to do with THAT. 
• Finding their own spirituality and relationship with God, as opposed to a "borrowed faith."
• How to use their strengths, to overcome their weaknesses. 

I suppose it is too much to expect the school systems to do all those things. They have trouble enough teaching the facts that kids need to get into college and find jobs. But I do think there was a time, before we had so many rules and tests and laws, when schools were able to contribute to those things more.

That difference between schools a generation or few ago, and where we are now, is probably part of the reason that we've seen such a growth in self help books, or in personal coaching. The decline of the role of church or other religious institutions in our every day life has also contributed to these things not being taught. And too, I believe divorce, which deprives kids of the day to day influence and insight of two parents with two points of reference to help guide them, is also part of the equation, 

These things are important, certainly more important than some of the things we teach, but for the most part, we just don't get them.

One of the questions I am beginning to ask people, when we are in general conversation, is what DIDN'T School or college prepare them for. I am just starting to ask this, but as I gather answers, and see some trends, I will share what I learn here.

In the meanwhile, I ask you dear reader? What didn't YOU get in your formal education that you wish you had gotten?

Tom