what matters

     At an early age, I already found my passion. Because of the idea that music is relatively not a high-value career, the support offered to me in college was different. Still thankful for learning natural science in university. It provided me helpful tools to self-learn music in a systematic way. Today, I teach science in an institution and music as a freelancer. Despite a lack of credentials, I am more effective in teaching music to my students both in theory and practice. As a science teacher, I am very limited because I am not a scientist or an active researcher in any field institute. There is a saying by George Bernard Shaw that goes, those who can, DO; those who can't, TEACH. Though there's a fallacy in this statement, there's also a truth. Think about it, someone will teach you how to bike, but that person doesn't even know how to do it. Will you swim if you only attended a class in swimming theory? But this is most of our education. Students have to accumulate knowledge with less meaning due to a lack of practicality. In addition to that, there are so many things on the plate that disregards the child's interest. Students are learning so many subjects at the same time. As a result, lack of focus and mastery. 
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      As parents, we may be worried and so careful about following the norms of society. We want to make sure that our child will not miss out on any school activities. We tell them, 'learn this and that' so they will have a brighter future. We rarely pay attention to their best interests. Teachers also have to obey and follow the school curriculum that is outdated due to the fast-changing environment. Policymakers and governing bodies are not also sure about the future job market. Many jobs now became less in demand due to automation. Some of them may no longer exist in a few decades. So what matters? Like us, children only live once. Let's think twice about what education should be. 

Fortunately, information nowadays is very much accessible, giving us more reasons not to be entirely dependent on school institutions. Yes, school is there to help us, and many graduates in the past have also become successful. However, school is not always the best place to learn and may not be the best place to become a better version of self. This idea is liberating for teachers, parents, and students. A high expectation of school is very disappointing for both sides. Teachers cannot just make any educational reforms. We have to be realistic. The system up there is much bigger and beyond our control. One reason why homeschool has increasingly become popular. 

     Giving freedom and moral support to your child's interest is more important than anything else in education. Imagine, as a young kid, if you could spend long hours doing what you love, and someone is there to support your interest, that would be amazing! Rather than spending seven to eight hours in school, five days in a row, with additional evening and weekend homework, that does not give substantial meaning to you. To be in a traditional school set-up or not, the idea is about giving more freedom to a child's interest as the key to a happy, successful, and meaningful life. 

     Every child is unique. Before education brings progress and development to our society, the individual child's interest first. Akiane Kramarik is an American poet and painter. She began drawing at the age of four. If her parents insisted on sending her to school five days a week, she can't paint as much as she can today and will not have a net worth of millions. Worst case, the school might spoil her creativity and passion. Is it true? Does school kill creativity? If there's scarier than death, I think it's living a life without living your passion. ​