[N.Texas G23]

Anyone who's most persuasive argument is to complain about the current state of the American educational system can easily do their part by changing career paths and jumping in to save the day. (And yes, some recent college graduates know how to use their, there and they're correctly)

I was born in 1982. I was too little to understand the significance of the Berlin wall when it came down. I have since learned who Gorbachev was. I don't recall actually talking about him in high school, or college. Odds are good I learned about it on my own, as I enjoy reading about history and politics.

Is a well rounded college education important? Absolutely! However, so is learning the practical knowledge one needs to begin a career and become a productive member of society. My degree did not require as much history as say...an education degree with an emphasis in history. However, my degree did require historical education that I would wager most of you don't have. (Case in point...who here actually knows who Hildegard of Bingen is? Or how about Josquin des Prez? Dietrich Buxtehude?) In an ideal situation, one would learn at least a rudimentary knowledge of all recorded human history...but do we really want students hanging around in college for a few extra semesters to accomplish that goal. It's just not feasible. Especially considering how expensive college is, and considering the fact that somewhere around 50% of all recent college grads are unemployed or underemployed.

Learning is a lifelong process. I read constantly in order to learn things I didn't already know. (I just read to find out who Chiang Kai-Shek and Pak Chun Hee are.) This information that I have picked up on my own, outside of a classroom is what shapes my world view, and my political views. It has been much more valuable to me that the information I have received in a classroom. To that end, I'll leave you with an important quote from the great Frank Zappa:

"If you want to get laid go to college, if you want an education go to the library."