Growing Self

 GROWING SELF

Abellana, Gail Martina K.

Quality education has a big impact on my life. To me, it means that we learn the right knowledge and skills to succeed in our future. But it’s not just about learning facts, it’s also about growing up with the right mindset to handle challenges. Quality education helps us think critically, be creative, and adapt to changes around us. It prepares us to solve problems and make good decisions. For example, when we face difficulties, the skills we gain from quality education can guide us through. This kind of education gives us the confidence to chase our goals and dreams. It shapes not only our careers but also our values and character. In the end, quality education is essential for building a better life.

My personal experience as a teen has made me reflect on the quality of education I received while growing up. Thinking about how I’ve grown and who I am now makes me consider the education that others around me are getting. I often wonder about the teens in my community and the challenges they face. Many of them are turning to drinking, smoking, and drugs as a way to cope with their problems. It saddens me to see these choices being made, and I can’t help but think that a lack of quality education might be part of the reason. If they had the right support and knowledge, perhaps they would make different decisions. As I navigate my own path, I feel a responsibility to encourage others to seek out the education and opportunities that can lead to a brighter future. I hope to inspire change, not just for myself but for the friends and peers who are struggling.

Another experience that really affected me was in 9th grade when I found out I wasn’t on the Honor list because of one bad grade. This hit me hard because I had always been a good student, and I expected a lot from myself. I started to wonder if it was my fault or if it was connected to the quality of education I was getting at that time. The switch from online classes to in-person learning after the pandemic was especially tough. I was still trying to adjust, and it felt like I didn’t have the support I needed. This made me realize how important quality education is not just for learning facts but also for creating a good environment where students can thrive. When teachers and resources are lacking, it can really affect a student’s performance and confidence.

When I look at the challenges faced by both learners and educators, I see how these obstacles contribute to the struggles many teens, including myself, go through. In my experience, major challenges like a lack of resources, overcrowded classrooms, and undertrained teachers create an environment where it’s hard to focus and grow. For students like me, these conditions can be frustrating, and they can leave us feeling unsupported. Without the right guidance and resources, students can easily feel lost or like they’re not reaching their full potential. This affects not only our academic success but also our emotional and mental well-being.

Quality education is about more than just what we learn in the classroom. It also involves creating a space where we feel motivated and supported, where we can explore ideas, ask questions, and build our confidence. This kind of education is what makes us better equipped to face the real world. When schools lack the resources to provide this environment, students like those in my community can end up turning to harmful coping mechanisms. Seeing my peers fall into habits like drinking, smoking, or drugs makes me realize the deep impact a lack of quality education can have on a person’s life. Education is supposed to be a foundation, but when that foundation is weak, it’s easy for people to stray off the right path.

When I wasn’t able to make the Honor list in 9th grade, I felt lost for a while. It felt like the support I needed wasn’t there, and I questioned my abilities. But the lesson I learned from that setback was that quality education doesn’t just come from schools it also comes from within us, in how we choose to push through tough times. I worked hard when I got to 10th grade and didn’t give up. I kept trying until I reached my goal of becoming an honor student again. That determination, which quality education nurtured in me, is what helped me succeed. It wasn’t just about getting a good grade; it was about understanding that I have the ability to grow and improve, even when I face challenges. As I went through these tough times, I learned that change can be scary but also a chance to grow. I want to embrace these changes and use my experience to encourage others. By sharing what I’ve learned, I hope to show that while setbacks are hard, they can teach us important lessons that help us in the future. I believe that quality education should help us face challenges and build the strength we need to reach our goals and dreams.

Promoting quality education goes beyond personal success it has a lasting impact on society. When people are educated, they can contribute more meaningfully to their communities, both economically and socially. In my own community, I’ve seen how education programs help families break out of poverty, providing them with opportunities for better jobs and a more secure future. On a larger scale, societies that invest in education tend to see less crime, more innovation, and higher standards of living. When people are educated, they can dream bigger and achieve more, which benefits everyone around them. Technology is also changing the way education happens. While online learning tools and resources make education more accessible, there’s still a challenge when it comes to ensuring that everyone can use these tools. For example, not everyone in my community has access to the internet or the devices needed for online classes. This creates a gap between those who can benefit from digital learning and those who are left behind. But when used effectively, technology can enhance the quality of education by providing interactive and engaging ways to learn.

In the end, quality education is not just about success in school it's about building a strong foundation and mindset for life. It gives us the tools to grow as individuals and as a society. My own experiences have shown me that failures are part of the journey, but with the right support, mindset, and determination, we can overcome them. Quality education is what helps us become the best version of ourselves, and it’s something we should all strive to make more accessible for everyone. As I continue on my own path, I hope to inspire others to see education not just as a means to an end, but as a way to shape the future we all want to see.