What is the purpose of an education? Why do we need to go to school? Questions like these are ones that I used to ask myself. Now finally, 30 years later, I think I have the answers. So what is an education? An education can be defined as, a social process by which, skills, beliefs, attitudes and ideas are learned. The achievement and development of an education can help one succeed in society. Education is one of the most important tools that a society possesses. The right use of this tool is one of the greatest ways of assuring the quality of life within a society. What factors determine if a student is going to get a good education and will succeed in society? Is it the way in which he or she is taught or is its what he or she is being taught.
             In order to lead this full, successful life, one must first gain the background knowledge on how to do so. Students cannot go to school for a few years, or take a few classes and expect to know everything to get through life. School is a place that over time can or cannot teach a student exactly, what he or she needs to know. Two students can go through the exact same education system, and one can come out a successful person, while the other can become what society would call a "failure". How does this happen?
             How much you get out of your education, comes from how much effort you put in and how well you apply yourself. If a student goes to school everyday with a negative attitude, doesn't do their work and pays no attention, it is quite obvious why they would not succeed. Now looking back in time, I can say that I did not fully apply myself in high school, or work my hardest. Once I began college I realized that if I continued on that path, I would not be successful in life.
             In school there are main lessons that most students will learn. These lessons are organized into specific subjects, such as mathematics, science, and language arts. Over an entire educational ex...