For me, the term "educated" means to be well rounded not only in the necessary scholarly subjects such as Math, English, History/Geography, and the Sciences, but in the problems that can face us in every-day life. "To be educated" isn't just a phrase that should be applied to things one learns in school, because life goes on after graduation; then, the so called "real world" begins. Sure, you can take your classroom education with you, that's a given. However, you will get nowhere in life if you haven't experienced certain personal and social situations that will most likely better define and enhance your personal growth. Lessons are learned through every activity we engage in whether they come from homework, engaging in conversations, working, or purchasing goods. Basically, by being an active member of society, you are going through a never-ending learning process. The purpose, of course, of being educated is so that you have a better chance to lead a successful and happy life. People say that ignorance is bliss, but that brings into question the ignorance of those who uphold such a claim. According to Aristotle and the rest of the virtue-based philosophers, happiness in life entails that one leads it in a reflective and thoughtful manner. Life varies from day to day and in order to maintain happiness, one needs to be a capable thinker and a functioning member of society. By receiving education, both scholarly and from daily experiences, one is better prepared to navigate their life towards the best possible future, despite the obstacles that might initially pose problems.
             In the grades 7-12, the schooling that one receives serves as the foundation in the lifelong education that one builds upon. Not only is it where students learn and develop the basics of the "Three R's," but it is also the place where students being to interact with their peers for the firs...