THAT'S LIT!

The Power of Education

Modern-day success almost always stems from one of the single, most fundamental elements in one’s life: education. Although it is commonly thought that education is a preparation for the wonders of life, in reality, education is truly life, itself. In other words, education lays down the foundation for the future. Modern society puts a great emphasis on the importance that education has on one’s future success. It is more than just memorizing information from textbooks; it is acquiring knowledge and learning how to apply skills that can later shape one’s life. In the inspiring novel, I Will Always Write Back, Caitlin Alifirenka and Martin Ganda are clear representations of modern success. The abilities that two completely different people living on opposite sides of the world have in achieving their dreams shows just how possible it is for kindness and motivation through education to change someone’s life. The meaning of education in the modern world is not necessarily limited to one’s economic or social status; it is driven by one’s mindset and motivation for future and lifelong success.

Caitlin was a middle- to upperclass American girl who never thought deeply about her privileged lifestyle. Although never personally driven by the idea of learning, Caitlin attended school like the rest of her family. Simultaneously living on the opposite side of the world in Zimbabwe was an ambitious boy named Martin who was not as fortunate. Martin, although much more driven and understanding of the impact that education had on his future, struggled financially. He lived in impoverished conditions and was lucky to even be attending school, as his parents were forced to drop out at a young age due to economic instability. He knew that his future relied on his educational success, having been ingrained by his mother's words from a young age. “School is your only hope," she implored, "...otherwise you will end up like me” (14). One day, Caitlin and Martin’s completely different worlds collided and were changed forever due to one letter. To most people living modern lives similar to Martin’s, education is the only way to rise out of one's circumstances and find success. This deep connection between these two people of different economic and social status makes certain that those motivated by education and driven by kindness can achieve anything.

The meaning of education in today’s world is limitless. Although many think otherwise, true education is more than just a degree or a passing grade. Its true purpose is to learn how to become a skillful and knowledgeable worker, leader, and person no matter what life has in store. However, in many cases, the physical documentation of education - like a diploma from a prestigious university - heavily outweighs an educational mindset. In the modern world, being educated seems synonymous with having the ideal qualifications to acquire any job position. In some ways, formal education is a form of social dominance. Those who have access to education readily at their fingertips have a significant advantage over those who are not so privileged. In the case of this captivating novel, Caitlin doesn’t realize how privileged she is to live her life freely, boosted by a family able to support her financially and emotionally. After learning about Martin’s difficult financial situation through their chain of letters, Caitlin acknowledges she "started to look at [her] own life in a new way" (117). "The decisions I had were total luxuries," she admits. "I got to choose” (117).

Martin’s ability to receive formal education in his poor hometown of Mutare relied heavily on the economic situation in Zimbabwe. As time went by and the economic state worsened, school fees, uniforms, and food for his family of five were beyond reach of his parents’ small income. Although Martin was taken out of school for some time due to his inability to pay tuition, his gracious pen pal Caitlin and her family were able to cover the costs of all of his schooling and exams. Zimbabwe’s deteriorating economy nearly destroyed Martin's chances of receiving an education and, ultimately, a better life. Without the standard qualifications that formal schooling provides, too many children worldwide lose the opportunity to find future success.

Education throughout the world is a right entitled to all humans regardless of gender or race, however, in some cases, education can be perceived as a privilege. The reason for this is because many children in poor, less industrialized countries lack the necessary money or ability to access education. Similar to Martin’s case, many are currently living in places of economic instability. When governments do not intervene in these tough situations, children are stripped of their rights to education purely based on the fact that they cannot access or afford it. In this novel, Caitlin does not realize that other countries outside of America do not value the importance of education enough to guarantee it to all people regardless of poor economic or living conditions. Her gradual realization of just how much injustice was happening in the world led her to live the rest of her life with purpose and gratitude for her many blessings. Martin’s letters opened her eyes to reality and changed her to become the charitable person she is known as today.

By simply giving Martin twenty dollars every letter, Caitlin and her parents were able to open up so many educational opportunities for Martin. But it was Martin's grit which sealed the deal. His success years later as a college student at Villanova University showed just how possible it is for education to change one’s life--as long as one has a willingness to succeed. Martin defied nearly all odds and proved that education is not limited to economic status. By embodying the values of perseverance, gratitude, and hope, Martin was able to achieve his dream and inspire others to do the same. Being educated truly means being motivated to learn and apply knowledge every day. Life is a continuous exchange between curiosity, learning, and growth. It is through education that early, fundamental teachings bear tangible fruits, shaping dreams into reality.