Are People Who Dedicate Themselves to Continuous Learning Smart?

An interesting paradox emerges when discussing formal education. On one hand, it seems that a person deeply engaged in learning must be inherently intelligent, as they are continuously expanding their knowledge horizons, aiming for new educational heights. On the other hand, does this not mask a failure to achieve success on the first try? From personal experience, I can attest that my initial education was not as beneficial as I had anticipated. This raises questions about the practicality of steadfastly following a path chosen in youth, in a world changing at an unprecedented pace.

Is pursuing new education in a different field worthwhile, or does it demonstrate indecisiveness? The answer to these questions is likely nuanced and deeply personal. For some, continuous learning might be a way to avoid adult decisions and responsibilities, as the university's walls make the outside world of challenges seem distant. For me, further education acts as a social elevator. It's my choice in pursuit of success, and I hope this path will eventually justify itself and lead to my desired goal.

Having decided to pursue a new field of study at 32, I often reflect on my path and the results achieved. This step was not only challenging but significant, as it opened new professional growth horizons for me. Despite feeling a bit out of place among much younger colleagues, my prior experience in this field aids my confidence. This experience helps me realize that starting anew is not just an opportunity for growth but a chance to reassess my professional and personal goals.

Working full-time while studying part-time, I understand that each path I choose entails certain sacrifices, particularly in terms of time that could have been spent differently. However, the confidence that further education will broaden my horizons and enhance my professional skills makes this sacrifice worthwhile. Additionally, studying materials in Korean, a foreign language for me, adds a level of complexity. Much of my time goes into learning new vocabulary, sometimes slowing down the study of core material but also aiding in language skills development and cultural immersion, closely tied to my new specialty.

I am studying at 한국방송통신대학교 (Korean National Open University), not very well-known outside Korea and belonging to the category of continuing education institutions. Unlike others, it has several advantages: affordable education, numerous scholarships, substantial experience, government support, and a state-recognized diploma allowing further study abroad or in graduate programs. Classes are mostly in the form of pre-recorded video lectures, more convenient than traditional lessons as they can be watched at any suitable time. A few offline classes per semester are held at the university or in real-time online. Previously skeptical about online education, my experience during the pandemic has shown its benefits. This university's long history of distance education ensures a higher lesson quality than many top universities that switched to online formats during the pandemic.

Ultimately, the decision to study or not is a personal choice. Not everyone is ready to spend 20-40+ hours a week studying, and there are other paths to development. But for me, this is one of the paths I know. It may not be the fastest or ideal, but it's my choice. The decision to continue education requires careful consideration and analysis of personal goals and potential obstacles. It should be based not just on a desire for knowledge but on an understanding of how this knowledge will help achieve professional and personal goals.