Why I Believe Education Matters – A Personal Story

Education is important — not just because of what we learn, but because of how it shapes us. Sure, most of us won’t become scientists or mathematicians, and we probably won’t use trigonometry in everyday life. So why do we study?

I’ve come to believe that studying teaches us how to learn, how to think critically, and how to make sense of information. But I’ll be honest — I didn’t always see it that way.

When I was in primary school, I didn’t take studying seriously. Even during PSLE prep, I was more interested in playing. I remember signing up for this $5 "study room" membership near my school with my friends — it was more of a hangout than actual studying. Most of the time, I just stared at my books, waiting for the session to end so we could head to the playground.

Back then, we had to choose our six secondary school options after prelims but before the PSLE results came out. I was left on my own to do it. I didn’t think much about it and just picked all the school names that I had heard before, even though they were way beyond my reach. I ended up with a PSLE score of 217 and got posted to a notorious "ah beng school" I had said I didn’t want to go to. I cried when I saw the results — but there was nothing I could do.

Despite that, it still didn’t occur to me that I needed to work hard. In Secondary 1, I somehow made it to the top 3 in class without really studying — and that gave me a false sense of confidence. It wasn’t until Sec 2 year-end exams that I realized I needed to put in effort if I wanted to stay in the top class — the only one offering pure sciences and no history (I really didn’t like history!).

Then came Sec 4, when I started feeling lost. Subjects like A. Math, Chemistry, Physics, and Geography felt pointless. I couldn’t see how they connected to real life. I even wrote about this frustration in my English journal, and my teacher wrote a big red “SEE ME” on the page. I didn’t went to her. I knew I’d probably get scolded — but at least I was honest.

It wasn’t until poly and university that studying finally started to make sense to me. I could see how it applied to the working world. But life took me away from the IT industry, and eventually into motherhood. That made me question again — do we really need to study this much?

Ironically, it’s during my years as a stay-at-home mum and being self-employed that I’ve come to truly appreciate the value of education. It’s not just about preparing for a job. Even if we don’t end up in the field we studied, the skills we gain — learning how to learn, managing our time, handling stress, thinking critically — they stay with us. 

School teaches us more than facts. It trains our minds. It helps us understand the world better, think more clearly, and even spot misinformation when we see it.

With the rise of the internet and social media, we’re constantly bombarded with information — some helpful, some not. It’s up to us to use our knowledge and critical thinking to tell what’s real and what’s not. Starting my own business also pushed me to learn many new things on my own, often through trial and error. That’s where the resilience and curiosity we build through years of studying really come in — they help us adapt, problem-solve, and keep growing.

This is something I often talk about with my daughter. I want her to understand that education isn’t just about scoring well in exams. It’s about becoming someone who’s curious, resilient, and ready to keep learning — no matter where life takes her.


I know it’s a bit random to share this Kaypoh Room Tours video here, but do give it a listen — influencer Royal Pek shares her views on education, and I couldn’t agree more. 👍