“Education is our passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to the people who prepare for it today.”

-Malcolm X

From the moment we are born, we begin learning—absorbing what happens around us and within us. We adapt, adjust, and grow through every experience, each one unique to us. No matter your age, you will always be (and should always be) a student—a lifelong learner. Thirteen years in a formal educational system cannot compare to the learning you will do across your lifetime. It is only a brief moment on your personal timeline, but an important one.

You are the main character in your own story—a story written by you and for you. Each page includes lessons gained from experiences both inside and outside the classroom. Learning has no expiration date as long as you continue to apply yourself and use what you discover.

Malcolm X reminded us that education is the passport to the future. Think of that passport as a blank canvas waiting to be filled with the stamps of knowledge you collect through your experiences and new learning. These stamps serve as reminders of where you have been and where you hope to go. Ideally, the pages in your passport should be limitless. Unfortunately, this is not always the case. Why? Many factors can interfere: lack of motivation or self-belief, limited resources, challenging home circumstances, or negative educational experiences that may have prevented earning a diploma or GED.

When we talk about knowledge, we often focus mainly on academics. But academics are only one side of the educational coin. The other side—often overlooked—is the social and emotional learning that develops through relationships, experiences, and interactions. Educating the whole child requires a healthy balance of both.

We must learn not just about getting along with others, but how to do it—how to compromise, communicate, and collaborate. These skills develop gradually and through practice. We must also develop self-awareness, emotional regulation, and resilience, especially when facing challenges or disappointment. Building strong relationships, making thoughtful decisions, and remaining aware of others’ feelings are all essential for long‑term success.

As stated earlier, the purpose of education is not to tell you what to think, but how to think. Always remember: you are in the driver’s seat of your life and your learning.

The rest of the focus within this section is on the students (learners), highlights key reminders to help you stay in control of your story—and ensure you always remain seated at the head of your own educational table.