If you were to make a list of your top five values, would education make the cut? It would for me. Over the past several years, I have articulated my steadfast support for education in various ways. I cannot count the times I have said or written, “I believe in the power of education.”

I truly do. But I was caught off guard by a comment a couple weeks ago. In one of my classes, we were discussing the importance and outcome of education. Everyone had enlightening statements that prompted me to nod my head in agreement, but then one classmate said something that threw me for a loop.

She added an interesting dynamic to the conversation by explaining, “Well, some people in third-world countries have never had access to education, but sometimes they seem happier and more fulfilled than we do.”

Hmmm. She’s right. Suddenly, I had to step back and think. I realized I keep reiterating my faith in education, but I haven’t ever explored why I have faith in it. Since then, I have been on a mission to discover the true importance of education.

I have done research, had meaningful conversations, and spent time reflecting on my own opinions. I discovered many valid points. But during this time of developing my beliefs, I realized something even more interesting.

The process I have taken in my quest to understand the importance of education is… EDUCATION! I know it sounds weird, but stick with me for a second.

See, I was curious about something, so I used my resources to determine an answer. When I want to know more about something, I immediately go to Google, read articles, watch videos, converse with people, and observe many different viewpoints.

I do not know what it is like to be curious about something and not know how to find the answer. I have always had the luxury of having information at my fingertips—we all do. In addition, most of us have also been encouraged by teachers, parents, and friends to be curious. We have the privilege of education.

I am aware of how incredibly lucky I am to have easy access to education. I am grateful for supportive adults in my life who motivate and enable me to wonder, investigate, discuss, and learn. For many young people, gaining an education is not that easy. This is why we have a crucial responsibility of helping and educating those who have no other advocates. You could be the only person in someone else’s life who takes the time to explain the importance of learning.

When we learn, we become aware of different ways of life and cultures different from our own. When we learn, we gain power in the ability to recognize inequality and take a stand against it. When we learn, we attain opportunities to enhance our lives. When we learn, we get a glimpse at our own ability to make the world a better place.

This is the importance of education. This is why we tell our kids to stay in school, work hard, go to college, or apply for a job—because spending our time learning is one of the best things we can do.

Education is not the key to happiness or fulfillment. It cannot grant instant freedom or success. We can quickly crush that theory by witnessing a well-educated and wealthy professional who despises their life.

But without education, we wouldn’t even know what happiness, fulfillment, freedom, or success looks like! Gaining knowledge transforms the way you view everything. I believe in the power of education. Do you?