The semantics of destiny

There’s something patronizingly deterministic about institutions promoting the idea of students “reaching their full potential.”

When we discuss more practical aspects of higher education’s value, like career progression, it grounds our messaging in the here and now.

However, it’s vital we don’t conflate these learning outcomes with the overall purpose of education.

I think we need to get comfortable addressing both the abstract and the pragmatic when discussing the impact of higher education.

It can indeed help secure a job, but it also offers intangibles—it can make you smarter, more discerning, and better equipped to navigate life’s complexities.