With the back-to-school season in full swing, I got to thinking about why I love this part of the year so much. Maybe it is the new notebooks and pens, or the excitement of new classes and seeing friends again. Once the transition to higher education is complete, it is easier to start reflecting on the purpose of education as a whole — not just individually, but systemically.

 The main driving force behind the back-to-school season is consumerism. Corporations want people to constantly spend. After all, it’s how they stay afloat. Back-to-school season, much like pumpkin spice drinks and Valentine’s Day, was created and perpetuated by companies who wanted to give consumers a reason to spend money. This is not to say that at the start of each school year, students do not have a need for supplies, but the trends and marketing that surround these supplies push people to spend more. I am certainly not immune to the mid-August pull of new stationary.

 The next major contributor to back-to-school excitement is the allure of productivity, the cause of which often lies deep beneath the surface. Living in a society that intensely values individual success can lead to an unhealthy relationship with productivity. Many feel more at peace when being outwardly productive in hopes it might make them immune to frequently–leveled criticisms like laziness and lack of ambition. During the summer months, it can be common for students to feel a sense of dread around their lack of productivity.

 The relief that comes from claiming productivity is a widespread issue. Our society values productivity so much that those who are seen as unproductive are frequently cast aside. It is important for everyone to analyze how they view productivity and its role in our society. Just because someone is not earning an exorbitant amount of money or excelling in their education does not mean they are any less valuable.

 Higher education can also alleviate familial and social tensions. The conversation at a family gathering about school and careers is one most people have experienced. Attending college or university alleviates this pressure immensely because it provides a simple answer to all these inquiries outside of discussions about majors and career paths.

 Despite this, higher education can be an enriching and encouraging experience for many students. The social connections that are made during this time are often kept for life. It can be invaluable, especially in my own experience, to find others with which whom they share identity and interests. 

Learning is such an important part of leading a fulfilling life, but higher education is not the only path for it. It is also not the only path for creating a successful career. For plenty of people, higher education is the path that makes the most sense or the one they find the most exciting and that is wonderful. However, all the back-to-school advertisements and the unwitting excitement I feel at this time of year has me thinking that some choose college or university as the path of least resistance, rather than their true desire.