MBA

I take my hats off to them.

Those who never tire of  studying or going to school. In the university where I teach, when someone says, "Doctor," almost everyone in the faculty room would turn to acknowledge the call. Except me and a few others. 

Of course, "me and a few others" always kidded that in case of a medical emergency, the presence of so many doctors will not even be able to save a life. 

And of course, we're probably just sour-graping---simple degree holders. But we 're cool, right? Secure as cucumber.

Seriously, I admire those who seem to never run out of fuel to gas up on new knowledge. That's perseverance personified. 

Imagine yourself in school the entire length of your fleeting young life. Instead of just watching movies or going to basketball games, you're in the library leafing through browning text, or mostly browsing through web upon web pages of e-books. 

Nursery to elementary, probably nine years. Four years of high school. Another four for a college degree, much longer for engineers, lawyers and doctors. 

And for many others today, add two more for MBA or another masteral pursuit. Then two more years of PhD, especially for those who want to make it big in the academe or other scientific endeavors. That's 20 years, more or less. 

Whew, that roughly translates to 19,200 hours of attending four-hour classes five times a week, assuming you also take summer classes; some 14,600 hours burning the midnight oil to cope with assignments and exams; close to 300 textbooks; and hundreds of thousands in tuition fees, uniforms, transportation and baon expenses. 

İt's a pity that while some would die to get an education and even study further, many young people---especially those born with the proverbial silver spoon in their mouths---take it for granted. 

Education is probably the most valuable inheritance parents can give their children. After all has been said and done, what's been planted in their minds and hearts become irreplaceable. 

Knowledge levels the playing field---for the haves to retain their mansions, and the have-nots to get out of their potholes and be in the same footing as the have-plenty. 

No matter your economic or family background, educational credentials help open doors to be employed, and even be promoted. 

İn our university, for example, you could not be "professor" (with corresponding higher remuneration) unless your resume specifies a master's or PhD. 

İ admire students with the patience to study some more even if they have already earned degrees. 

The bible however warns that too much learning tends to make us haughty. It can puff up our minds, says 1 Corinthians 8:1.

İ'm sure you know of someone who's been educated in the best universities abroad, held significant positions in business or in government, but whose life has been a total mess. 

Separated from wife. Children gone their own way and not wanting to have anything to do with Dad. Facing a graft rap for unexplained wealth and possessions. Sounds familiar? 

Well, this may be quite the extreme. But we do know that MBAs and PhDs, nor titles and certificates hung on the wall, don't define us. 

They're good door and opportunity openers. Because the real test of competence is how we use that knowledge to manage our situations. 

Wise is the man, who having obtained knowledge, uses it to teach and build up others. 

Sadly, some titled people seem to carry an air about them which tends to repel others. Worse, they carry it like a badge even in their homes, treating their wives and children like underlings. 

Titles like Reverend, Doctor, Boss, General. Highfalutin, huh.

If you're not careful, your title can wall you in, or fence people out. Whichever way, you feel alone in your ivory tower. 

To live well and enjoy God's abundant blessings, education and the endless pursuit of more learning and information, is not the key; but rather wisdom.
 
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, says Proverbs 1:7.  One translation: The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge. 

If knowledge and wisdom do come from Him, shouldn't we all the more seek Him than titles and badges?

Simply put, wisdom is the right application of knowledge. 

And real wisdom can happen only out of an intimate relationship with the One who made you into you. 

God knows your every part, your strengths and weaknesses; but He can mold and lead you if you ask Him for wisdom daily.

"Master in Business Administration" is desirable, but so is "Master in Being Alive" so that your every move comes out of a desire to make a difference, not be different; to teach and be teachable, not just acquire stock knowledge that puffs up; and to learn life skills, not just work skills. 

photo credits: www.aamu.edu, www.mscareergirl.com, www.rediff.com