What makes someone want
to learn? Is it the teacher? Is it the way the child was brought up? Maybe it
is just in their genetics? All of these aspects can be true in relation to
their passion for learning. Many times a person’s reactions for learning come
from the simple fact on whether they are interested in the subject. If the
subject is boring they will have no interest and words will literally pass
straight through them. Although, once someone turns on a metaphorical switch in
their minds, learning can become empowering. The problem with this, is finding
out what is going to trigger the switch from off to on?
“Learning to Read”
by Malcolm X tells of his life and how education empowered him, but more
importantly he spoke about what his on switch was when it came to learning. He
only had an eighth grade education when he was serving seven years in prison.
While in prison he became frustrated at the fact that he could not convey his
thoughts properly because of his lack of education. He was then empowered to
take on learning by himself no matter the cost. All he did for his education
came from a simple dictionary. He went from being almost illiterate to “many
people who hear me somewhere in person, or on television, or those who read
something I've said, will think I went to school far beyond the eighth grade.”
This type of education came from a dictionary, not fancy teachers or programs,
but simply his overwhelming desire to be empowered by education. He found his on switch.
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