Education is like DNA. You are a person, therefore 99% of it will be like other peoples. We all need to learn to walk, talk, communicate our thoughts, get along with others, and read, as well as how to learn and how to be our best selves. But the part that is different makes you who you are and helps you to thrive in your individuality.

So, think about it for a second. What do you want in your education that is different from the other 99 people around you?

I’m going to guess that what you want falls somewhere on a spectrum in what Aristotle called “the golden mean”.

You want freedom to choose, but not complete lack of any guidance.

You probably want some amount of technology in your life, even if it’s just a lightbulb to see with, but you may not be happy spending All day long on a computer.

It’s likely you would enjoy learning some things with friends, and creating new learning experiences, but you also want to study things that may only interest you, read a book on your own, or practice a musical instrument without fear of embarrassment.

While deadlines, standards and rules can be seen as restrictive, you may want a few in your life to help with motivation, and to be able to celebrate when you reach them.

You believe education and learning should be enjoyable, but also want to stretch yourself to become better and more skilled.

And on and on. Just like DNA is made from the same four amino acids but as they are put together they create a unique signature that is just yours, the location that you choose on each of these spectrums will combine to create an education that is uniquely suited to you.