I am a lifetime student of Christ, as well as the knowledge of man, but I want it all to be on my terms.

I'm starting to become more and more frustrated with the ridiculous nature of the education system.
If a person learns to read, write, do basic math, and depending on future job choice take more specialized classes, should any more classes be required of them? College and highschool in these ways are somewhat follies of society. If one learns these things and can think abstractly, should they really be forced through extra steps in order to achieve their dream career? Anything over and above should be their choice, and not compulsory.

In my case, independent study is much more conducive than having information forced down my throat at a specific rate decided by an "expert." What amount of the knowledge I've "learned" will I actually use in my future?

Let's talk about secondary/college education. 

Although I attend a liberal arts college, I find it ridiculous to pay what I have to in order to get a magic piece of paper that says I am qualified to do whatever task I major in. I don't really need such a thing to succeed, yet in a world filled with people who forgo any education at all, whether it be through the education system or independent study, some form of verification of skill and knowledge has to be there. Why not have a single test to allow one to show their skills in any given field and skill in order to speed things along?

I don't like putting effort into what I see as a nearly fruitless venture (college), as I feel I have better things to do with my time, such as learn about things that I actually care about, acquire vocational skills I want to know, and do it all my way. I would rather learn from mistakes of my own than be tested over what I have memorized in short term memory, soon lost a semester later, only for that magic piece of paper that makes people want to hire you. Life experience seems to me to provide better education in some circumstances than secondary education. If you can read, write, do math, and think abstractly, learning from your cohorts in life and from your own experiences, life is easier, yet more productive and satisfying.

For example, Why does somebody like me need to take 18+ credit hours of Bible classes if they aren't planning on being a minister. I learn what I really use in small groups, Bible studies, church, and discussion with those I look up to and am friends with. Specific terms like exegesis, hermanuetics, and pericope may be important if you plan on being in a theological field, but why do I need to know them in order to be a servant of Christ, sharing Him with those the Holy Spirit leads me to?

Why do I need to take an English class full of busywork and paper writing, as well as reading literature that generally sucks except for a few glaring omissions like Heart of Darkness every year after the fifth grade up to my sophomore year of college? I can understand the need for a writing proficiency test, but do I really need yet ANOTHER English or literature class?

I just feel like it's a waste of energy, money, resources, and my lifetime to constantly be in a classroom after a certain point, as all I'm doing is learning what I need to know to get good grades, and then I soon forget as I don't ever actually use much of what I learn again in "the real world."

It seems that much of our education system is a racket designed to control and program the population, while at the same time leeching as much money from it as possible.

Here I sit, cramming for a test in a class I don't care about, as I'm not really getting much out of it. I do put little as possible effort into my studies, after my gradeschool years where I gave my all. I do the least amount of work, yet my best work, and attempt the greatest possible grade. I still manage mostly A and B grades. How subjective this grading system is. It's very ridiculous to think that the opinion of teachers and professors that are supposedly (usually are, however it's all subjective and depends on their era as to whether they are actually teaching FACTS versus what is assumed or fabricated over the years) experts in any given subject and their opinions are what determines a person's future: frycook or businessman. (With few exceptions, ala Bill Gates the Harvard dropout).

I'm a free thinker. Just wait, the thought police are probably coming for me right now (sarcasm laced with exaggerated truth there). I want to chase my dreams, and not have to jump through pointless, useless hurdles to get there. I want to do what is necessary and proper to achieve my goals, nothing more, nothing less. Anything over and above should be my choice.

What do you think?