When Titles Become the Measure, and Character Is Forgotten

In Indonesia, many of us grow up with the same narrative: pursue higher education to secure a job. There is nothing inherently wrong with this belief. Higher education often serves as a pathway to better career opportunities. Moreover, becoming an entrepreneur frequently requires substantial capital, networks, and a great deal of courage.

For this reason, the common dream is straightforward: attend university, graduate, and then work in a field aligned with one’s major. However, the reality of life does not always unfold in this way. There are many paths to success, and not all of them pass through the halls of a university.

I once experienced an incident that was both amusing and eye-opening. Someone claimed to greatly admire me. They praised my writings and even assumed that I was a graduate of Indonesian Literature. However, when I explained that I was actually only a vocational high school (SMK) graduate, their attitude changed dramatically. The admiration vanished instantly, replaced by a condescending view. The individual even went so far as to create a fake account to insult me, labeling me as “uneducated.”

Funny? Yes. Saddening? Absolutely.

This experience reminded me that in our society, respect is often still measured by several factors, 1. Position or title, 2. Wealth, 3. Education or academic degrees and 4. Profession

Yet, rarely do we place integrity, character, perseverance, and meaningful contributions to society as the primary standards of respect.

History has shown that many successful individuals do not necessarily possess high academic degrees. What distinguishes them is their willingness to continue learning, adapt to change, and create a positive impact on their communities.

For me, true education is not obtained solely within the walls of a classroom. It is also shaped by life experiences, social interactions, and persistent efforts to refine one’s abilities. A degree may open doors, but it is character and competence that allow a person to remain inside.

So, to the readers—especially those who may have just learned that I am “only” a vocational high school graduate—would that change your perception of me?

I believe that, ultimately, what matters most is not where we begin, but how we grow and what we contribute to others.

“Education is not merely about degrees, but about the process of becoming a person who gives meaning.”

Let us build a culture that values humanity and contribution more than mere symbols of status.

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