Classes are important. They often open people’s eyes to different ways of thinking as well as help them develop skills that are needed to succeed in whatever field they choose.

Education is life-changing, but not all lessons can be taught in classes. While classes provide the foundational concepts, there is nothing like real world experiences to get people prepared for any situation life may present.

Yet, with the pressures responsibilities bring, having these life-changing experiences is something that often comes in second to the meaningless menial drudgery we find ourselves trudging through from day to day.

It is easy to see why life sometimes becomes an endless cycle of work, school and sleep with brief breaks for showers and food.

However, whenever people let this routine overcome curiosity and a sense of adventure about learning more about the world around them, they can fall into ruts that are hard to get out of.

They may even become complacent and forget what was driving them forward in the first place. To continue to grow through life experiences, people must continue to have them.

Having experiences which promote personal growth often include doing things that might be outside of the comfort zone of those involved.

It also requires the realization that while it is important to be responsible, responsibilities should not keep people from having at least a few spontaneous, life-changing experiences.

Sometimes it is perfectly acceptable to miss a class to gain something valuable outside of the classroom. Whether it be seeing a sibling’s performance, participating in a conference or taking the time to visit an awe-inspiring landmark like the Grand Canyon, these things are necessary to put life into perspective.

It is not realistic to engage exclusively in these amazing growth opportunities, but it is also not acceptable to let them pass by without at least experiencing a few.

When these opportunities present themselves, they are not always convenient. Sometimes, they might bring several issues to solve before the opportunity can even be obtainable, but they are almost always worth it.

They teach us that there is more to life than just getting through the day and classes and that there is more to live for than just classes and work.

These experiences can even rejuvenate our spirits. With all the bad things going on in the world, sometimes it is necessary to take the time to discover the things which make this planet and life itself inexplicably beautiful.

New experiences can bring changes in perspective that allow us to approach problems differently and better handle the responsibilities in our lives.

These experiences may not always be pleasant at the time and they can often be something we are not prepared for. When these unexpected opportunities present themselves, they give us a chance to step up and learn in a way that can change us for the better, but only if we let them.

It takes courage to face these opportunities and a belief in what they stand for. They stand for hope, that there are still more incredible things to see, to do and to learn outside of the small scope of the life we usually stick to. They represent that no matter where we are, we are not trapped there. We are free to move, learn and grow towards who we wish to become.

The spirit of adventure and hope should never have to die. Taking these opportunities not only creates experiences and memories for people who take them, but also provide a way to inspire children and peers through the stories of what can await them in the world.

Life experiences should be a priority in people’s lives. For every opportunity not taken, there is a cost. Whatever we choose to spend our time on, we need to make sure it is worth what we put into it.