Sing!

Chapter Thirteen: Education

THERE IS NOTHING MORE TO BE SAID OR TO BE DONE TONIGHT, SO HAND ME OVER THE VIOLIN AND LET US TRY TO FORGET FOR HALF AND HOUR THE MISERABLE WEATHER AND THE STILL MORE MISERABLE WAYS OF OUR FELLOWMEN.

| Arthur Conan Doyle|

*  *  *

Education is the most important factor in the development of human civilisation. Education provides the nation with man powers, promotes national unity and uplifting public awareness. A country needs different kinds of man powers, such as doctors, engineers, teachers, administrative officials, economists, judges, and other technical hands. Education provides the nation with those educated hands. If people are educated, they can understand their duties and rights. In order to uplift human society, each should be capable to understand others. If people can understand each other, they will be united. Thus, education can promote national unity. In order to uplift the degree of awareness of society, education plays a prime role. It makes all people conscious. They will not follow the old dead and evil tradition. Educated people can reform the society. The can understand what is wrong and what is right.  They can save good traditions. Education profounds enhances human prosperity.

Yet, education is something that many students would clarify as dull and boring. Education towards the young is something that appears to be forced upon them. Not many would willingly enter a school, college or university if they were given the opportunity not to. Generations of children would happily give up on the education system.

Although, they don't understand.

People had died to gain an education. People have suffered so that their children and the future generation would be able to learn. Learn about different cultures, beliefs, history etc. Individuals have to sort out to do anything to gain an education. Education to some is as pure and wonderful as freedom. Education, to those who wish to learn, is their gateway to freedom.

Education is a force to be reckoned with. Education is the building blocks of life. Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.

All the teachers were gathered into the staff room. Each taking a spot so that they could hear Jimminy's important words. No one knew what the meeting was concerning. No one knew if it was bad or good news. They would have to wait and see. 

Everyone was talking to one another, hoping the other person had a clue as to what the meeting was concerning. Yet, everyone's curiosity was delayed. As soon as they saw Jimminy and the depressed state he was in, everyone understood that the news was severe. Not many had seen Jimminy in such a state, it was disheartening.

"Brooklyn central has been an institution in this neighbourhood  for," Jimminy paused for a moment, removing his glasses, "over eighty years," again he paused as he remembered the news he had to give to all the staff, "but now, after putting off this decision, the board of education has decided that," Jimminy proceeded to clean his glasses, "at the end of this school's semester," another pause. It pained Jimminy to have to say the words out loud to everyone, "that the end of this school's semester, central will close its doors and cease to operate as an educational institution of the city of new york."

There was something in his words, a pain behind it. Calliope watched. He watched Jimmy's eyes. Then she knew. The professionality was nothing but a shield for the pain.

Everyone was in uproar.

How could they close the school after so many years?

•    •    •

After hearing the news, Snow made it her duty to find Iduna. Snow had swiftly left her house and ran towards the diner where she was sure her best friend would be working. Iduna needed Snow's comfort, that Snow knew. Iduna had dealt with so many things alone and Snow knew that Iduna wasn't likely to be able to deal on her own anymore. She needed a friend.

"Iduna, I came as fast as I heard," Snow announced as she regained her breathing. Iduna gave her best friend a small smile while she watched her friend walk towards her.

"Oh, Snow you didn't have to," Iduna murmured as she pored someone a drink.

"Don't be silly," Snow responded as she stood beside her friend, "close the school. This is going to hurt us all," Snow stated as she gestured to all the individuals who were inside the diner, "but you Iduna..." Snow took a hold of her friend's hand, hoping to comfort her. Iduna gave her another sad smile and shoulder rub before returning behind the counter, "we're not going to take this lying down, we're going to fight it," declared as she watched her friend walk miserably away from her.

Iduna had disappeared into the kitchen. Out of everybody's sight. Looking up, Iduna saw Elsa stand before her.

"Mom?" Elsa questioned as she saw her mother's face. Elsa knew her mother must have heard the news already. She had never seen her mother look so miserable.

Walking towards her daughter, "Oh, Elsa," She sighed as the two came to one another, "what are we going to do?" Iduna questioned as if her daughter would have an answer to their problem, "they're closing out the neighbourhood."