On my morning bus ride the other day, while still half asleep, I came across an article about Malala Yousafzai, the education activist who was shot by the Taliban. She had just gotten straight A’s on her GCSEs, the compulsory exams taken in the UK at the end of secondary education. Reading this was a wake up call. Malala got shot in the head pursuing her right to an education, and I was irritated because I had to get out of bed early.

I hear complaints about school all the time, including from myself. I understand that sometimes we have classes we don’t like or we’re really stressed. I understand that a lot of us probably don’t get enough sleep. I know that the school system needs lots of improvements. However, we have an opportunity that many others don’t get.

I, for one, am so grateful that I was born in a country where I am required to attend school.

Education is a gift. It isn’t just about getting into college or getting a job, although it will certainly help with that. Education will make you a more informed, productive, and helpful citizen of the world. You don’t have to be super “smart” to learn things that will enrich your life. You don’t have to love going to school to appreciate its importance.

So, the next time you find yourself annoyed because you have to wake up early to go to a beautiful building to learn from excellent teachers for free, remember: there are people all over the world who would, and have, gone to great lengths for that right. Think of them, and be thankful for your early mornings.