Degrees are everywhere—but are they enough? Rovin challenges the modern obsession with credentials and urges us to seek kokorozashi, a purpose that turns knowledge into service. Education, he argues, should be more than a paper; it should be a commitment to uplift others. James is a dedicated young public servant focused on empowering youth development and amplifying the roles of learners in shaping education systems. He began his government career at the Department of Education in the Philippines, where he is working to create meaningful impact through policy formulation and project management, ensuring that education models align with the needs and experiences of young people. A strong advocate for lifelong learning, he believes that learners are not just passive recipients of information but active agents of change. He is currently pursuing a Master's degree in Public Policy at the International University of Japan. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx