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Is College Important ?
I’m currently a senior at Burton High School #college-advice #college
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Francisco’s Answer
Hi Garvin,
Surprisingly, this is kind of a controversial question. Depending on who you ask, college can be essential or can be worthless. You must be familiar with at least one millionaire CEO who claims college isn't needed, and a high school teacher who always tells you college is the only way you can be successful in life. While it is true a college degree is not essential to make a decent living, as there are many trades people who have no formal education or did community college who do very well.
Now, before I continue I'll disclose my bias. I have 3 college degrees (1 bachelor's and 2 master's), therefore I completely lean on the direction that college is very important. The reason I believe college is fundamental is not only because it will allow you to access a better quality of life, with college graduate salaries outperforming those without degrees, but mostly because of the institution of universities being a whole life experience which can change you for the better.
College is not just another building where you go to take classes, but a pool of diverse colleagues, friends, cultures, ideas, and opportunities. In college you get to not only learn about your chosen career path, but meet people from all paths of life, interact with cultures you might had never been exposed to, and exchange points of view with people similar and completely different to you. There's also plenty of opportunities to work and develop new skills, participate in social or professional organizations to develop key soft skills, and basically you are empowered to create your own experience throughout your years there.
Overall, I believe college is very important and truly makes a positive difference in most people's lives. If you don't think it's the path for you that's totally fine, but I assure you if you decide to go to college you won't regret it. Best of luck moving forward!
Surprisingly, this is kind of a controversial question. Depending on who you ask, college can be essential or can be worthless. You must be familiar with at least one millionaire CEO who claims college isn't needed, and a high school teacher who always tells you college is the only way you can be successful in life. While it is true a college degree is not essential to make a decent living, as there are many trades people who have no formal education or did community college who do very well.
Now, before I continue I'll disclose my bias. I have 3 college degrees (1 bachelor's and 2 master's), therefore I completely lean on the direction that college is very important. The reason I believe college is fundamental is not only because it will allow you to access a better quality of life, with college graduate salaries outperforming those without degrees, but mostly because of the institution of universities being a whole life experience which can change you for the better.
College is not just another building where you go to take classes, but a pool of diverse colleagues, friends, cultures, ideas, and opportunities. In college you get to not only learn about your chosen career path, but meet people from all paths of life, interact with cultures you might had never been exposed to, and exchange points of view with people similar and completely different to you. There's also plenty of opportunities to work and develop new skills, participate in social or professional organizations to develop key soft skills, and basically you are empowered to create your own experience throughout your years there.
Overall, I believe college is very important and truly makes a positive difference in most people's lives. If you don't think it's the path for you that's totally fine, but I assure you if you decide to go to college you won't regret it. Best of luck moving forward!
Updated
Samantha’s Answer
Hey Gavin,
College may or may not be important for your future, which I know might not be the most helpful thing to hear. Ultimately, college will open you up to different opportunities both personal and professionally that you would not have had otherwise. That is something you are going to have to figure out. I greatly benefited from my gap year and if you are unsure about your trajectory you may want to consider doing the same. Take some time and see what you want to do with your life.
College may or may not be important for your future, which I know might not be the most helpful thing to hear. Ultimately, college will open you up to different opportunities both personal and professionally that you would not have had otherwise. That is something you are going to have to figure out. I greatly benefited from my gap year and if you are unsure about your trajectory you may want to consider doing the same. Take some time and see what you want to do with your life.
Updated
Rhonda’s Answer
You can never go wrong with expanding your knowledge. There are many ways of doing that. Consider your interests. What 'job' do you see yourself doing that you enjoy? I've always heard, and told my children; if you do what you love you will never work a day in your life. That does not mean that there won't be tasks in your job you don't like. See if what you are interested in as a career is something you can get post-high school education in while in high school. For example, you may be able to be a certified mechanic, CNA, etc through programs in your high school. You may even be able to obtain your Associate's degree by the time you graduate. The best thing about all of this is it probably won't cost you a dime! To your original question, the job market after high school graduation is going to be much harder if you choose to go straight into the workforce. The military is an exception, although even there you can further your education. College is not 'necessary' to make a living but to have an easier, more lucrative life, plan for some type of additional education, vocational training, military, apprenticeship, etc.