The issue of attending college

The topic of completing college remains one of the most discussed topics in the United States. On the one side, they are the solid disciples of the college system who are willing to attend and inspire others to do the same. On the other hand, there are those who feel that the importance of higher education has been underestimated, and after all, it’s not worth it.
When I completed high school, I took a break to think. I was trying to live a life that has meaning. I didn’t want to do it for the sake of doing it. I, therefore, write about my decision to attend college (cause) and the following outcomes which I am most likely going to experience (effects).

Economic Rewards

The high cost of paying college fees has been very high in recent years. In addition to that, students who attend college ran the risk of a heavy student loan after they graduate. Even with that, the value of getting an education cannot be underestimated. A college education can help recover the cost that was used in attaining it. One should bear in mind that a college education takes an average of four years; but one can earn from it including after retirement. Thus, education is a lifetime investment.

In some sections of the demographics of the U.S. population, there is a disparity on the expectations that one has viz a viz the actual after college expectations (Freeman 9). Most often, the expectations fall short of the real outcomes after college. In some cases, this can disillusion those who have attended college. The worst affected people in this are college graduates who take years before securing a job, or college graduates who are working shy from the courses they studied. However, this does not negate the observation that education plays a critical role in boosting financial stability.

In connection to this,, having a college degree comes with job security. The Bureau of Labor Statistics concurs that the unemployment rate among people who never attended college is 5.4 % compared to a rate of 2.8 % among people with a college degree. The 2015 Pew Research Center Report found that people who have attended college tend to have lasting relationships in social and professional circles among the friends that they schooled with.

I intend to use my college education to improve my financial status. One of the things I will do is to make sure that I apply for a job in a company that offers benefits and room for growth. Most importantly, I will use my savings to start my own job.

Personal Growth and Development/Social Mobility

I do not intend to get employed during my entire life. When I raise sufficient capital, I intend to get self-employed in the areas of my career. Self-employment means that one has to be more responsible. There is no direct boss requiring that one be accountable, but one’s clients become the boss.

Furthermore, being self-employed requires that I have a set of skills which I can use to manage my work. It should be noted that the rationale behind going to college is not just to graduate with the chosen specialization. Rather, it enables one to do critical thinking, have strong interpersonal skills, and have more efficient ways of solving problems.

Colleges have developed structures of incubation in order to assist students who are interested in entrepreneurship.

When I work for some years, I will be interested in making an application to key posts in the country. Most of such key posts will almost always ask for a college degree. Therefore, I would not like to be locked out for lack of the same. Nelson Mandela says thus:

Education is the most powerful weapon you can use to change the world.

Helen Keller capture the benefit of education and says:

Have you ever been at sea in a dense fog, when it seemed as if a tangible white darkness shut you in and the great ship, tense and anxious, groped her way toward the shore with plummet and sounding-line, and you waited with beating heart for something to happen? I was like that ship before my education began, only I was without compass or sounding line, and no way of knowing how near the harbor was. “Light! Give me light!” was the wordless cry of my soul, and the light of love shone on me in that very hour.

Prestige

A college degree is a symbol of prestige. The word prestige carries a positive connotation, unlike the word pride which carries a negative connotation. The prestige emanates from the fact that one only earns a college degree from years of study. In some cases, one must finish a project prior to graduation, and that is no little achievement.

According to Jackson (106), it is not uncommon to find people with jobs preferring to go back to college. This is because having a college certification is a qualification in itself that carries immense benefits.

If you take time with a person who has attended college, and another one who has not, the difference is as clear as the day and night. Each of the person will argue things differently. Attending college is not a mere continuation of a high school education. On the contrary, it offers a number of prestigious opportunities that can benefit someone for the entire life.

Having a college degree will help me increase my circle of friends. Furthermore, I will be in a position to contribute to educated debates when my friends are talking. In addition to that, I will feel that I have made a great achievement through acquiring a college education.

Writing and Speaking Skills

Whereas one can learn writing and speaking at the secondary school level, it is the college environment which offers an advanced stage of the same. One is taught how to write with an impeccable language. In addition to that, it is in college that one learns the art of speech, I Have a Dream Speech for instance. Colleges offer a good platform for having debate clubs as well as speech contests.

After learning writing and speaking in a span of four years, one can easily translate the same to the workplace or to self-employment. Sometimes, one may be required to give a speech either at a social or corporate event. An educated person is going to ensure that such a speech is delivered in an optimal way.

Freedom and Independence

People who join college are known to work towards freedom and independence in various aspects of life. It could be said that the word college is almost synonymous with freedom. It is this new found freedom that motivates someone to be accountable and responsible for his or her behavior.

I was brought up by strict parents. When I received my college admission, it was decided that it was time I left home and be on my own. My parents promised to support me in any way that they can both morally and financially. However, the freedom overwhelmed me and I was almost drowning in peer pressure. However, with time, I learnt how to control myself and now am a responsible person.

Conclusion

The decision to attend college is a matter of paramount importance. Though I have been exposed to other cultures prior to joining college, it is in college where I have been exposed to many cultures. In addition to that, in my years in college, I look forward to optimal learning, optimal interaction with friends, and participating in extracurricular activities. The final product will be a well molded and all rounded person with an education, strong interpersonal skills, and confidence to be of service to myself and others.

References

Freeman, Kassie. African Americans and College Choice: The Influence of Family and School.

Albany: State University of New York Press, 2005. Internet resource.

Jackson, L J. Triggering the Memories. Bloomington IN: Xlibris Corporation, 2012. Print.