College Or No College?

I read an article in NYTimes yesterday about how going to college may not be the best solution for everyone. While I do agree that some are just not "school" kinds of people, the article does report statistics that the majority of those with college degrees make more money than those without degrees and that their chances of being unemployed is less. That to me makes sense because if students are going to school for a few years to become knowledgeable about certain topics, and they are paying thousands of dollars in the process, they should be rewarded for their dedication, time, and money put into furthering their education with a good job afterward. I sometimes shudder when I think about how much money went towards getting a dual B.A., but I just have to hope that it will pay off eventually.

Today, I think it has become not only increasingly important but also almost expected of young adults to continue on the path of achieving a college degree after graduating high school, but I also understand that not every benefits the same amount by continuing school. While a college or university can help culturally enrich lives, cultivate new, open-minded outlooks, and serves as a great place to network, others may argue that those who go straight to the workplace are more prepared for what it takes to live in the real world. I understand that becoming a part of the workforce helps to develop a whole new set of problem solving skills that may not be achievable in the classroom, but I really think it just depends on the individual and how he/she makes use of the time out of school in order to make the claim that the individual gained more than a college student.

While it's difficult for me to understand why one wouldn't want to stay in school for as long as possible (partly because I am a nerd and like learning and partly because college is so much different than high school, it is like a whole new experience), I do think that one who does not attend can still be successful as long as there is determination and self-discipline to make use of that time.

In the Times article, Morton Schapiro, an economist who is the president of Northwestern University said, “I’m not saying don’t get the B.A. I’m saying, let’s get them some intervening credentials, some intervening milestones. Then, if they want to go further in their education, they can.” I like what Schapiro is saying here. Since job competition is growing fierce, it is important not only to get that degree but to also gain some "real" experience in addition. Building up one's resume while in college is ideal. Schools are now stressing those summer internships more than ever, even if they are unpaid, because experience is essential to landing a good job, not just the name of the university you attended.

I'm nervous about finding a job for myself, but the young adults to come are going to have to be even more intelligent and experienced. Yikes!