We live in times when ambitions and interests are taking people to greater heights. Long gone is the time when people thought attending college was the only option to make those dreams come true. Today, the path is wide; students can decide to join college, a trade school, or start a career immediately after high school. One just needs to settle on the path where their drives aligns effortlessly. Even though no path is entirely guaranteed, pursuing what one really desires can be fulfilling in the end. Nevertheless, I would settle for college. Colleges are fantastic platforms that afford individuals a chance to gain a profound understanding of their interests, accumulate knowledge, guarantee personal growth, and secure their future in terms of employability and earning potential.
College is not all about being confined to learning; it is a space that allows people to explore, have fun, interact, pursue other interests, grow, and broaden their perspective through its transformative experience. Colleges are spaces where people immerse profoundly in critical thinking, interacting, learning, and exploring various academic disciplines to nurture essential life skills and grow. Besides, this encourages intellectual curiosity and independence, critical elements to thrive in today’s business world (Freedman 9). The exposure to the richness of diversity makes people appreciate varied ideas and perspectives, embrace empathy, which enriches one’s worldview, and augment their cultural tolerance and awareness. Notably, these aspects greatly influence an individual’s personal development and growth, which prepares them to navigate the professional world.
Another compelling reason for attending college is the broad career opportunities one gets to enjoy. Individuals with higher education qualifications are highly sought by organizations to help them remain competitive and viable in today’s highly dynamic world. With a college degree, it becomes easier to secure a job in a larger work market because graduates are known for their fresh and innovative ideas, and their vitality is much needed in organizations (ProCon.org para. 3). Also, with a degree specializing in a certain field is easier which results in a more satisfying and fulfilling career.
In addition, a college education guarantees high earning potential. Evidence is compelling that degree holders make significantly more compared to those with only high school diplomas (ProCon.org para. 3). In today’s world, financial stability is an indispensable aspect that dictates how people will live their lives. Degrees afford financial advantage, which guarantees personal well-being.
However, it is not an easy path nor a guaranteed one. Higher education cannot be separated from the hefty price tag, which has resulted in many graduates drowning in loan debts (Freedman 8). This can be quite demoralizing for those who are not financially well. Nevertheless, it is an investment that pays off in the end, and luckily, there are several financial aid opportunities to alleviate these concerns and help students pursue their dreams. A college education is worth the shot.
Nevertheless, starting a career immediately or joining a trade school seems promising because there are time-efficient as well as affordable choices with a ready market that offers more than 30 million jobs in the US that fetches more than 55,000 US dollars annually (Krupnick para.14). With the ever-evolving job market, employers are looking for more specialized skills not just a college degree (NBC NEWS 00:25-00:40). The notion that a person without college degree might miss bigger opportunities is gradually losing its roots. It is time for people to start seeing trade schools or starting careers immediately as viable options, too.
Even though there is no sure blueprint or a manual in life, attending college seems to be a wise investment considering professional and personal benefits. Those who have attended will guarantee that college offers such an invaluable experience that cannot be traded for anything. Besides, for those who want a secure future, with good money and a broad career range, attending college is a compelling choice that makes it easier to enjoy a prosperous and well-rounded life and future.
Work Cited
Freedman, Donna, and Laura Davis. “College or Career?” Linfield Magazine 15.1 (2018): 5.
Krupnick, Matt. “After Decades of Pushing Bachelor’s Degrees, U.S. Needs More Tradespeople.” PBS NewsHour, 2017, www.pbs.org/newshour/education/decades-pushing-bachelors-degrees-u-s-needs-tradespeople.
NBC NEWS. “Do You Really Need a College Degree to Have a Successful Career?” Www.youtube.com, 2022, www.youtube.com/embed/YX9NWYz3Gzk
ProCon.org. “Is a College Education Worth It?” Procon.org, Britannica, 2020, college-education.procon.org/.
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