I got the inspiration for this article after taking my 15-year-old sister dress shopping for her winter formal.

Now there’s a sentence you don’t hear every day.

At some point, between the endless browsing of dress boutiques and shoe stores, our topic of conversation turned to college. She told me that she wanted to go to either Clemson University or the University of Missouri because of their strong sports broadcasting and journalism programs. My immediate reaction was to be happy for her; now that I have been on both sides of the college application process, I know firsthand how relieving and exciting it is to finally find your “dream” school.

Unfortunately, this feeling did not last. After a few minutes passed, it suddenly hit me – my 15-year-old sister is a sophomore in high school, and she’s already researching colleges and preparing for one of the biggest decisions she will have to make in her lifetime. This is the same girl who can’t do her own laundry, cook her own food, or even legally apply for her driving permit. Just a few months ago, she had to ask me how to make microwave popcorn. Yet here she is, thinking and stressing over where to apply for her undergraduate degree. And I have a sad suspicion that she is one of countless other 15-year-olds across the United States who are worrying about an inconceivable future.

For decades now, there has been a steadily increasing emphasis on the importance of a higher education. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, about 58 percent of the general population above the age of 25 has had at least some college experience. Within this demographic, about 64% of U.S. citizens between the ages of 25 and 29 have gone to, if not graduated from, college. This points to the higher relevance that younger generations have placed on a college degree, and it certainly includes our generation of Millennials. But are our efforts truly going towards the right endeavors?

I was fortunate enough to attend a distinguished high school that boasted excellent graduation rates and alumni that went on to various reputable universities across the nation. But I would be lying if I said that there was no discrimination or cruelty shown towards those students who didn’t take the “traditional” path. I think it’s safe to say we all know what “traditional” means: attending a four-year university (hopefully a prestigious one, with bonus points for graduating early), potentially going on to graduate school, and then the inevitable nine-to-five desk job. And we tend to look down on anyone who strays from this path. I myself am completely guilty of questioning those who decided to go to a community college, or attend the local commuter school, or forego college altogether and simply work. But with two and a half years of a higher education now under my belt, I can finally recognize its legitimacy and its illegitimacy – and respect these different decisions of my peers. Because, even though the traditional path may be the most followed, there is something to be said for the road less traveled. And there are a variety of reasons for why someone would not want to adhere to the four-year college plan.

Tuition Costs

The cost of college is likely the single greatest deterrent to someone choosing to receive a higher education. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, for the 2012 – 2013 academic school year, it cost about $17,500 a year (including tuition, room and board) to attend a four-year public university. It cost about $35,000 a year for a private university. Factoring in countless other miscellaneous expenses, and the burden that college places on students who are financially supporting themselves or who are from an economically disadvantaged family, it shouldn’t come as a surprise – or be viewed as an embarrassment – when someone chooses to attend community college instead.

Comfort

It’s easy to forget how intimidating it can be for someone to leave their hometown to go to college. Most of us stayed at home with family for the first 18 years of our existence, and to completely uproot our lives and be away from our relatives for the first time is a scary experience. Some people place more emphasis on remaining close to their family, and would rather attend a local school in order to be near them. Others simply enjoy living in their hometown, and would rather settle down where they know they will be happy. Whatever the reason may be, some people just want to stay in their comfort zone.

Uncertainty

At some universities, you are required to declare your major upon applying. This means that you’re supposed to know, at the ripe old age of 17 or 18, what you want to study and, consequently, do with your life. This policy stands at my school, Cal Poly San Luis Obispo; and it often results in added stress and pressure put on students. I can count on both hands the number of friends I have who are on their third major in three years. And while it’s worth the extra tuition costs and years spent in school if it means you are following your passion, it certainly doesn’t make things any easier. Even if your university doesn’t require you to declare a major immediately, this might actually hurt instead of help you. If you know you must decide on your field of study by the end of your second year of college, this creates a deadline that, for many, approaches far too soon. Who’s to say that you will have found your passion after four semesters or six quarters of a higher education? My own father, after getting a bachelor’s degree and working for 25 years at his company, tells me that he still doesn’t know what he wants to do with his life. So maybe it’s best to put a higher education on hold until you have a better grasp of what you want.

It’s unnecessary

Finally, perhaps you simply do not need a college degree. Some people take over their family business, and learn necessary skills that are passed down to them. Or maybe your desired job doesn’t require a college degree. There are countless careers, such as electricity, plumbing, construction and farming, that require more hands-on experience than in-class instruction. But above all, some people just don’t want or need to go to college. The importance of a degree is a manmade construct; and while it is certainly true that a higher education is synonymous with many fields of work, there is much more to life beyond our professions. We view success in modern society as dollar signs and designer brands, without realizing that there is an entire realm of possibilities that lies within how we define “success”. Some say it’s a two story house and a white picket fence. Others say it’s the chance to travel the world. Whatever your definition may be, real success lies within staying true to it. And regardless of whichever path you’ve chosen to take in life, you should ask yourself: is the juice worth the squeeze? Because, if not, you need to remember to define success on your terms, and follow your passion. Even if that passion is an untraditional one.

Lastly, to my sister – I know you'll be successful at whatever you choose to do after high school. As long as you learn how to make microwave popcorn first.