In the early morning hours, we often find ourselves contemplating whether or not to venture out from our comfortable beds to the lecture halls. Every student goes through this interior battle. We think, “I have three absences, and I haven’t used any yet, so I can miss today,” or the typical, “I just don’t want to go.” If you’ve ever found yourself in this situation, you’re not alone. Many of us are in college because we have a passion, and are pursuing it. Others, not so much. Some attend college because it feels like they have to or their parents are forcing them to. In high school, we are pressured to apply to a dozen different schools, constantly being told we won’t make any money unless we have a college education. Millennials are becoming a herd of sheep being directed where to go by the older generations. We give in to their demands because we desire success which is why a lot of millennials are furthering their education beyond high school.
What happens when we arrive at college? We are told to choose a path, a major. This path has been beaten down by thousands that have trekked it before us. The vast majority of undergraduate programs insist students follow this path class for class. For those who’ve wanted to be a doctor since they were young, the established path is perfect for them. These people know exactly what they want to do, and that is awesome. For the rest of us, we are lost amongst the labyrinth of lecture halls trying to find an escape while searching for meaning.
Receiving a college education used to be a feat only attainable by the upper class. This holds true in some ways considering the spike in college costs. However, it isn’t hard to take out immense loans so lower class individuals can also partake in the college experience. Now that there are forces in place pressuring us to go to college, we feel we must be here. Despite this hike in cost, there has never been more college students. There has also never been more colleges. College has turned into an outstandingly profitable business.
Bottom line: if you don’t feel college is right for you, don’t go. Ignore those that are screaming in your ear telling you that you won’t amount to anything unless you go. Approximately a quarter of college graduates work in the field they studied during their undergrad. It is true that on average, degree-bearing individuals will make more in their lifetime. Don’t be average. If you want to be a tattoo artist, go be one. If you want to be a dancer, do it. If you plan on becoming a doctor or an engineer, do it. College is a wonderful place to grow and learn, but it isn’t for everyone. Be an individual, and don’t just pursue your passion, be your passion. It’s hard to go to class, but if you decide it is truly meaningful and that it will add value to your life, go.
