Throughout the challenges in the semester it is normal to question why we stress ourselves out as much as we do to get a college degree. There are a lot of opportunities and jobs that make decent money in the real world that can be obtained by someone who does not have a college degree. Knowing that fact, people are not shy to tell you that as a college student you are wasting our time and money just for a piece of paper. I have had people tell me “You don’t need a degree to be successful,” “You are going to school for something I learned to do with my years of work experience,” “Some jobs don’t even care what degree you have.” After hearing this from several different people, several different times it put discouraging thoughts in my head. Why do people spend all there time and money in college to get a single certification? What benefit do I have by getting a college degree? It may not be the same for everyone but there are three reasons I find it worth the time and stress to get a degree.

1. Life lessons through the process

Starting the college experience you learn to become independent and do things on your own. Coming in contact with so many people from all over the country you learn social skills and are more familiar with accepting people's differences. Accepting each other for who we are is an imperative life skill that can only make the world a better place and that can start in college.

2. Respect in the work force

Although a degree is not always necessary it will put you ahead of other applicants when you are trying to get a job. You studied for four years and worked hard studying, sitting in the library, meeting with professors. It is incredible work ethic to get a degree and that already is respectable.

3. Start your career before you are 25

Throughout college you make connections and meet people through internships and part time jobs. Using these connections you are more likely to begin your career once you graduate with your degree. It is more likely for you to start a career because you went to college and got an education than it is if you were to stay home and not go to college.