Let’s be honest, getting a college degree is a necessity nowadays. At the same time, many people underestimate how difficult achieving this really is. Now, I’ve never looked down on my peers who have chosen to do several different things in their lives. For me, college is where I need to be. The people that I have an issue with are the ones who say that a college education isn’t needed in order to find a job. I don’t judge you for not going to college, so why must you judge me on my decision to better my chances at getting my dream job?

I’ve been at college for almost two years. If you add dual enrollment into that, then around three years. I’m not going to sit here and lie and say I haven’t been tempted to drop out multiple times. I made a choice when I graduated to come to Saginaw Valley and pursue my dreams. I have a lot of motivation behind me. Keeping the future in my thoughts in one of those. Personally, I want that big house, big family, and a great life. A key to a great life is a job that not only pays good and makes you happy, but also benefits others. A degree in Criminal Justice was what I wanted. I could have easily gone to a community college and graduated. I wanted more, I wanted the campus experience. Not for the parties or drinking that you see frequently. I wanted to make forever friends in my roommates and classmates. I wanted to feel what is was like to live on my own, and by that, I mean without family. I wanted to receive a diploma stamped with “university” in the name because I would be the first in my immediate family to do it. I wanted that proud moment probably more than the degree. But most of all, I wanted to prove to myself that I could do it so I could carry the struggles of this accomplishment into future job opportunities, knowing I can and will do it.

I’ve been in classrooms that invite speakers to talk to us about future job opportunities. I’m here to tell you that not a few, but EVERY SINGLE one of the speaker’s organizations, sectors, or companies will not even look at an application without seeing that you’re trying to further your education. I have sat through many presentations and everyone always asks the requirements. All of them say you need to have at least fifteen college credits under your belt while continuing course work or a college degree to be considered for the job.

Another interesting thing I have learned is that if you have a college degree when you start at these jobs, you automatically get a higher starting salary.

A huge reason people do not take the opportunity to go to college is because of the money. I have had close to a full-on mental breakdown thinking about how to repay this outrageous amount of money back after I graduate. Yes, scared is the word to describe it. No, it doesn't change my mind. Here’s why, once you get that amazing job opportunity, you will have the funds to repay the debt. Ah, “adulting” at its finest.

Money is also the reason a lot of people drop out of school once they get there. These are the folks who have their college education paid for either by parents, grandparents, or scholarships and just let the opportunity slip through their fingers. This can be from being absent, not trying in school, or due to partying. The students in this situation don’t realize how much this upsets the people working their butts off to graduate by working two jobs and going to school full time. Appreciation is where this issue stems from. The people who do this do not appreciate what they have and how grateful they should be.

There is clear evidence for having a college degree. I encourage everyone to go to school and get that degree. Community colleges are amazing. Most of them have a ton of students there for general education, but some for that Associate’s degree which is great. I’m not saying dumping thousands of dollars into a university is the way to go, I’m just pointing out that a piece of paper really does matter. That piece of paper is a ticket to a great life. It’s a ticket to your dream job. It’s an easy way to immediately getting paid a higher wage. It’s a great way to move up in rank or company title. Take the opportunities you have on a silver platter and use them to your advantage.

Another reason to get a degree is because some places will provide you money to repay student loans, or if you are working and going to school they will provide you a set amount of funds for the year allocated to the schooling.

I will never judge the people who don’t get a college degree, as I would expect from them for getting one. I am happy where I am at Saginaw Valley State University, and that’s why I could write this with no judgment on others,

When a college graduate complains about student loans, do not throw that in their faces saying, “It was your choice.” Realize that since we have a degree that cost us upwards of 60,000 dollars, we have the right to complain.