Marriage in college has taken a wide turn since the 20th century. What once was deemed socially acceptable and normal is now commonly viewed as a big mistake.
Today, many people strongly side against couples marrying in college, while others support them 100 percent. The shift in acceptance of marriage during college interplays with shifts in education and the working world. Despite the fact that it’s frowned upon by society, marriage in college is okay.
I personally plan on making the commitment of marriage before my college graduation. In pursuing my relationship with my boyfriend I have faced a lot of controversy on the idea. Many people don’t agree with it, and rightfully so. Statistics shows that the divorce rate is 50 percent, and even higher for those who marry under the age of 21. However, the decision of marriage is between a couple; therefore, people should respect a couple’s decision despite whether they agree with it, because the couple will be the ones living with the consequences, no matter what happens.
Education is a huge concern for young married couples. Many fear that married students will drop out of college, or not attend at all, in order to begin making a living. This fear is valid because many young couples are forced to make that decision due to finances. Though many couples may drop out or skip college, not all couples do. In fact, a large amount support and encourage each other to earn their degrees. Sure, it may take some extra work, time, and jobs, but it is totally possible. Many schools also offer scholarships for married couples to encourage and help them finish their degrees. There are many options for married college students out there. They just have to find them, and sort out which ones are right for them. Through understanding all of the opportunities available to them, married couples can finish college. Marriage is not a termination to education. Couples can earn a high quality education while in holy matrimony.
Financial stability is another incredibly large factor of marriage in college. The stereotypical college kid in America is broke, making financial stability in college seem nearly impossible. It is difficult to get your feet on the ground in college, but by no means is it impossible. Financial stability is something couples need to earn. It isn’t something simply handed to people based on their age. So whether you work for it in college or after college, work is still required to obtain financial stability. After attaining a bachelor’s degree one may have to put in less work, or be able to obtain more for their work, but nevertheless, one must work hard for financial stability despite their age. If a young couple is willing to work hard and put in what it takes to become financially stable, age should not be a hindrance to them in regards to marriage and financial stability within marriage.
Finally, I have received a lot of questions about certainty of my significant other being “the one.” Many people ask me how I can be sure without trying “other fish in the sea.” My boyfriend is only the second guy I have dated, so I understand why people can look at me and ask how I know he is the one I want to marry. The thing is, you don’t have to try “all of the fish in the sea.” I was never one to go out on a lot of dates. I have always been very selective of the men I choose to give my heart away to. I don’t want to give away all of my thoughts, ideas, and insecurities to every interested man that comes along. I know the qualities I wanted in a life partner, and the qualities that I don’t. I didn’t need to date a lot of people to see who had what I liked and didn’t like because I could tell that by just being friends with them. Before I even started dating the guy I’m with now, we became really good friends. In the beginning stages we discussed our hobbies, passions, and interests. As time passed, our relationship grew, and our conversations gradually shifted into more intense topics: how many kids we want, our feelings about adoption, where we want to end up, and what we want out of life. After many months of getting to know each other and growing together, we have decided that we are compatible and want to commit to each other. We both understand that the commitment of marriage can be difficult at times, but it is something we both want to pursue before graduation, and that’s okay.
Although many completely disagree, marriage before college is the beginning of a long path. A walk together beginning at a young age gives couples a lot of time and ways to grow and mature together, in holy matrimony. Though it’s not for everyone, marriage in college is good for many couples and can last in a lifetime.
