To college, or not to college? That is the question! I know this is a fairly controversial topic, and I'm only a 21-year-old in the middle of her college career—but I have a few ideas about this debate. Many people think that college is just a waste of money and that it doesn't really get you anywhere. Others say that college is unnecessary for the field they're interested in. For others, college is a must, whether or not you think you'll need it. I know my opinion is just a drop in the ocean of opinions out there on this subject, but, if you're trying to decide whether or not to go to college, these are some things I think you should keep in mind.
Without further ado, here are three things to keep in mind when deciding whether or not to go to college:
1. Dreams must meet reality.
One opinion on this subject is that college isn't necessary for every career. You don't need a degree for a lot of creative careers. For example, I want to be a writer, and I don't need a college degree to do that. I could write and sell lots of books without ever setting foot in a college classroom. Although that's true, I realize that I can't make a living off of being a writer. I can't go in expecting to be the next great writer and make millions of dollars off of every book. That isn't realistic. You can't just expect to be the next great actor or artist—you'll need a day job until you reach that point (if you ever get there). It's a tough truth, but it's one you have to face. You don't need a college degree to be an artist, but you might need one to be able to eat while you work on your art.
2. Dreams change.
I know a guy who went to community college for a degree in a field he was interested in. Years later, he went back to school because he wanted more. He was tired of doing the same job and working for the same type of people. He felt like a worker bee. He felt like he was making money for other people. He wanted to go back to school and get a four-year degree in something else, something new, something that he had a passion for. Sure, the original degree he got didn't necessarily get him a dream job, but the point still stands. You may not go to college because you want to be an actor. However, after being an actor for a while, you may wish you could do something else. College degrees aren't just about making money—they're about options. Without a degree, you limit yourself.
3. College is expensive!
You didn't think I was going to argue one-sided, did you? There are valid arguments in favor of not going to college. One that I agree with is the cost. I don't agree that it should stop you from getting an education, but I do agree that it's an issue to consider. Don't go into debt! For anything! Especially education! It's so unnecessary. If you want to go to college but don't have a lot of money to work with, there are options. Take classes at a community college, get scholarships, work part time—do literally anything other than going into debt for college (except robbing a bank—don't do that either). If you want to skip out on college because you honestly can't afford it and you want to go right into the workforce, then do what you gotta do. I would recommend still considering college down the road, but, again, do what you gotta do.
Is this article basically saying that I think you should go to college? Yes, but I also understand that it isn't that simple. You may have to put off going to college, attend part time while you work, go to community college, etc. Everyone has different needs and different access to education. But if you can go, go. Can you make it through life without a degree? Of course! But I just want to warn you that you'll be limiting yourself. Take my advice with a grain of salt. Everyone's life is going to be different, and that isn't a bad thing. Just be wise and realistic and don't let your big ambitions or challenges cloud your judgment.
Good luck!
