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Posted by Naomi Rockler-Gladen Jun 24, 2008 |
High school students: are you ready to go to college? Really ready? If you're not sure, here's an article that may help you:
Here's the thing: higher education involved a major commitment of time, money, and willingness to learn. It's also a choice, and in my experience as a professor, I don't think that students always recognize this. Colleges and universities are filled with students who are miserable and/or resentful because they really don't want to be there, and don't realize that they don't have to be there.
Here are some reasons why people choose to go to college. If these are the only reasons why you want to continue with your education, consider other alternatives:
- It's the "thing to do" after high school is over.
- It's the norm for people in my community and/or social class to attend college after high school.
- My parents expect me to go.
- My high school friends are all going.
- My boyfriend/girlfriend is going.
- People will think I'm dumb or lower class if I don't go.
- I have to go because otherwise, I won't be able to live the lifestyle I want.
All of these reasons point to one major expectation: people see higher education as a prerequisite to a middle class lifestyle. There's something to this, as people with college educations often have more earning potential. However, this isn't always the case--and it's also the case that people with technical or business school degrees, or no degrees at all, can do well financially.
Look into all your options. If you step into that college classroom that first day and don't feel at least a little bit excited, you may be in the wrong place.