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COLLEGE PREP
goodnewsfl.org
15 October 2013
Cresonia Hsieh
Good News
According to Bloomberg Businessweek, 40
percent of collegiate students never graduate. If they
graduate, 13.5 will not be able to find work. If they
manage to graduate and find work, 44 percent will
work jobs that do not require college degrees.
Nevertheless, even if they graduate, escape
unemployment, and findmeaningful jobs, then they
will most likely be paying off debt (the average
student accrues $35,000 in college-related debt,
according to CNN Money). After factoring the
rising cost of college tuition and the dismal future of
the economy, many are understandably left
wondering what the value of a college diploma
actually is.
Though these statistics are glum for graduates,
college is necessary for many students. Higher
education is for the self-motivated student who
thrives in a learning environment, for the
hardworking and disciplined who still have yet some
growing up to do, and for the bright-eyed who desire
self-discovery. However, a university education is
not for everyone.
While unmotivated youths are obviously not
meant for college life, post-secondary institutions
likewise are not for the truly exceptional.
Universities are not for the ones who already know
what they want to do with their lives and for whom
pursuing a college degree would prevent them from
attaining their dreams. For example, post-secondary
education was not for entrepreneurs Mark
Zuckerberg, Bill Gates, or Steve Jobs, or for creative
thinkers like Vidal Sassoon, Coco Chanel, Marc
Ecko, Russell Simmons or Wolfgang Puck.
Nevertheless, all have become immensely wealthy,
successful, and intelligent, and all without higher-
level degrees. These distinguished people are
innovative and brilliant, and did not feel that their
dreams were worth the four-year wait.
If not college, thenwhat?
Instead of attending a university, one could
author a book, start a business, or become an
inventor. He could attend a certificate program that
could lead to a job as an automotive service
technician, insurance agent, real estate agent, or
emergency medical technician, just to name a few.
He could work to improve the world by joining the
Peace Corps, becoming a missionary, defending the
nation by working in the army, or exploring the
world by taking a year off and going backpacking in
Europe. He could even just immerse himself into the
real world by working. With youth comes the luxury
of time, ability and energy…the opportunities are
limitless!
Still unconvinced?
If you’re still convinced that college is the only
way to live and succeed, take a look at some of these
jobs that, according to Forbes, make just as much, if
not more, than the average college graduate.
1) Administrative/Executive Assistant
Average Salary: $50,220
Outlook: +12%
2) Electrician
Average Salary: $53,030
Outlook: +23%
3) Industrial Machine Repairer
Average Salary: $47,500
Outlook: +19%
4) Paralegal/Legal Assistant
Average Salary: $50,220
Outlook: +18%
5) Web Developer
Average Salary: $66,100
Outlook: +22%
College is not a path that guarantees a person
wealth and prosperity. High school students should
not feel pressured to pursue a path that is not meant
to be, and should instead open their minds to all the
possibilities that exist for them. The expectation to
attend a university for the sake of pride or societal
norms should not be the deciding factor.
Cresonia Hsieh a first-year journalism student at the
University of Florida and contributing writer to the
Good News. She may be reached at
cresoniahsieh@yahoo.com.
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Is College Worth It?