By Sequoia Gregorich, Co-Content Editor
College is an excellent way to receive a formal education, and can often lead to a high-paying job. What many forget, however, is that it’s one of many options, and not always the best for every student.
According to an anonymous survey conducted by The Riptide, the majority of students at Vashon Island High School plan on attending college, and think it is an essential part of our education.
“A good education will make someone more aware of the world around them, and will increase their understanding of others,” one respondent said.
But some students thought that college should be considered on a case-by-case basis.
“[College] can benefit those who don’t know what they want to do, but [can be] bad for those who do [know what they want for their future],” said another respondent.
It’s not hard to notice the stress – almost fear – in many of my peers. We are conditioned to believe that our grades and extracurricular activities will determine our future. Fortunately, the idea is even more absurd than it sounds.
“College isn’t for everyone, but in the country we live in, a college degree is becoming more and more mandatory to be successful,” one respondent said.
More than anything, we are terrified of failure. A lot of students feel as if they have one shot at getting the future they want. Many get scared by the fact that there is no rewind button on life, when in fact, there is no need for one. Mistakes are beyond normal. Life without college may seem unfathomable, but the thing is, there’s no blueprint for a successful life.
My grandfather, for example, joined the military straight out of high school to fight in the Vietnam War. When he returned, he decided he needed to get to work. With nothing more than a high school diploma, my grandfather began studying plumbing under his brother. He became very skilled, so skilled in fact that his employer offered to pay full tuition for him to attend MIT. My grandfather turned down the offer, however, and continued improving his skills as a plumber until retiring at age 65.
My grandpa, still a tradesman at heart, creates and sells metallic sculptures in his free time. Meanwhile, many artists with college degrees spend a lifetime just trying to make a living off their craft.
It’s all a matter of what lifestyle you are interested in pursuing. My grandpa says he is proud to have been a tradesman. His hands were always dirty, but he found value and pleasure in his work.
True, my grandfather probably could have earned more money had he attended MIT, but he was content with the skills he learned and the respect he earned from those around him.
A lot of high school graduates get caught up with the idea of money. Will they have enough to buy a house? To support a family?
Studies do show that college graduates earn more money than people with only a high school diploma. Studies do not show, however, a strong correlation between earnings and overall happiness.
Instead of attending college, you could start a business like Walt Disney, Henry Ford, or Bill Gates. You could use the money you might spend on tuition to volunteer for a cause, travel the world, or join the military. You can do anything.
If college helps you follow your dreams, then go for it! But if you have your heart set on something else, don’t let societal norms force you into feeling as if you need to go to college to be successful.
It is about time we remember that there is no success without happiness.