How would your life be different if you did, or did not, go to college?
We are in the process of planning our 8th annual trip to Penn State for the Blue-White Football game and Scholarship Breakfast (see recent article). The purpose of the trip is to provide exposure to a group of young men that might not otherwise get exposed to a college environment.
Already we are seeing results. A number of the young men that have participated in years past, are now enrolled in various colleges. Others are being recruited, or have received scholarships to play football in college. We also have parents telling us that their children's attitude--and performance--have improved since they went on the trip.
It is our belief that higher education--whether it's college, trade school, technical training, etc--can be a life-changing experience.
I'm just curious...how do you think your life would be different if you did, or did not, have an higher education experience?
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4 comments:
not completing college 40 years ago was one of my life long regrets, even though over the years I would go back from time to time, it never took away that regret. but now I can say with great pride I am graduating in 2008 with a degree in culinary arts, I field I found that I love and have a passion for, It goes to say it is never to late to finish that degree, if nothing more do it for yourself, do it for your family. so at the age of 59 I will have the dream and degree that no one can take away. never give up.
First of all, I wouldn't have student loan debt out the wazoo! Seriously, having a college degree opened a lot of doors for me. Having a degree from Penn State was icing on the cake. My graduate degrees have also been extremely beneficial. I never have a problem finding a job and I make pretty decent money. Employment outlook aside, going to college helped me to grow as a person. I grew up in a small city where everyone pretty much thinks the same and acts the same. I never quite fit in with the mold. Going to college allowed me to be myself and be comfortable with myself. I met so many different people from all types of backgrounds. They accepted me for who I was and taught me to accept my fantabulous self. I watch family members, young and old, struggling to find decent jobs. I try to tell the young ones that if you want to write your own ticket, start with higher education.
its definitely a benefit. I would not have my current job without having the degree. I agree with a lot of the points Cass made. Growth occurs while at school, away from home. the interaction with others is a great experience. The entire process is a beneficial experience.
One speech that comes to mind, is something that Jesse Jackson wrote, and that is;
"I am somebody"
and thats really how u feel.
I graduated from college some twenty odd years ago, so I had to take a little peek at the degrees on the wall to see what year that was.
Yep, it was the year 1984. A good year. The year I celebrated, and then treated myself, to the best vacation ever!! Whoooohooo...(of course, as a "graduation present", mind you)
Yes, I have to admit that its a feeling of great accomplishment alright, knowing that you can conquer the world, and have everything that you can possibly dream of..
Nothing at the time, you feel is beyond your grasp. Nothing seems unattainable. There are just no obstacles.
Its a great feeling. A wonderful feeling. A feeling of pride in knowing that for the past four years , all the studying and the endless papers that you had to write wasnt all going to be in vain. Knowing that your earning potential will average more than minimim wage. Knowing that in some cases, you can actually call the shots, and not have the shots call you.
You know, the way I looked at it, was that going to college would be a very "small sacrifice" to pay, especially knowing that in a few short years, it can yield a lifetime of great results.
Just remeber to focus on the word "lifetime"..
Sista Elliott
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