College isn't for everyone

Most of your adolescent life has been spent in school and from elementary to high school, you are preparing yourself for whatever comes after. But, after high school, what really is next? 

A lot of people assume that there is one thing, and one thing only after high school. That would be pursuing a higher education, whether it be at a university or a community college. Whichever you choose, earning a degree is a must. Sadly, a lot of students feel pressured to go to college, and they end up going just to please others.

At the beginning of senior year, most people are thrown into a hectic whirlwind of college applications, work, school, and whatever else may be going on. Throughout all the years in school, the “C” word is seen as the end goal. 

After spending most of your life in school, you have to attend even more school, except you have to pay for it. College is extremely expensive (at least in America) and if you are going to go, why not do it for yourself. It is better to pursue a career that you enjoy that does not require college, then put yourself in thousands of dollars in debt just to please others. When people discuss their future in education, they may panic because the adults in our lives can sometimes make it seem like college is a necessity. 

Is it though?
 
College is defined as an institution one can go to when they want to pursue higher education. As you move on up in the ladder of education, it becomes stricter and they blame it on “preparing you for college”. College provides much more freedom than high school ever could. That is most likely due to the fact that this form of education is optional. 

The main difference between college and high school is the fact that one chooses to take part in a university. You will not see the majority of your graduating class at your school (if you choose to attend) because everyone has a choice where to go. Some choose universities out of state, and others will choose not to go. Whatever you choose for your future is right for you, you know yourself well enough to know what works and what will not.

Teachers are going to promote college because they have been there; they needed to go to even teach. Many of the classes I take in high school make college seem as a necessity to life. In high school, especially during senior year, you will go to meetings that talk about college. There are incentives for those who fill out the form for financial aid, so it is easy to feel as though college is necessary. To battle this close-minded assumption, I think that schools should implicate some sort of lesson or class for those who do not plan to attend college. 
 
To be quite frank, college is a necessity for me. However, I do have a friend who has decided that college was not for her. She is very strong for going against the majority and choosing a life that does not put higher education as a priority. If I want to follow the career path of my desire, and be the best at it, college is inevitable. However it may not be for you, and that is more than okay. 

By taking the time to sit down and really think about your future, you are already taking steps towards it. There are too many career options out there to just have to conform to the “normal” and seek a higher education. It takes time and research to find a job that truly fits you, and does not have a prerequisite of college. 

High schools spend too much time advocating for college when it may not be the best option. Going to college next fall is my choice–I got to choose what college to go to and my area of study without judgement. Those who do not choose college should be able to have the same experience; they should be able to pursue their desires without feeling as though they are being judged for it.
 
Unfortunately, many high schools do not provide an alternative for those who do not wish to attend college. By simply researching careers that do not require higher education, you would be surprised at the variety of jobs that pop up. I cannot speak from personal experience, however I can provide information that made me realize that not going to college is okay. In the list below, I have provided websites that discuss any careers one can have without going to college.
·      thebalancecareers.com
·      fairygodboss.com
·      nwi.com
·      military.com
·      army.mod.uk
These are just a few websites that give a little more details on the careers included in the articles. These careers do not require a college degree, however you may have to attend training or an internship.

I could provide many websites to direct those who choose not to pursue college, but at the end of the day it is their preference. My suggestion would be getting a mentor, a career coach and visiting job fairs whenever they come around. 
A career coach’s job is to find jobs that fit specifically with their client’s resume. They can be extremely helpful especially for those a little hesitant about their future. Job fairs are events that allow students to meet with professionals and establish a relationship with their possible future employers. If you do not plan to seek higher education, a job fair is the perfect place.
 
The main issue that teenagers face is the pressure to go to college. That is extremely unfair to the kids whose creativity goes beyond higher education. It is time that we put the shame of not going to college to rest. To put it into perspective for those who think college is a necessity: why put yourself thousands of dollars in debt just to have a job that makes you unhappy? Success does not equal college, anyone can become successful with hard work and dedication. Nobody should have to pay thousands of dollars just to prove they are well–off. Different people come with different skill sets that can be put to use in a variety of careers. 
~Camille

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