The Scary Side of College

        In today’s society not going to college seems to automatically classifies you as a “looser”, or a low life. Growing up I thought I needed to go to college, but I started to open my mind. I started to see the debt college will put you in, and the scarcity of jobs. Going to college isn't as prestigious and honorable as it once was, and it no longer guarantees you a job after graduation.
        The average student debt of the graduating class of 2013 is $32,000, which is more than the average family income in Myrtle Beach. How do you plan on paying such a big debt with such a low income? Student loans are the only type of debt that will stay with you even after you file bankruptcy, and have just topped the charts for the largest in history. Unfortunately after all of this money spent, many of these graduates will be forced to work a job that does not even require a degree because they can’t find a career specified for their degree. The value of a degree has drastically decreased in the past years with the large number of graduates, the scarcity of jobs have also gotten smaller. Some graduates are forced to pick up a serving job or a job at the local movie theater, and some are even going back to college to get a different degree.  Most graduates are also surprised when they get there first job that they aren't making the type of money they were hoping to make.
        Growing up, I always had the dream of going to college. It seemed everyone had that plan, regardless of not having a major or job in mind. Now here I am in my freshman year at Horry Georgetown Technical College, and I honestly have no idea what I want to do when I graduate. I have procrastinated my whole life of what I wanted to do when I grow up, which is a mistake that many college students have made. They make a last minute decision of their major, and after their first year they decide to switch majors. This can require you to spend more semesters in college which is really expensive, and consider you took a course you didn't really have to take for your new major. Switching majors is something that will always happen, as some people realize that field isn't what they were expecting, or just a sudden change in heart. Before you choose your starting major, or your new major you should really do your research and make sure that it is the right one for you. Changing majors is not a bad thing, but it should be taken very seriously and should have a lot of thought put into it before your final decision.
        There are some jobs out there that pay better than careers that require a degree, but the chances are not in your favor. While the success that people have made without a college degree is tempting, are the chances worth it? Mark Zuckerberg, Bill Gates, Rachael Ray and even Walt Disney have found their way to success without college. Chances are slim to none to become as famous and successful as these superstars but they are a prime example it can be done, and these types of stories of college dropouts give college students temptation to follow their paths. There is hope however to reach some level of success without college, with jobs like being a Realtor, Electrician, Plumber, or a fire fighter.  There are jobs out there that do not require a degree and still pay fairly well.
        College is a serious time in your life; you should make wise decisions whether you’re choosing your major, or deciding whether to go to a party or study all night, remember you’re paying thousands of dollars for your education. If you decide to go to college, I suggest you taking it as serious as it really is.  Make sure you plan ahead because thousands of graduates are left unemployed even after the tens of thousands of dollars they have spent for their degree. I started to see the debt college could put me in, and the scarcity of jobs. Going to college isn't as honorable and prestigious as it once was, where you get a job right after graduation, so I suggest you having a back-up plan for your back-up plan.