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.

Are You Ready? (revised)

Are you ready?

“Don’t cry because it’s over, Smile because it happened.” This is a phrase most graduates are fond of, spoken by the late Dr. Seuss.  Graduation comes in different stages such as Elementary school to Middle school, Middle school to High school, and High school to College.  While in your senior year of high school teachers and counselors try their “best” to prepare you for the next step in life. Whether or not this is properly conducted, it is believed high school prepares you for college. However, I know from personal experience that high school doesn't prepare you to be organized, to be prepared financially, or to enter the work force.

“Gosh I don’t feel like doing homework!” “Wow I can’t find my study guide anywhere!” “The Kappa’s are having party tonight but I have to study for final exams!”  College students face situations like these throughout their college experience. However, in college you have to be well organized and independent, In high school, organization and independence is not as essential. High school students are pampered and sometimes are excused for late submissions. Time management, organization, and self-discipline are not enforced in high school. Moreover, in college, these skills become a necessity.  Action needs to be taken by high school administrations and teachers across the nation in order to establish better execution of the student’s time management, organization, and self-discipline.  As proven by statistics from “The Washington Times” article on “Data: High school students aren't ready for college.” The nations’ 2012 SAT scores fell drastically than previous scores. Possible reasons being may include poor time management and bad study habits due to the lack of self-discipline. (majority)

Senior year, students are frequently reminded to purchase senior supplies, yearbooks, pictures, and their ticket to the senior trip. However, teachers and counselors don’t motivate students enough to do scholarships and they don’t explain the concept of FAFSA well.  College tuition is a lot more expensive than most high school students predict. They overlook books, meal tickets, and room and board. High school doesn't prepare students for the financial struggles that they will face for the next 4-5 years after graduation. Proven by statics public 4 year college/universities tuition rose up 15% between 2008 & 2010.   (increases) Statistics have also proven that tuition has sprouted higher cost than medical bills and the cost of living from 1978-2008. (Inflation)The cost of tuition is still increasing each year.  High school teachers and administration around the nation need to start enforcing stricter notice towards scholarships. “Money doesn't grow on trees” but there are other ways to collect money for college that high school didn't enforce.

            Friday nights; as a high school student meant football games and hanging out with friends. However, some students were at home typing scholarship essays or at work racking up money for college. While in high school an occupation just seems to be another regular duty. Moreover, for others it is a way for establishing morals for becoming a better citizen and a college student. High schools around the country don’t voice the importance of a job enough for students and upcoming college freshmen. With a job comes the teachings of time management, willpower, and how to become independent. While in college all of these qualities become everyday routine and will benefit you in the long run. High schools should become more “life essential” and teach the basics of what you will face in college and in the real world. An article posted on the website “teenink.com” stated that “High schools should have more classes that involve teaching students what is essential to live here in the United States.” Having classes like such can better prepare our students for college and the real world! (plan) Students should spend less time on social activities of high school and more on academics and careers.

Education is power in our current society! Education is power because without proper education you can’t further job opportunities or become a successfully educated citizen. Therefore, it is essential that all high schools around the globe are preparing students for graduation and their next step in life. High school doesn't prepare students for college or the real world accurately.

Our nation is calling for additional jobs and better qualified citizens to emerge. Time management, organization, self-discipline, and learning how to be financially stable are all traits our students need in order to become prosperous. Because as a nation we need to become smarter and more prepared to live! Careers, education, and life itself should be taken as an essential in today’s world! High schools around the globe should start preparing students for the vital education and occupations they will need to become an American citizen.

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 national debt of the graduating class of 2013 is $32,000, which is more than the average family income in Myrtle Beach. 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. 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. Many post graduates are finding it very difficult to find a job with their degree. Some are forced to pick up a serving job or a job at the local movie theatre. 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 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. Some will just have a change in heart and want to change their path. 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. With 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. 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. College isn’t what 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.

http://www.bls.gov/emp/ep_chart_001.htm
http://lifehacker.com/is-college-really-necessary-for-a-good-job-1078213262
http://www.businessweek.com/articles/2012-04-09/why-college-isnt-for-everyone

ARE YOU READY?

Are you ready?

“Don’t cry because it’s over, Smile because it happened.” This is a phrase most graduates are fond of, spoken by the late Dr. Seuss.  Graduation comes in different stages such as Elementary school to Middle school, Middle school to High school, and High school to College.  While in your senior year of high school teachers and counselors try their “best” to prepare you for the next step in life. Whether or not this is properly conducted, it is believed high school prepares you for college. However, I know from personal experience that high school doesn't prepare you to be organized, to be prepared financially, or to enter the work force.

“Gosh I don’t feel like doing homework!” “Wow I can’t find my study guide anywhere!” “The Kappa’s are having party tonight but I have to study for final exams!”  College students face situations like these throughout their college experience. However, in college you have to be well organized and independent, In high school, organization and independence is not as essential. High school students are pampered and sometimes are excused for late submissions. Time management, organization, and self-discipline are not enforced in high school. Moreover, in college, these skills become a necessity.  Action needs to be taken by high school administrations and teachers across the nation in order to establish better execution of the student’s time management, organization, and self-discipline.  As proven by statistics from “The Washington Times” article on “Data: High school students aren't ready for college.” The nations’ 2012 SAT scores fell drastically than previous scores. Possible reasons being may include poor time management and bad study habits due to the lack of self-discipline. (majority)

Senior year, students are frequently reminded to purchase senior supplies, yearbooks, pictures, and their ticket to the senior trip. However, teachers and counselors don’t motivate students enough to do scholarships and they don’t explain the concept of FAFSA well.  College tuition is a lot more expensive than most high school students predict. They overlook books, meal tickets, and room and board. High school doesn't prepare students for the financial struggles that they will face for the next 4-5 years after graduation. Proven by statics public 4 year college/universities tuition rose up 15% between 2008 & 2010.   (increases) Statistics have also proven that tuition has sprouted higher cost than medical bills and the cost of living from 1978-2008. (Inflation)

The cost of tuition is still increasing each year.  High school teachers and administration around the nation need to start enforcing stricter notice towards scholarships. “Money doesn't grow on trees” but there are other ways to collect money for college that high school didn't enforce.

            Friday nights; as a high school student meant football games and hanging out with friends. However, some students were at home typing scholarship essays or at work racking up money for college. While in high school an occupation just seems to be another regular duty. Moreover, for others it is a way for establishing morals for becoming a better citizen and a college student. High schools around the country don’t voice the importance of a job enough for students and upcoming college freshmen. With a job comes the teachings of time management, willpower, and how to become independent. While in college all of these qualities become everyday routine and will benefit you in the long run. High schools should become more “life essential” and teach the basics of what you will face in college and in the real world. An article posted on the website “teenink.com” stated that “High schools should have more classes that involve teaching students what is essential to live here in the United States.” Having classes like such can better prepare our students for college and the real world! (plan)

Education is power in our current society! Education is power because without proper education you can’t further job opportunities or become a successfully educated citizen. Therefore, it is essential that all high schools around the globe are preparing students for graduation and their next step in life. High school doesn’t prepare students for college or the real world accurately. Our nation is calling for additional jobs and better qualified citizens to emerge. Time management, organization, self-discipline, and learning how to be financially stable are all traits our students need in order to become prosperous. Because as a nation we need to become smarter and more prepared to live!