College: It's More Than a Diploma by Alexis

College: It's More Than a Diploma by Alexis - April 2020 Scholarship Essay

At the end of senior year it is the time when most students are making decisions about college and where to attend. Students are having to make choices that they feel as though came way too soon to process. One of those choices may include not attending college at all. This isn't as common amongst us teenagers but it doesn't mean that it isn't considered. The choice of not attending college isn't as common because it truly is important to attend college whether its just for two years or to go all the way with a PhD.
A main factor in why college is an important step to take in your life is to have a one up on your peers when applying for jobs. Some jobs don't require a degree, but when someone sees any form of college education it is an automatic benefit to their company. Even though college is mainly about getting that diploma at the end it all from your hard work, it is still important to remember that through that hard work is going to be the rewards you receive when applying your degree to your everyday life.
Besides earning that degree college is way more than a diploma. After High School college is meant to be your next step in life to adulthood. This is a time in your life when you're meant to flourish and grow as an individual without your family or old friends holding you down. High School for most teenagers is a time to learn about yourself while also dealing with drama, and the weight you have on your shoulders. That weight thats there from your academic stress, or even the stress of not fitting in ruins some students high school experiences, but once entering college your high school life can be left behind.
I believe that attending college extends beyond the GPA, or earning your degree, even though it is important it isn't all that matters in why you should attend. College is a new stepping stone in your journey through life. When entering college you may or may not have friends that you've known for years, but this is the time when you apply what you've learned about yourself in high school to your new college life. This is the time to finally grow up and be your own person by learning your mistakes and fixing them without the help of your parents or the teacher you've loved for four years. When you don't take this step in life to grow while also getting an education to succeed you may feel a sense of loss in your life. Not attending college is always going to leave a missing piece in your life since it is such a huge stepping stone . With not attending college it is like skipping the beginning chapter in a novel.
Having a college experience is vital to having a successful and fulfilling life full of growth and learning curves. Even if college isn't on your mind, community college is even beneficial and gives the same learning experiences at a cheaper price. Without that college experience you'll never truly know what it was like, so no matter what attending college is important for everyone of any age to experience and apply to their education and life.