The Importance of College by Emma

The Importance of College by Emma - April 2020 Scholarship Essay

Since the day I started kindergarten I was told that I need to do well in school so that way I can one day go to college. Before I even knew what college I was determined to get there. This constant message through elementary, middle school, and high school brought up the question in my head; is it really necessary to go to college? The truth is yes.
In today's society, it takes a lot of experience and degrees to get high ranking and well paying jobs. Many jobs would not even consider a person if they didn’t graduate college. While there are many jobs that don't require a high level education, they aren't as high paying as others. According to cornerstone university, millennials between the ages of twenty five and thirty two earn $17,00 more each year. Not only do they make more but they are also less likely to ever be unemployed. The unemployment rate for people without college degrees is three times higher than a person with a degree. In fact, during the global crisis spreading around the world right now from Covid-19, unemployment rates have skyrocketed. Just the other day, CNBC stated, “among workers with an advanced degree, about 37% perform some work from home, but just 12% of those with just a high school diploma and no college degree did the same.” This puts so many people at risk of poverty. Getting a higher education is a huge factor in success for adults and the truth is that a high school degree does not cut it anymore. In most cases, people need a college degree in order to be financially stable.
Not only does college make it possible to be successful financially, but it also allows kids to learn how to become independent. In college, you are on your own. You don't have your mother making you food or doing your laundry. You have to adapt and learn responsibility. In order to be a full functioning adult, these skills are necessary. People who go to college have a broader perspective. In college, you are most likely to meet people from all over the world. This allows a person to understand different cultures and ways of living which will broaden their horizons on how they see the world. College is an amazing experience that will allow a teenager to become an adult. The skills taught in college will transform a person.
My parents did a great job from the start by motivating me to get to college. I know that I will have so many more opportunities with a college degree than I would have ever had without it.

Sources:
AbigailJHess. “Coronavirus Highlights the Inequality of Who Can - and Can't - Work from Home.” CNBC, CNBC, 4 Mar. 2020, www.cnbc.com/2020/03/04/coronavirus-highlights-who-can-and-cant-work-from-home.html.

Link, James. “Thinking of Skipping College? Here Are 6 Stats to Change Your Mind.” Cornerstone University, www.cornerstone.edu/blogs/lifelong-learning-matters/post/thinking-of-skipping-college-here-are-6-stats-to-change-your-mind.