The Importance of College by Jordan

The Importance of College by Jordan - April 2020 Scholarship Essay

College. Others may call it a ‘university,’ or ‘post-secondary education.’ These different names all relate to the same central idea: an important decision. It may seem like a daunting experience to some, with all of the college applications, options, and changes. However, others take this task as a breeze. Whatever it may be, or whatever approach someone has, I believe that attending college is a very important part of life, and students should choose to do so after High School or at some point in their life. Due to personal growth and the ability to further your education, I believe that attending college is important. College expands learning opportunities, in more ways than just understanding the ABCs as students did back in Kindergarten. During the typically two to four, or even more years of college, students can both learn about themselves, and their education.
“Who am I?” is a question many young people ask themselves. At this point in their life, that question may remain unanswered. However, through college, personal growth can occur, and people can begin to reply to that question. Oftentimes, college is a new environment for its incoming students. In a new place, people are given the opportunity to experience new things. Living with a roommate, eating in the dining hall, or having lectures from professors, everyone will experience something that they might not have before. With that, students can find a bond by the newness of college. In High School, not everybody may have felt like they belonged, but in college, it seems as though there is something for everyone, ways to unite with others and find their place. Connections can be made, and friendships can flourish. Without attending college, many new experiences may not occur. Although it is a shift from High School, each individual will be able to adapt to college. Through this process, there may be both good and bad times, but a deeper knowledge of who you are will be grasped. By handling new situations, or overcoming problems an individual may face while being on their own, college can encourage personal growth. An individual can learn from new situations, challenges, and opportunities. Therefore, they will be able to understand more about themselves. Whether it may be a newfound skill of riding public transportation or knowing how to speak up during class, these experiences will be beneficial. Without family living under the same roof, students can learn to take care of themselves, and listen to their own needs. This is somewhat time for preparation for what life will be like later on, as grown adults. All of the newness of college, and the experience as a whole may seem intimidating, but the personal growth that can occur from college will be well worth it.
Furthering your education is a key aspect of college. College offers a wide variety of courses and departments. In High School, it may have felt as though everyone was just checking off requirements, and sitting through mandatory classes. Although there are still graduation requirements in college as well, it offers more options and opportunities for exploration. Throughout many different available classes, students can sign up for something new, that they never could do so before. For example, a local college in my area offers underwater basket weaving classes, which is something I bet no High Schools have on their common curriculum. Besides taking electives or unique classes, college students eventually arrive at their major, also known as their intended area of study. Some people have this decision made when they first step foot on campus, while others try different programs before ultimately choosing. With the ability to pick a major within college, a student can feel like they are deciding their path, and following a passion or interest, instead of being forced to take certain classes and only choosing from a few options. Furthermore, by deciding on what classes to take, college students have the ability to see what skills they want to improve or acquire for future careers. Many people have dream jobs, and by going to college and learning more about what that job will take, they will have a better understanding of how to achieve that dream. Additionally, by gaining knowledge within that area of study, college students will be better prepared for careers in the future. Companies or job recruiters are more likely to be impressed with a college degree of some sort, like a bachelor's degree, during the hiring process. Although someone may not receive their dream job right after graduating from college, by furthering their education and understanding work ethic or collaboration, those abilities can apply to many different jobs, and practically any workplace. By learning new things and gaining more knowledge, people who attend college will be able to further their education by having more options of classes, focusing on a major, and being better prepared for careers later on in life.
Although not all colleges are the same, and they each have different attributes, students who take this next step towards their future will eventually look back and be glad that they did. No one knows the exact details of the future, but by attending college, someone can both experience personal growth, further their education, and take part in an important aspect of their life.