College's Importance to the Average Student by Lindsey

College's Importance to the Average Student by Lindsey - April 2020 Scholarship Essay

It is common for children, when asked, to mention not liking school and wishing to not be required to go. From the age of five to at least seventeen, this was my same sentiment when asked about school. At the thought of college, I would frequently denounce the need for a degree and say that I would never go, consistent in this belief until I got closer to attending college. As I spoke to more students and counselors, I realized that college is a lot more than somewhere you go just because you want to. College is important in that it prepares you for working and functioning in the real world, as well as gives students a variety of different opportunities. As well as learning academics, it is easy for students to learn about the world and other people.
It goes without saying that college is incredibly helpful for a career. A degree shows not only that someone can commit to a specific part of study long enough to achieve a degree, but also ensures students will come into the workforce making knowledgeable and educated decisions behind their work. With a college education, as well, students make connections with others sharing the same interests and working towards the same career. This, in turn, can help students find jobs and do them well. As well as student connections, many schools offer great support in applying and finding jobs, something that others would have to learn from trial- and- error experiences. Overall, going to college and getting a degree makes you look impressive to many potential jobs, proves you are reliable and knowledgeable, and teaches you many other subjects not just important in college, but rather with real- life experiences.
To continue, many things learned in college aren’t necessary for a specific career but are necessary in general life. Skills in mathematics and science may not be used every day as a movie star, but in general are important to know to be a more educated and important member of society. Important skills such as reasoning and logic can inadvertently be taught through subjects like math and science, often deemed “useless” by the average young student. More than simply school subjects, students are often pushed out of their usual comfort zones and experience more diversity, such as varying opinions, cultures, and backgrounds. This is one of the most important aspects of college, as it brings students out of their “bubble” and prepares them for the ever- changing and diverse world. The relationships students create with not only students but also professors and instructors give them experience with collaborating in general.
Finally, college gives students the opportunity to explore subjects that would otherwise be unavailable to them. Even smaller colleges offer many courses and clubs to join, from foreign language and culture to environmental studies. These subjects can be popular, but outside of college are hard to find and study alone. Having a whole community of students with the same interests and objectives is incredibly beneficial and is hard to find outside of college. In general, it is easy to express and expand interests as well as discover new ones with the large communities offered by each class or club. This is important as it can affect important life decisions such as career, or be the defining factor in friendships and, more simply, one’s personality.
In conclusion, although it is easy to overlook all of the benefits of attending a college or university, college gives you the life skills needed to excel in and out of the workplace. Aside from looking better and more professional on a resume, college gives you completely new and diverse opportunities and connections that can last a lifetime.