Reality Bites 101 by Maximilian

Reality Bites 101 by Maximilian - August 2017 Scholarship Essay

If I were to become a college professor, I would teach an important life skills course. As a recent graduate from high school, I can accurately say that I have been taught nothing about paying taxes, budgeting, acquiring a job, or even managing a credit card. I'm essentially going into college, and eventually my adult life, blind. I believe that it's extremely important to learn such skills before being thrown into the adult world. Transitioning from high school to college comes with a lot of newfound responsibilities, however none of those responsibilities are taught in high school. As a result, it's up to college to spread knowledge about the life skills that are necessary to be successful.

Learning how to balance and take care of everyday financial responsibilities is probably one of the most important skills necessary to a growing young adult. With many of the current generation falling into credit card debt, the importance of understanding credit as well as budgeting has never been higher. Despite the need, high schools have failed to teach it's students anything outside of the history of the credit card. On top of financial issues, high schools have failed to teach students how the workforce functions. How insurance through employers work, how to write a proper resume and cover letter, filling out forms and paperwork when getting a new job, etc.

Other topics could include: What to do when your car breaks down, how to pay for rent/searching for apartments, setting up bank accounts, applying for insurance, or even how to sign up for a good phone or internet service. All these topics are things that have not been taught in high school, and what should be taught in college. That's why if I were a professor, I would teach a class such as this.