The College Degree Dissected into Itty Bitty Pieces

Education, one of the highest respected elements of life, never ends. Like most children in America, we go to pre-school, kindergarden, attend grades 1-12 and then have the choice to attend higher education. By the time we’re 18, we’ve already been flooded with math equations, papers, history projects and chemical reactions. However, the real education is learned outside the classroom where it can be applied.  But technically, after high school we’ve reached the required education level.

So why go to college? Why pursue higher education and receive a degree?

Dissection of College Degree:

Itty Bitty Piece 1: More Employable

What’s True: By getting a college degree, a ton of employment options open up for you. Many employers also want to see that you received a degree and some strictly require it. A college degree can really be a “must have” when looking for a job and creating a career.

What’s Also True: Although a degree may be needed for some jobs, by know means does it mean you won’t be able to get just as good of a job! Not all employers require a college degree and if someone is smart and talented enough, they may even find a job better than a college graduate!

Itty Bitty Piece 2: Better Success

What’s True: For many people, graduating college is a large accomplishment. It shows that you’re educated, hard working and determined. By holding such a prestigious degree, one has so many opportunities to become employed, make money and to be proud of themselves. It’s even been said that college graduates make 84% more money in their lifetime than high school graduates.

What’s Also True: For some, a college degree is a waste of time. They figure they can become more successful by dedicating their time and money to their skills, job, entrepreneurial business, etc. If someone doesn’t go to college, it doesn’t mean they’ve worked any less harder than a college grad and it doesn’t mean they won’t be just as successful. Tina Su from Think Simple Now even told me, “Actually, if I was back in college, I’d probably quit college. It’s the slow track to becoming rich and successful.”

Itty Bitty Piece 3: Higher Status

What’s True: People who receive college degrees are known to be more sophisticated, well-respected, richer and are placed in a higher class. Although everyone is equal, college grads did work hard so they’re allowed to gloat every now and then as well as stand tall. By having such a prestigious degree, it sometimes gives higher status to the person who earned it.

What’s Also True: By not having a degree, it does NOT mean college degree holders are better than you! As long as you’re doing something that is just as productive then all the power to you! You can hold your head just as high and even earn a higher status than a successful college grad if you want. Look at the infamous Steve Jobs and Bill Gates, I think they are regarded in a very high manner…why can’t you be too?

Itty Bitty Piece 4: Mama Bear and Papa Bear

What’s True: You’re parents really, really and I mean really want you to go to college and graduate. They want to see you succeed! By getting a degree, they will feel they accomplished one of their major goals of being a parent. They will be so proud, including the rest of your entire family! Having approval from parents is such a great feeling!

What’s Also True: Your parents won’t stop loving you if you don’t graduate or go to college. Sure, it may bring up a lot of tension and painful feelings but that is because in their generation, it was even more important to go to college than it is today. They can’t really grasp the fact that their baby won’t be graduating. They may feel ashamed of you, but don’t let it stop you — they’ll come around. Do what you need to do, just be productive. If not, you’re truly wasting your time. And if your parents are cool with you not getting a degree, then you better be running around celebrating, because you got really lucky!

Itty Bitty Piece 5: The “Norm”

What’s True: Lots of people go to college because it’s just what people do. It’s the “norm.” By not going to college, you could become lazy and fall into the trap of stereotypical college dropouts. At least if you go to college, you’ll be productive, have the time of your life, make awesome freinds and come out with a great degree. Cool, right?

What’s Also True: The “norm” isn’t always the way to go! You’ve heard it before, “don’t follow the crowd, lead it!” I believe if you’re on the side of majority, then you’re on the wrong side. If you go to college, just because…then what’s the point? Maybe you need some time to figure out what you really want in life.

Higher education is a great option for some people, but not all! It doesn’t make anyone a worse or less successful person by not pursuing higher education. Only societies’ judgments can make you believe that to be true. And by getting a college degree, it doesn’t mean you wasted four years of your life nor does it mean you followed the crowd — maybe you just wanted to grow yourself for personal reasons. It means something different for everyone — a college degree may be completely worth it or it may be a waste of time and money, and we will truly never know.

Either way, the world is our classroom and whether you have a degree or not, congrats because I KNOW you’ve accomplished a lot in your life thus far! Wooh!

DO YOU. GET RICH IN COLLEGE.

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What is your take on a college degree? I’d love to hear your thoughts and opinions in the comments!