I agree with the author that doubt about the value of college has increased. I find this partly to do with social media showing people that there are ways to get money without a degree, as well as the ridiculous financial strain going to college can put on you and your family, in which you might drop out, and aren’t even guaranteed a well-paying job and secure financial situation after graduating, as although having a degree is good, it doesn’t guarantee a job.
— Leandro, VSN
I don’t expect to go to college, nor have I ever wanted to. After high school I have always wanted to enlist in the military. My dad respects my decision, as he volunteered for the Brazilian military, but my mom does not fully agree with it. Some of the motivation behind my choice is the benefits you can get from serving, and if I did decide to go to college, I would have varying levels of assistance from programs like the Post 9/11 bill which covers tuition and other expenses if you serve for 36 months, and you can even pass it on to a spouse or dependent. The career I have in mind is police officer, but I feel this could change in the future.
— Bruno, NY
For me, a successful life is earning the right amount for my daily living plus some money to spend for my hobby. To reach my goal, going to college is not necessary. In Korea, some people choose to be a civil servant and prepare for it from their middle school or high school age. Some drop out from high school, deciding not to go to college and focus on the civil servant exam. Civil servants usually earn 2000 usd per month, even in their first year. Like this, without going to college, people can live a stable and successful life.
— Jeho, South Korea
A career, dream career even, that I’ve had in mind is to become a Funeral Director. Not every teenager’s dream job, but I know exactly what I want to do. I’m already in an early college program, taking prerequisites for the funeral service program. Once I’m 18, I’ll apply to become a crime scene cleaner. A bit of a turn-around, but I want exposure to an environment where I am helping others with something they are not able to do themselves, where the atmosphere is filled with grief, and it’s my job to clean, and prepare the place for the loved ones. Once I have enough money saved to pursue the Funeral Service Program, I’ll pursue my license, take my exam, and that’s about all I can plan. I haven’t had the most help trying to plan out my life. I’ve been told to choose another career, but I’ve had my heart set on this for a long time.
— Grace, Fayetteville, NC
A lot of people, including my family and friends, think I’m smart and should go to college, but I don’t feel like it’s right for me. I’ve never really been into the idea of spending more years in school. I’d rather do something that lets me learn by actually doing stuff. That’s why I’m joining the Civil Air Patrol. I’ve always wanted to be a pilot, and this program gives me a chance to work on my engineering skills and learn how to fly. It feels like a way better fit for me than just going to college for a few more years. I think the article made me realize that there’s more than one way to succeed, and college isn’t the only option for everyone.
— Connor, CPHS, Fayetteville, NC
