College Access Writing Competition - Second Place: "There Are No Shortcuts"

By Helsa M. Thomas

Second Place Winner of College Access Programs' Writing Competition

In a world where an increasing amount of people are successful without pursuing a college degree, many students believe that a college education is unnecessary. Popular actress and talk show host Oprah Winfrey once said “Education is the key to unlocking the world, a passport to freedom.” Although many argue that college is a waste of time and money, the truth is that college opens the door to greater independence, better income, more networking opportunities, and a plethora of additional benefits.

College allows students to become independent individuals who must learn to stand on their own feet. In college, a student must manage their time, meet deadlines, manage their money, and learn to communicate effectively with peers and professors. This is a large stride toward independence, as students are in a new setting where they are responsible for their actions and education. Students develop a work ethic and other skills necessary to enter the workforce. Additionally, living alone requires students to take responsibility for their health and well-being. This helps to create a smooth transitional phase between the teenage years and adulthood by delaying the onset of greater responsibilities.

Along with individuality, college also opens the door to higher incomes within a career. According to research by Forbes, comparing 2010 to 2021, the employment rate was only higher for those with a bachelor’s degree (or higher education) with a change from 84% to 86%. Moreover, the median earning for someone with a bachelor’s degree was $59,600 compared to only $29,800 for someone with less than a high school diploma. The stark differences in employment and income between adults who had higher education compared to those who did not show the importance of a college education.

Similar to higher income, college also provides students with the opportunity to network with others before beginning a career. Universities regularly host career fairs and conferences to help students connect with experts in their fields of interest. Along with professionals, students also can network with their peers, who are future professionals in various fields. Moreover, student organizations help to develop leadership and communication skills that are necessary for a future career. Although student organizations are available at high schools, becoming involved in college allows students to meet others from various backgrounds who have different life experiences, ideas, and personalities.

Even as a high school student, I personally have been able to see the impact and importance of a college education. Growing up as a first-generation American, I often saw my parents going to work while continuing their education and fulfilling their role as parents. My father, a physical therapist, and my mother, a nurse practitioner, would not have had the opportunity to immigrate to the United States without the help of a college education. My mother first immigrated to the United States in 2005, where she worked at Research Medical Center in Kansas City, Missouri. After my father also immigrated, they soon moved to Michigan, where they were presented with further opportunities: my mother was able to complete her Master's degree in Nursing, and my father completed his doctorate in Physical Therapy. With higher education, they were able to receive jobs that allowed better flexibility, more pay, and greater benefits. Through immigrating to the United States, my parents have been able to provide me with a plethora of opportunities that I would never have received otherwise. They have successfully been able to show me that college opens the door to opportunities, not only for a student but for everyone around them.

Not only is college an incredibly transformative experience, but it also has the potential to change your future, and the future of those whose lives a student impacts. College builds self-awareness and individuality while serving as a transition between childhood and adulthood. The stark difference between the salaries of those who have a college degree and those who do not show the importance of attending college in order to receive a higher salary and better job opportunities. The ability to network in college also provides a major stepping stone in creating relationships with professionals who can guide students in their careers. Most importantly, college offers students the sizable opportunity to improve their living standards and help others around them to give back to the community.

Sources:

Nietzel, Michael T. “New Report Shows College Degree Continues to Provide Better Employment Prospects and Higher Income.” Forbes, Forbes Magazine, 12 Oct. 2022, https://www.forbes.com/sites/michaeltnietzel/2022/06/01/new-report-shows-college-degr ee-continues-to-provide-better-employment-prospects-and-higher-income/?sh=17eb3ce9 2358.

This essay was received as part of a writing competition promoted by College Access Programs at Calvin University.