My Commencement Speech

I’d like to offer some advice to those who are college-bound.  Since I’m not related to you, you may even take it.

Years ago when the Earth’s crust was still cooling, I attended community college until I married Hubby (bless him).  Then I quit college to work full time.  That was OK for a while, but once when I applied for a particular job I was told that I had the perfect qualifications—but I didn’t have a college degree so they wouldn’t hire me.  Back in those days it didn’t matter which degree you had as long as you had one.

Miffed by the rebuke, I returned to college at night while working.  I majored in English because I’m good at it.  Got the BA to prove it!

Now, move forward several (OK, many) years.  I’m still in possession of my lovely English BA—and in today’s job market it’s worth about the cost of the paper it’s printed on.  I’m still proud, but it’s just not practical!

Oddly enough, as I’ve been scouring job listings lately I just don’t find any calling for a BA in English.

That said, my advice is to major in something practical, even though it may be more difficult for you than your first choice.   As an example, my young relative is considering a major in Marine Biology.  Well, unless there’s a lot more to her than I know, I can’t imagine this girl slogging around swamps or hanging out on a beach in zero degree weather.  Not only will she be rather limited for job offers, she’s not going to have a lot of choice on where to live.  Marine Biology in, say, Ohio? Not so much.

I recommend that you spend time perusing the job sites just to see what types of positions are out there.  From my own research I can tell you that nursing and related fields are hot.  So are jobs calling for business and accounting degrees.  Almost every posting requires excellent computer skills.  Many want presentation skills (take a couple of Public Speaking classes.  It helps!)  Unless you plan to teach your subject I’d shy away from such things as Gender/Social Science, Art History, and yes, even my beloved English.

What you plan to major in will likely impact you for the rest of your life.  Earning a degree takes a lot of time, energy and money.  Spend some of that time now to look around and see what’s out there. Of course you don’t have a crystal ball to consult, but try to imagine your life after college.   You’ll want to be able to use your degree to get a job you love—and a salary you can live on (or pay off your student loans with.)

Don’t be afraid or ashamed to attend community college for the first couple of years—it will save a lot of money and is a good training ground for University.  It’s an excellent time to experiment with new subjects to help focus on your eventual choice for a major.  Take some online classes.  Join new groups.  Etc., etc.  This is your chance.

That said, congrats for surviving High School.  Best of luck in the future.  Don’t screw it up.