College is Right for You

 I wanted to pick a topic relatable to college students. I am going to tell you why you should stay in college. Though many of us are already students, I know I sometimes question my decision to go to school, and I know I am not alone. Everyone can benefit from a college education. I am here to share the perspective of some of your fellow peers. Along with establish the benefits of earning a college degree, as well as the possible outcome of not earning a college degree, or education.

There are many reasons why each individual makes the decision to enroll into college. For myself, doing so gave me a great boost in self-confidence. I am proud to say that I am in school. Other students, such as Lauren Tyler (student stlcc.ww) agree, as she said, “it just feels good!” While something else also seems to be a strong attribute to most student's motivation; and that's family.

Whether is it to meet a certain expectation, or to exceed parents/siblings doing. Like Andy Quinn (student stlcc.ww.) said, “I want to make a lot of money and I know I have to earn a degree for that to happen.” Then, there is the goal driven; being able to do what you want to do. As my best friend, Kim Vahey (lindenwood.unv.) said, “I dream of helping students with disabilities. I strive to see the look of excitement on their faces when they learn something new. And in order to do that I have to receive a degree.” Along with the many personal stories, there is empirical evidence that supports the importance of a college degree.

Now, for those of you who have taken any psychology courses, should be familiar with Abraham Maslow. However, for those not, Maslow was a researcher and a pioneer in the field of psychology in the 50's. Maslow has a very popular theory, his hierarchy of needs theory, which basically is a pyramid that exhibits the basic needs for psychological well-being in life.

At the base of Maslow's pyramid rests physiological needs (breathing, food, water, sex, sleep), followed by safety (security of body, of employment, of resources, of morality, of the family, of health, of property), love/belonging (friendship, family, sexual intimacy), esteem (self-esteem, confidence, achievement, respect of others, respect by others), and finally self-actualization (morality, creativity, spontaneirt, problem solving, lack of prejudice, acceptance of facts). As you can see, as you make your way further to the tip of the pyramid, education continues to play a stronger and more vital role. Inevitably,  leading to happiness in our lives.

Those unfamiliar with the Bureau of Labor Statistics, it is an organization set out to census employment, income rates, etc. They have provided a fantastic graph, displayed on the page education pays. The graph shows that people with a college degree are not only financially more prosperous when holding a job, however the unemployment rates match as well. A majority of people out of work
suffer from a poor education. This just kind of shows where a college degree will lead you in your future.

If you are satisfied with settling for the income and responsibilities pertaining to one of the jobs that may be obtainable with no degree, this may be a better route for you. Remember though, most every career will have some sort of required education/experience whether it may be trade school/apprenticeship. It is also important to remember the stability of earning an education, whereas you don't so much risk getting laid-off, etc. You can never lose your knowledge, but you may always be terminated from a job.

So, in conclusion, everyone can really benefit from receiving a college education. Hopefully, it was as inspiring for you as it was myself to hear the opinion of someone just like you. I also hope you carry with you some of these apparent benefits of receiving a college degree versus not. “The beautiful thing about learning is nobody can take it away from you.” B.B. King, quoted outside the Main Library in uptown Charlotte, North Carolina, in The Charlotte Observer (5 October 1997) Page 2D