very expensive for those who are at an age where they don't really know what the value of a dollar is
nor do they know how to effectively finance it.
I went to The Ohio State University (Go Bucks!) where I received my Bachelor of Science in
mathematics and chemistry. My college experience was full of exciting adventures, thousands of
incredibly brilliant friends, students, and professors (the total amount of students attending was
greater than 50,000 at the time and growing!), and fantastic opportunities for learning, career, and
personal growth. The times that I loathed was trying to finance the whole operation between every
semester. If your parents choose to pay for it, thank them every day for the rest of your life. At the
end of it all, I ended up with a quality education, unforgettable experiences, a magnificent job in the
chemistry field as a scientist, and $35,000 in debt.
All in all, I would say that it was worth it for me, but I firmly believe that the cost of higher education
is rising at a much faster rate than the rate at which wages are currently rising. When our parents
were younger and going to college (if they were), I believe that the "average earnings to cost of
education" ratio was likely much higher than it is currently today which is why they, and so many of
our elders advocate so highly for it. Nowadays, I personally do not see this incredible value they
boast about especially with the advent of the Internet, a service that most people have access to,
which is able to provide so much information at an alarming rate.
To be clear, I am not against college whatsoever, college is actually very useful in its own niches, but
isn't for everyone, and it CERTAINLY isn't this holy grail that sooo many people make it out to be
where you're guaranteed a job that pays $80k to start. I want you to really consider what you want to
do and achieve in your life, and based on those considerations, decide if college is something you
require or not. I often thought college institutions and their students reeked of elitism and sociopathic
superiority to pressure a younger audience to "not be a loser like your one friend who isn't choosing
to go to college". It can be the best investment in yourself, but I have seen several instances where
people were crushed by it because they ended up with a job that they didn't even use and/or need
their degree for ALONG with crippling student debt. Just remember this, you are not a "loser" if you
do not go to college. It is your life, and you should do whatever you think is best for yourself as long
as you have a plan.
Like my student loans, I'll see you tomorrow! (and the next day... and the next day... and the next day...)
~Eris~
