My Thoughts On College

If you're thinking about attending a university, that's great! Education is very important, but it is also

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~