College: A Decision That's Not for Everyone

The word alone is enough freak a hormonal teenager out. It's the equivalent of the word "marriage" to a commitment-phobic 27-year-old bachelor.

College in itself is a great commitment, and many teenagers are too young and immature to "tie-the-knot". Attending college entails constant studying, writing and even attending classes as early as 7:00 in the morning. Add to the equation sketchy student loans at interest rates that exceed more than the average starting salary, and you've got yourself a cocktail that even the most sober teenager would get drunk on.

College is a lot of pressure. College is not for everyone.

Today we encounter a society in which a degree defines your worth, or lack there-of. At 17 years old, children are expected to choose what they will be doing for the rest of their lives. The idea of it is absolutely ludicrous if you think about it.

College is also very expensive, the typical American family cannot afford to fully pay for college tuition all out of their pockets, and so they take on the burden of student loans which lurks in the shadows until after graduation. Then the tassel switches sides and the graduate finds himself or herself enslaved by debt that their starting salaries cannot compete with.

Another issue to consider is the lack of jobs available to these new graduates. The market is saturated with individuals bearing the same degrees & seeking the same jobs.

By no means is it being suggested that one should not go to college. However, the idea of first attending a trade school and learning a trade before going to college is another, sometimes better option. This way, the unsure can have time to decide what they would like to study in college, while at the same time being productive.

They can also work part-time in their field making more than they would at a fast food restaurant. They can then use their salary to help fund the expenses of tuition, books, and other expenses. This way, the student who really wants to go to college will pursue it, and the individual who does not want to go to college would avoid taking on unnecessary debt if they were to drop out as so many do.

College is a big decision, and before you take the plunge you should first consider your abilities, interest, and dedication to complete it. Sometimes it is better to not follow the crowd and go at your own stride. As long as you plan on being a productive part of society, there is nothing wrong with taking the time you need to choose wisely.