Post Classifieds
Happiness does not necessarily come with a college degree
By Bryan Wright
On October 10, 2012
Another day, another dollar. Right?
Wrong. It is a new day, and the dollar has a much different meaning to it.
My generation is facing one of the worst job markets since, well, ever. I know a handful of students
whose college major should be "changing majors."
One of the biggest contributing problems is how college is marketed to the youth of our nation. Is it
truly the case that if one does not go to college, one's peers will frown upon him? No, it is not. But are
we conditioned to feel this way? Absolutely - from the moment we first hear about college.
Growing up, especially in the inner-city school districts, college always felt like a surreal dream. This
dream was attainable to some extent, but many of us were taught that the only way to reach it was to
commit to extreme scholarship during high school. Especially if you wanted to "be something." That is
simply not true.
The problem is straightforward: parents, high school administrators, teachers and guidance counselors
sold college to us in the wrong way. Being told that you had to go was just the beginning. The high
expectations and familial-based guilt of doing poorly only made it worse.
The truth is, many kids are not fit for college, but that does not mean they cannot be successful, nor
does it mean they will not be happy in life. We need to push awareness that it is okay to not go to
college.
Recently, I was exposed (via my internship) to a Western New York program geared toward raising
awareness about the extreme need to fill manufacturing positions in the area. These managers of
manufacturing are in dire need of competent individuals who can continue the once mainstream trend
of a skilled workforce.
The potential for a great salary is present. Individuals just need to recognize the societal acceptance of
doing so.
Not everyone needs to wear a suit to work. Not everyone needs to drive a BMW or Mercedes. Not
everyone needs to be in an office on the 50th floor. Everyone does need, however, to be happy and
define their own personal success.
In reality, struggling through college, or not going to class, is only good for one thing - racking up
tremendous amounts of debt.
Why not cut your losses sooner?
There are plenty of opportunities to have a great career outside of a traditional college degree.
Especially since jobs for bachelor's-level students are few and far between.
In short, find your niche and stick to it. Make yourself happy. Happiness defines success, and success is
happiness.
After all, as defined in the Declaration of Independence, each and every one of us has the right to pursue
happiness. But, finding it? That one is all on you.
For comments on this story, contact bscrecord@gmail.com.
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