Education and Careers
Do I have to go to College?
So you're nearing the end of your high school years, and you can't wait for summer vacation. School is over, finally. In fact, you're in no rush to go back...even if that means not enrolling in fall semester of college with your friends.
Many students who are about to graduate from High school or get a G.E.D. wonder...what's next? Maybe school isn't for them...maybe they don't know where to apply, or maybe they'll wait until they figure out what they're friends are doing. Whatever the case, there are some things one should consider before deciding where to apply to college , if at all.
First...what interests you? I don't mean movies and basketball. I mean, are you interested in starting a career within the next five years, in travelling, in working for the community, in starting a family within the next ten years? Find what interests you and what goals you have in life. Think about it, take your time, and write stuff down.
Now I know many people feel this way, but the truth is that if you are going to make an honest living in this world, chances are that sooner or later you are going to have to study. This doesn't mean that you have to get started on your college application. Some people may choose to take a year off if they feel they need the time to re-evaluate what it is they want. Maybe you would like to work full time for a year before you resume studying. You should never take more than one year off though. You'll be wasting time and get stuck in a position you never wanted to be in the first place...at a dead end job. Make sure you don't get into trouble by committing a stupid mistake (such as a misdemeanor or worse).
You just got pregnant. An unexpected tragedy has hit you or a loved one. You just got thrown in jail. These things happen. Its an unfortunate fact of life that things don't always happen when we want them to. You have to be strong enough and smart enough to fight through this adversity an remember that you can still live a life thats fully on track. You might be unable to go to the dream college or whatever, but you do have options. An associates degree at the community college is probably your best bet. Don't worry about time...just plan for at least a couple of courses per semester, and dedicate yourself to getting ahead. To pay for schooling might sound bad, but associates degrees can be gotten cheap and you will earn TONS more than if you just have a G.E.D. or diploma.
Maybe you want to start your own business and work for yourself. You know what good or service you're going to provide (manicures, hair cuts, tutoring service, selling something) you have a good eye for business, are a good speaker, motivated...you have all of the intangibles. However, being a natural doesn't mean you're ready to play in the big leagues. Classes in managment and business law will help, or whatever trade it is you want to learn. Community colleges are filled with courses you can take to get an edge on the competition and not make simple mistakes that will cost you time and money.
If you are short on cash but want to go to school and are having trouble getting scholarships, you might want to consider joining the military. They offer outstanding benefits, pay for schooling, and offer some of the most exciting educational opportunities in the U.S. People who love travelling might also want to look at this option. I have friends who have visited Europe and Japan for free. What's best is that you'd be serving your country in the process.
You're not alone if you're not going to a university this upcoming fall. Feel happy for friends that are, and make sure that you are getting your life on track at your pace. As long as you don't set yourself back and stay out of trouble, you should be fine in the long run.
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