Loading ...It has become an expectation in our society that after high school, you go to a traditional four-year college. We are told that after graduating we’ll make more money, be happier, have a better life. We are told it is our only option. It is not, however, as many professions don’t require a college degree. Many students feel too constrained by what they are ‘supposed’ to do and get bogged down in trying to prepare for a future they don’t necessarily want to have.
The obsessive push to take college-prep classes can lead students to take classes that they really don’t need. Even students who don’t want to go to college face mandatory AP classes and are pressured to take honors, other APs, CIS and PSEO. These classes can be setting them up to fail. If a student has no interest in history and aspires to be a cosmotologist, is it really necessary to force them to take APUSH? This is not to say that students should never be challenged with difficult classes. If motivated, anyone can benefit from these classes, regardless of their career path. However, from what we have observed, students who are forced into challenging college-prep classes often are unwilling or unable to do the necessary work, and their confidence as a student suffers as a result.
It is our belief, as the editorial staff to The Southerner, that this school needs a wake up call. Although statistically adults with college degrees make more money and have a higher standard of living, that doesn’t mean that it is the only option to achieve that lifestyle. If a student feels that college is not their best option, there are many other options out there that might fit them better. For example, vocational schools can be an excellent choice for those who are more interested in a specific career than the whole “college experience.” Other viable options are the military, AmeriCorps or the Peace Corps, abroad programs and farming programs.
The two extremes that we are taught are not true. It’s not a choice between going to college to become rich and happy and entering the workforce straight away to have a mediocre life. Although the district believes success is measured by how many college-bound students they are creating, that is not the only way to be successful. The districts should instead focus on their ability to graduate students who will be able to lead comfortable and happy lives, regardless of what career path they choose. After graduation, students should do something they feel comfortable with, whether that be a college or university or a non-college option. There are countless opportunities out there, and schools should prepare students to take advantage of any of them.
Jen Bieck • Nov 21, 2010 at 9:25 pm
Speaking as a counselor, I agree that there are a lot of viable careers that you may not need a four year degree to obtain. However, MOST jobs that provide financial security, require you to have post-secondary specialized training. “College” does not just mean four-year school–it means any training after high school.
Also, just a clarification, for Americorps as well as the peace corps, it is a requirement to have a bachelors degree for most positions–you cannot just leave high school and join the peace corps or americorps.
http://www.americorps.gov/for_individuals/ready/eligibility.asp
http://www.peacecorps.gov/index.cfm?shell=learn.howvol.lookingfor
I love the online Southerner! Keep up the great work, South High writers:)
Michael Guritz • Nov 18, 2010 at 10:39 am
I agree with Michael here. The number of kids the go to college just to drop after a year is rising; as a 18 year old, it should be a decision between the kid and the parents. Pressure from the school isn’t going to give the kid a eureka moment where they want to learn everything they can. College has to be a choice and a commitment, not a chore.
Michael Savage • Nov 12, 2010 at 12:50 pm
College isn’t necessary in order to become rich, and going to college doesn’t automatically make your rich.