Weighing the college decision
Q. Do you think college is as hard as people say? My family wants me to go but I think I might be happier working a job I like. And then I think, maybe I should give college a try. I don’t like the idea of spending money on a college degree and failing. – 16-year-old
Mary Jo’s Response: I’m pleased you’re thinking of your future.
A positive college experience depends on several things: where you attend college, what course of study you select, how you adapt to being away from home, and your own motivation to set goals and achieve them.
While college is not for everyone, I do believe you owe yourself the opportunity to look into your options. Let’s start at the beginning. Where do you see yourself in five years? In 10 years? Creating a goal-driven life plan isn’t difficult, but it does take reflection.
Ask yourself some deep questions and be honest. What do I enjoy doing? What makes me happy? Do I like interacting with others or am I most comfortable with solitude? Does learning new subjects intrigue me? When you consider a college, ask yourself if your academic record will support a college admission. Consider how you would handle living away from home. Are you emotionally ready to take that step? College attendance is varied – you can attend one near your home and commute, you can live on campus, you can move across the country or an hour away, you can take virtual classes and obtain a degree without leaving home. What will a college degree buy you? Will it prepare you for a career that gives you fulfillment and joy?
In our culture, we often expect 18-year-olds to know what they want to do with the rest of their lives. I find that challenging. In my own life, I altered my goals as I matured. You will as well. Starting off with some basic answers to the questions I mentioned should help get you started.
Bottom line, college can be as easy or as difficult as you make it, based on the culture of the college you choose, your course selection, and your readiness to set the goal of graduating with a degree that will open doors in your life.
You mention failure. I get that dropping out of college could be difficult, especially financially. Please remember we all fail. You will not know your potential to succeed if you don’t try. With or without college, it’s good to move forward with a growth mindset. Dr. Carol Dweck’s work on growth mindset tells us our abilities and talents can be developed through dedication and hard work. With a growth mindset, we believe we can improve our skills over time. We embrace challenges as a chance to grow. We learn from our failures. Perhaps most importantly, a person with a growth mindset is persistent in the face of setbacks.
Have you held a job? Did you enjoy the work? You say you might be happier working at a job you like. Would studying beyond high school enhance that job? You could attend a trade school or become an apprentice in a field where your ability to secure a better-paying job would be enhanced by your learning. With or without college, I hope you will explore ways to grow and learn after high school. I asked a few of my peer educator alumni to respond to your questions; I think their answers are insightful.
Peer Educator Alumni: Of the five of us, four are college graduates and one graduated from cosmetology school. One of us started at one college, left after a semester, took a year off, and returned to a different college that was a better fit. College can be challenging, but we thought it was a good challenge. All of us are happy in our chosen roles, and two of us are in grad school, working on our master’s degrees. You’re the only person who can answer the questions Mary Jo gave you. Believe in yourself. We wish you a great future.
Have a question? Send it to Dr. Mary Jo Podgurski’s email podmj@healthyteens.com.