Is College Really Worth Lifelong Loans? by Jakob

Is College Really Worth Lifelong Loans? by Jakob - April 2020 Scholarship Essay

When my parents were kids, opportunities flew left and right where you'd never expect them. Often, working a job that now-a-days won't keep you financially afloat would have been a career and respectable title to raise a family with. While it sounds nice, this is something no young person navigating their way through life will find, because every year, the demand for college goes up and up. It is seen as a necessary part of your life now and that is what parents are drilling in their children's minds. "You need to go to college Jake, that way you can have the opportunities I never did." My dad has told me this since I was a itty-bitty toddler, and even into my late teenage years, I think he's absolutely right.

The question that is raised of whether college has one simple and undeniable answer. Yes. College is something more than just a higher education after high-school and a handful of loans, it is life changing in every regard. Some of the most successful people I have spoken to have always shared that the connections and friendships they made in college were crucial in their path to success. Education and credentials are one advantage but there is nothing that compare to having friends in the right places. My aspirations in life bank heavily on making it in the business world, and beyond that having a serious impact on the environmental sustainability of large corporations. I believe that I could make change but I feel that along my journey the people I form life-long connections with will be crucial to make my dream a reality.

Another big factor of why I'm going to college is truly the knowledge I will gain. With hard work and a bit of elbow grease I'm not doubtful that I could work my way up in another person's business, but my starting point would be the same as any other random person with their wits about them. This is how my dad found success and it's by all means admirable, however with the knowledge and credentials I would hold, I would be starting my career levels ahead of someone who never attended college, and the opportunities for where I could go in said company would stretch higher than someone without an education similar to mine. Essentially the ceiling is always going to be higher when you have a degree, and one's success in life will be much less based on being in the right place at the right time.

College can benefit every person differently or sometimes not at all but it’s safe to say in today’s political and financial climate that it’s a huge help. Personally I can’t wait for college and have high hopes as to what I’ll take from the experience.