College had always been this thing I knew I was going to do after school. It was expected. It’s expected for many of us. Most students going back to school only have one more year until we graduate from high school, and the pressure of college, regardless on if we’re going or not, is higher than it’s ever been. With the stigma surrounding college/universities and the exaggerated impact we’re taught it has on our lives, seniors in this day and age feel as if college isn’t an option, but an expectation.
The attitude students have towards heading off to university and colleges have changed drastically in only just the past decade. High school students are under a lot more pressure than ever when it comes to choosing whether to go to college/university or not. Colleges are seen as such an essential key in having a good life. While this is true to a certain degree, many people are under the impression that this is the only way to achieve an idealistic living. Without it, you’ll be unhappy, financially struggling, and unproductive. Although many assume that this fear works as a motivation for students to attend colleges, it does the exact opposite.
Depression, PTSD, and other mental illnesses have risen 5% in the last ten years among students who are under the pressure of college. Students who choose not to go to college are most likely trivialized, whether by other students, parents or teachers. In a society like ours today, it seems out of the question that someone would ever choose to NOT go to college. “It’s such a big part of my life,” they’ll say. “Without it, I won’t succeed.”
Although schools have contributed to the pressure students feel to go to a university/college, parents play a big percentage in the problem as well. It’s natural for parents to want better for their kids, but when parents put emphasis on the importance of college, especially to the point of mental abuse, it steers students away from what’s expected of them. Meeting these expectations is like a succeed or fail mentality. If they don’t meet these expectations, they’re crushed.
I’m in no way saying college/universities are awful and that you shouldn’t go. It’s true that a college education does further your choices in life and open more doors, but the stigma behind it scares students, especially those who don’t know what they want to do. Many people have succeeded in life without going to college, and they didn’t have to make some multi-million dollar invention or beat an impossible odd. But, believe it or not, college isn’t for everyone. We’re all not meant to go to college. Although society makes it seem like college will be the answer to all your problems, it might not be for the student in class that has no clue what they want.
From what alumni tells you, college is a great experience, but so can not going to college. Instead of shaming and ridiculing people who choose not to attend college, we need to break the mentality that pressures students to follow down one path instead of choosing for themselves. We need to break the ignorance that surrounds people who have no interest in achieving a college degree.
For those who are starting college this year, going to college next year, or are taking time off, take the time to assess what you want to do. Ask yourself, What do I want to do after school? Am I happy with my decision? Choose, unapologetically, what you feel is best for you and you only and be happy with it. I wish the best of luck to you all.
