I had some opportunities with my friends to discuss why college or higher education is important (or not).
As a "middle class dream", many people want to go to college or graduate school, or want to send their kids to college. However, as the tuition and cost go up, college has become a big ticket item that needs justification, unfortunately. The days may be over when you can just assume you can go to college or back to school, even if you are good at class academically.
Don't get me wrong. I am all for higher education. I have PhD myself. I do believe more people should get higher education and be able to make good use of it. However, I do understand counter arguments.
Let's say there is a friend considering to go to college (or take higher education). I'd suggest the person to do due diligence.
(i) Answer why you want to go to school
(ii) Check what the school offers
(iii) Check the price tag
(iv) Have a goal, or at least a direction
(v) Prepare yourself
(i) Answer why you want to go to school
There are many ways to justify college and higher school :College-grads likely make more money over lifetime, and college degree is an investment. A degree can be a label you put on yourself, and people do judge you by your label. Education and a degree can better prepare you for job market. Education itself can provide benefits. They may be able to set a bound mind free. If the school is skill-oriented, you can learn many skills immediately usable. You have been interested in a particular subject and want to study more. In school you'll meet people, fellow students and faculties, who may be able to help you out and help you to go where you want.
These are true. But these are all external reasons. I say, you have to come up with your own reason. The reason can be one of the above, but it has to be yours. Otherwise, schooling may not be a right choice for you at this moment. Higher education is a privilege. You go for it or you don't.
If you choose school is not for you at this time, what else do you want? It's another important question.
(ii) Check what the school offers
You are the buyer. You need to have a sense for what you are buying. As an investment, it's on you if you make a poor choice.
(iii) Check the price tag
This has become increasingly relevant. In this capitalism world, you need to check the price tag of what you want to buy. If you have plenty of money, fine. But most people don't, or not that much. Depending on how much you have, and the price tag, you need to modify your options. Or, you need to seek ways to get what you want.
This is an easy homework, because you can see your plans in terms of money. If you see education as an investment, you need to calculate your return. If you are planning on taking out $90k loans to get a job that pays $35k annually, it's a bad planning and you may need to think twice.
(iv) Have a goal, or at least a direction
Related to (i), you would want to have a sense of direction or a goal if you want to be efficient. Most people need to join work force and compete in job market. You can be more competitive with a better planning.
(v) Prepare yourself
Once you figure out (i)-(iv), you can work toward it. If you decide to go for higher education, you'd want to be prepared rather than unprepared. Once you are in college or graduate program, you'll be busy. Preparation is something you do before the event.
Peter Drucker (famous theorist and thinker for business and management) wrote that the society has become a knowledge society, education will become the center of the knowledge society and schooling its key institution. His argument may be from a standpoint of management. His standpoint may assume us as a part of workforce and the value as a worker. You may not like it, but I think it's a valid view.
Apart from above, if we don't manage what we do and learn, who will? Going for higher education implies that you are no longer a child; you are with your free will to exercise. Probably it's a good idea to grow over an attitude to do what you are told to do. Obviously, I don't really think free will is a bad thing as some religious people believe.
College and graduate school are a form of education that can give you a degree and a diploma, something tangible. Equally (or more) important thing in life is your attitude to seek education and improvements. Statistics also tell us that with or without a degree, ambitious and motivated people make more money.
So, please do your homework and make your decisions, my friend.
On Saturday i-dance studio (OKC) was doing a showcase, with a wide variety of performances (Salsa, Argentine Tango, Bolero, swing, waltz, cha cha, hip hop, contemporary etc). It was very enjoyable to watch. I love it. We might do it next time.
