Photo by: Henoc Kivuye
A recent article on MSN news announced that a large percentage of students are dropping out of college and not entering the work force. There are many possible explanations for this and according to sophomore Jonathan Martin, one reason ranks above the others.
“I think some students drop out of college because they don’t want to consider the responsibility of their future,” Martin said.
The future is a daunting idea to some students and a majority of the college experience is focused on preparing them for life after graduation. Classes, professors and parents fill the minds of students with the prosperity that comes from receiving a college education. Senior Cody Summerville views this issue as a complicated one.
“I think there are many reasons that students drop out of college, from financial reasons to not being prepared.” Summerville said.
Paying for college is a difficult task. For some the money is accessible, but for others coming up with the means to pay for school can prove difficult. From searching for countless scholarships to applying for mountains of loans, the cost of a college education ranks high in the dropout reasons.
Summerville pointed out that the life of a college student is different from the life a high school student. Dependency on parental figures change as the student begins college life. Responsibility shifts from the parent to the student, and suddenly major life decisions fall to the student. This can be unnerving and could move a student to drop out in order to avoid growing up.
For many, the pressure of pursuing a college education stems not only from the home but also from society itself. From middle school on, students are told that after high school people go to college. A common belief is that a person cannot get a better job than working at a fast food restaurant without a college education.
“I believe that we put too much emphasis on attending college,” Summerville said. “College is not meant for everyone and we need to be OK with that. Going to a trade school has just as much benefits as going to college, and in some cases more potential for higher incomes. A mechanic can often make more money that a teacher who has a master’s degree.”
The MSN news article mentioned an after-school program in Kentucky that introduces students to multiple career paths that trade schools have to offer. According to Summerville, preparing students who have the desire to attend a four-year college is essential as well.
“From the high school standpoint, make sure that students who are wanting to go to college have the skills necessary to be successful in college,” Summerville said. “Also, making sure students know what they want to do in college and why they want to go to a specific school. If you are roaming aimlessly around a college with no plan, then your likeliness to succeed drops.”
Summerville pointed out that college might not be for everybody.
“I think that high schools and parents should be realistic and encourage their children to explore other options besides college,” Summerville said. “This will prevent those who shouldn’t be in a college setting from dropping out. It also saves lots of money in the long run.”
Success in college begins early, with having the mindset to choose a career path, achieve grades that are above par as well as sticking through to the end no matter what. These attributes all help a student reach the potential needed to graduate.
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