From the time we are born to the time we enter the grave all we hear about is education. Either the type we had growing up or the type we are getting today in this brave new world.
In Fairfax County it is overly drilled into the youth’s brains that college is the way to the good life. For some of us this is definitely the right way to go, but not everyone is cut out for college.
College can be expensive, time consuming, and a pain in the you -know-what.
This is not saying that college is not beneficial to people who really want to go, but people are not always aware of what they are getting into.
Now, when most kids in FCPS think of going to college, they believe George Mason, VCU, UVA, Georgetown, or other colleges such as these are the best option.
What they are not thinking is NOVA, or other reputable community colleges. It is a wonderful aspiration to want to get into a big brand college, but it is not always going to be a reality for people with a mediocre GPA, or a not so beautiful financial situation.
Community colleges are an amazing way to further your education without breaking the bank.
On top of that are all the wonderful options outside of the classroom.
One that is not a big surprise is joining the military. The military is a great option for someone who is ready to work with others and really take orders. It also a different way to further your education because the military has different programs designed for people who want to serve and who want to get an education.
Most high school students don’t think about becoming a plumber, or a hair dresser when they are older, but truth be told, there has to be people out there that do those jobs that make the world go round.
Everyone wants to be the guy that designs the building, but no one wants to actually build the building.
At the end of high school we have reached a time in our lives where there are many possibilities.
With privilege comes great responsibility. No one knows exactly what they will be doing in the future, but it is good to know that you can do whatever you want.
If college is not for you, then don’t go. If you want to be a construction worker then more power to you.
Do whatever you want to do, and don’t do what the school wants you to do. Do what makes you happy.