Why College?

I remember everyone always asked me where I would go to college. They asked this before they would even ask IF I was going to college. They just assumed that I, being a studious smart kid, would go to college. The lecture brought up that thought again. Why is it that people believe that to be successful they must get a college degree? Of course, they were right though, I was going to go to college no matter what. Like a lot of people, I have yet to decide on an exact career path. So, being this undecided, made sure that I kept as many doors open as possible by getting a college degree. Yes, a college degree helps many people and is needed in many places, but it certainly does not determine how successful someone becomes. I have a friend who is a senior now in high school who is possibly making more money a year than I ever will. He started a shirt business and expanded into skateboard designs. His creativity and networking with people he knew made him very successful without a college degree. He did not need a degree because he had everything he needed already. I, and many people, do not quite have everything i need in front of me to become successful, and that is why I came to college. For the careers I am looking into, experience holds a great deal of merit, and being in college and having the experience would greatly help me. If my career was a solid deal and it did not require college, then I would not go. I could gain the experience in the field and network there. College is not a perfect bridge to get to point A to point B, there are so many different, sometimes better ways.