3 answers
Shannon
Student
Topock, AZ
1
Question
Asked
984 views
What if I hate college?
What if I hate college and then go into debt for nothing?
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3 answers
Melody Tharpe
Education - Teacher
166
Answers
Indianapolis, Indiana
Updated
Melody’s Answer
Shannon, your inquiry or worry is shared by many, and it's completely valid. The uplifting news is that "college" has evolved beyond just a physical location or a fixed place. There's a wealth of options available now for earning a degree, some of which even offer ways to reduce the cost.
I think it's crucial for you to first identify what you're passionate about and what you'd like to do as a job or career. Next, explore the paths people take to enter and progress in those fields. A college degree may not be the only ticket to your dream job or career. Similarly, there could be entry-level roles that offer valuable experience and can help you fund your college education.
You mentioned "hating college", and it's important to address this concern. Take a moment to read this article that delves into this very real issue. It could offer some useful tips on how to mitigate this feeling.
https://modernteen.co/i-hate-college/Reasons%20Why%20You%20Hate%20College
I think it's crucial for you to first identify what you're passionate about and what you'd like to do as a job or career. Next, explore the paths people take to enter and progress in those fields. A college degree may not be the only ticket to your dream job or career. Similarly, there could be entry-level roles that offer valuable experience and can help you fund your college education.
You mentioned "hating college", and it's important to address this concern. Take a moment to read this article that delves into this very real issue. It could offer some useful tips on how to mitigate this feeling.
https://modernteen.co/i-hate-college/Reasons%20Why%20You%20Hate%20College
Michelle M.
Entertainment Industry
1879
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Shannon !
What I see is that you are unsure about being a college student and feel that it's too much money to invest when you don't know if it is for you. You don't have to go in debt "for nothing".
The best way to find out if college is for you is to contact local colleges - it's best to do this in person - and ask if you could possibly sit in on a class as you are exploring various education options. I would try doing this at a community college first and than see if any of the universities will allow auditing. Walk around the campus and visit the various buildings. Visit the bookstore and take in your surroundings. Can you see yourself in this type of life every day ?
While testing the waters, it will be of help to explore the requirements, expectations and guidelines of various schools. Do you agree with them and do you think you could fulfill all that is needed ? You may also want to speak with some college students to get various points of view about college life. Never stop asking questions of people you know as well as here at Career Village. A college education is NEVER a waste or "for nothing". It is about personal development, knowledge, communication and many other skills that you will sharpen and learn. In the end, ask yourself if you want to meet the challenge or not. If not, there are options other than full time college. For right now, if you attend college, it is about you and not so much trying to know about exact details of the future. Being in college itself will only enhance your future, but in ways that no one knows right now.
What I see is that you are unsure about being a college student and feel that it's too much money to invest when you don't know if it is for you. You don't have to go in debt "for nothing".
The best way to find out if college is for you is to contact local colleges - it's best to do this in person - and ask if you could possibly sit in on a class as you are exploring various education options. I would try doing this at a community college first and than see if any of the universities will allow auditing. Walk around the campus and visit the various buildings. Visit the bookstore and take in your surroundings. Can you see yourself in this type of life every day ?
While testing the waters, it will be of help to explore the requirements, expectations and guidelines of various schools. Do you agree with them and do you think you could fulfill all that is needed ? You may also want to speak with some college students to get various points of view about college life. Never stop asking questions of people you know as well as here at Career Village. A college education is NEVER a waste or "for nothing". It is about personal development, knowledge, communication and many other skills that you will sharpen and learn. In the end, ask yourself if you want to meet the challenge or not. If not, there are options other than full time college. For right now, if you attend college, it is about you and not so much trying to know about exact details of the future. Being in college itself will only enhance your future, but in ways that no one knows right now.
Mackenzie Ward
associate
103
Answers
Houston, Texas
Updated
Mackenzie’s Answer
Feeling unhappy or unsatisfied with your college experience is a common concern, and it's important to address it proactively. College is a significant investment of time and money, and it's crucial to make informed decisions about your education. If you're considering whether college is the right path for you, here are some steps to take:
Evaluate Your Goals and Interests:
Reflect on your career goals, interests, and passions. Consider whether your current college major aligns with your aspirations. It's okay to explore different fields, but it's important to have a clear sense of what you want to achieve.
Speak with Academic Advisors and Counselors:
Schedule meetings with academic advisors and career counselors at your college. They can provide guidance on academic and career options, help you explore different majors, and discuss your concerns.
Consider a Gap Year or Leave of Absence:
If you're unsure about continuing college, you might consider taking a gap year or a leave of absence. During this time, you can explore your interests, gain work experience, or engage in volunteer activities to clarify your goals.
Explore Alternatives:
College is not the only path to a successful career. Explore alternative education and career options, such as vocational schools, apprenticeships, online courses, or self-directed learning. These paths can lead to rewarding careers without a traditional college degree.
Manage Your Debt:
If you're concerned about student loan debt, explore options for managing it, such as income-driven repayment plans, loan consolidation, or loan forgiveness programs. It's essential to have a plan for repaying your loans.
Talk to Your Parents or Guardians:
Open communication with your parents or guardians about your concerns and aspirations. They may provide valuable insights and support in exploring different options.
Seek Career Guidance:
Consider seeking career counseling or assessments to better understand your strengths, interests, and potential career paths. This can help you make more informed decisions.
Explore Part-Time Work or Internships:
If you decide to continue college, explore part-time work or internships in fields related to your interests. Practical experience can provide clarity about your career goals.
Mental and Emotional Well-being:
Prioritize your mental and emotional well-being. If you're struggling with unhappiness or mental health issues, seek support from counseling services or mental health professionals at your college.
Network and Connect:
Connect with professors, classmates, and professionals in fields you're interested in. Networking can open doors to opportunities and help you make informed decisions about your education and career.
Remember that it's okay to reassess your educational and career path. Many people change majors or career directions during or after college. The key is to be proactive in exploring your options and seeking guidance when needed. Your happiness and long-term success should be the primary drivers in your educational and career choices. I hope these considerations will provide you some comfort in knowing you can go to college and reassess after even your first semester to ensure college is what you want and not that you're doomed to go into debt.
Evaluate Your Goals and Interests:
Reflect on your career goals, interests, and passions. Consider whether your current college major aligns with your aspirations. It's okay to explore different fields, but it's important to have a clear sense of what you want to achieve.
Speak with Academic Advisors and Counselors:
Schedule meetings with academic advisors and career counselors at your college. They can provide guidance on academic and career options, help you explore different majors, and discuss your concerns.
Consider a Gap Year or Leave of Absence:
If you're unsure about continuing college, you might consider taking a gap year or a leave of absence. During this time, you can explore your interests, gain work experience, or engage in volunteer activities to clarify your goals.
Explore Alternatives:
College is not the only path to a successful career. Explore alternative education and career options, such as vocational schools, apprenticeships, online courses, or self-directed learning. These paths can lead to rewarding careers without a traditional college degree.
Manage Your Debt:
If you're concerned about student loan debt, explore options for managing it, such as income-driven repayment plans, loan consolidation, or loan forgiveness programs. It's essential to have a plan for repaying your loans.
Talk to Your Parents or Guardians:
Open communication with your parents or guardians about your concerns and aspirations. They may provide valuable insights and support in exploring different options.
Seek Career Guidance:
Consider seeking career counseling or assessments to better understand your strengths, interests, and potential career paths. This can help you make more informed decisions.
Explore Part-Time Work or Internships:
If you decide to continue college, explore part-time work or internships in fields related to your interests. Practical experience can provide clarity about your career goals.
Mental and Emotional Well-being:
Prioritize your mental and emotional well-being. If you're struggling with unhappiness or mental health issues, seek support from counseling services or mental health professionals at your college.
Network and Connect:
Connect with professors, classmates, and professionals in fields you're interested in. Networking can open doors to opportunities and help you make informed decisions about your education and career.
Remember that it's okay to reassess your educational and career path. Many people change majors or career directions during or after college. The key is to be proactive in exploring your options and seeking guidance when needed. Your happiness and long-term success should be the primary drivers in your educational and career choices. I hope these considerations will provide you some comfort in knowing you can go to college and reassess after even your first semester to ensure college is what you want and not that you're doomed to go into debt.