7 answers
7 answers
Updated
Kevin P’s Answer
Kieran, I think every student, anyone that has gone to school has asked themselves this question. I know I asked myself this question regularly when I was in school. (I am still in school, more on that in a minute). I want to be honest with you, I did okay in high school and then when I made it to college I was on academic probation. If you don't know what that is, it means my grades were so bad the school was thinking about kicking me out.
When this happened, I literally sat down and made a list. On the left side I wrote what would happen if I did not go back the next day and on the right I wrote all of the things I would have or get if I did go back to school. I was 18 years old when I did. I will make it short for you. If I did not return I could hangout with my friends, party, work to get money, and not worry about deadlines. If I did go back to school, I could get a job in banking, I could learn things I otherwise would not, I would make friends that want to be successful, and most importantly one day there is someone that would look up to me as a role model (my future child).
Since then I have graduated with a Masters degree and cannot wait to see the pride in my child's eyes when he is old enough to understand. That means I went back to school the next day and I have that job in banking.
I want to make two very very very important points. One, you have to find your why. You have to make that list for yourself. Understand that there is sacrifice you will have to make. I have learned over the last 20 years, there is or would be sacrifice on both sides. Two, I am not saying you must have a college degree to be successful. I have many friends that I think are more successful than I am and they do not have a college degree. Police officers, real estate agents, electricians, plumbers, these are all respectable jobs. I am simply saying, college made me a better person.
That is why I went to school.
When this happened, I literally sat down and made a list. On the left side I wrote what would happen if I did not go back the next day and on the right I wrote all of the things I would have or get if I did go back to school. I was 18 years old when I did. I will make it short for you. If I did not return I could hangout with my friends, party, work to get money, and not worry about deadlines. If I did go back to school, I could get a job in banking, I could learn things I otherwise would not, I would make friends that want to be successful, and most importantly one day there is someone that would look up to me as a role model (my future child).
Since then I have graduated with a Masters degree and cannot wait to see the pride in my child's eyes when he is old enough to understand. That means I went back to school the next day and I have that job in banking.
I want to make two very very very important points. One, you have to find your why. You have to make that list for yourself. Understand that there is sacrifice you will have to make. I have learned over the last 20 years, there is or would be sacrifice on both sides. Two, I am not saying you must have a college degree to be successful. I have many friends that I think are more successful than I am and they do not have a college degree. Police officers, real estate agents, electricians, plumbers, these are all respectable jobs. I am simply saying, college made me a better person.
That is why I went to school.
Updated
Garima’s Answer
Hi Kieran,
Good question! Being in school is about more than just attending classes—it’s also a place to learn, grow, and build relationships. I’m in school to gain knowledge and skills from my lecturers that will help me succeed in life. Beyond academics, school offers a chance to meet new people, make friends, and develop social skills that are just as important as what we learn in the classroom. It’s a place where I can explore different subjects, discover my passions, and build a strong foundation for the career and life I want. Plus, the friendships and connections made along the way can last a lifetime and provide support and inspiration.
Good question! Being in school is about more than just attending classes—it’s also a place to learn, grow, and build relationships. I’m in school to gain knowledge and skills from my lecturers that will help me succeed in life. Beyond academics, school offers a chance to meet new people, make friends, and develop social skills that are just as important as what we learn in the classroom. It’s a place where I can explore different subjects, discover my passions, and build a strong foundation for the career and life I want. Plus, the friendships and connections made along the way can last a lifetime and provide support and inspiration.
Updated
Joseph’s Answer
Nobody can ever take your degree away once earned. You cannot say that about anything else. The discipline, study habits and determination needed will serve you well in other endeavors.
Updated
Biplab’s Answer
I'm not in school any more, but it was important to learn how to work well with others, build relationships, and learn critical thinking, problem solving and rational decision-making. Being curious and learning will arm you better for whatever challenges you will face in the future!
Updated
Lirio’s Answer
That’s a solid reason! School is indeed a place to gain knowledge from teachers and lectures. But beyond just learning from textbooks and lectures, school offers several additional benefits:
1. **Skill Development**: Besides academic knowledge, school helps you develop critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and the ability to communicate effectively.
2. **Social Interaction**: School is a place where you interact with peers, learn to work in teams, and build relationships. These social skills are crucial for personal and professional success.
3. **Exploration of Interests**: School provides opportunities to explore various subjects, extracurricular activities, and interests, helping you discover what you’re passionate about.
4. **Preparation for the Future**: Whether it’s through academic knowledge, study habits, or time management, school prepares you for future challenges in higher education and in your career.
5. **Building a Foundation**: The knowledge and skills you acquire in school lay the groundwork for your future learning and growth.
In short, school is more than just a place to receive information; it’s a space for overall development and preparation for life’s many challenges.
1. **Skill Development**: Besides academic knowledge, school helps you develop critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and the ability to communicate effectively.
2. **Social Interaction**: School is a place where you interact with peers, learn to work in teams, and build relationships. These social skills are crucial for personal and professional success.
3. **Exploration of Interests**: School provides opportunities to explore various subjects, extracurricular activities, and interests, helping you discover what you’re passionate about.
4. **Preparation for the Future**: Whether it’s through academic knowledge, study habits, or time management, school prepares you for future challenges in higher education and in your career.
5. **Building a Foundation**: The knowledge and skills you acquire in school lay the groundwork for your future learning and growth.
In short, school is more than just a place to receive information; it’s a space for overall development and preparation for life’s many challenges.
Updated
Steve’s Answer
This is a great question! In my current role I get a chance to work with a lot of younger people have built relationships with interns still in school and have raised 3 kids that went through college so I will give you my perspective. While any information you learn anywhere can be valuable but often more valuable than the hard facts are the soft skills:
* Ability to work with others
* Ability to work on projects where you may not be the subject matter expert or have incomplete requirements
* Ability to live on your own
* Ability to seek out information
* Ability to find yourself, your passions, what you really want to do
The one thing I will caution you as you enter into college, while you are there and after you leave is don't let the stress overtake or rule the experience or the opportunity to learn. The journey is what helps you grow not always the outcome. Young people like yourself are being bombarded by the notion that every outcome is the most critical and the stress of chasing perfection often stops us from learning along the way. A smart person learns from mistakes, but you need to allow yourself to make them without it being an earth-shattering issue.
When I am interviewing candidates I do look for college graduates but they don't necessarily have to be technology graduates. When I look at their resume I am looking at what the tried in college, possibly changed majors, got involved, improved. I ask them about the experience of college rather than did you learn how to code a function or troubleshoot a problem. It's much easier for me to teach a person who has built the ability to learn and grow a technical skill than it is for me to teach a technical person how to learn and grow!
Good luck, you will kill it out there!
Don't Stress
Be Brave
Explore who you are
Lean how to Learn
Don't shy away from your mistakes (none of us are perfect!)
* Ability to work with others
* Ability to work on projects where you may not be the subject matter expert or have incomplete requirements
* Ability to live on your own
* Ability to seek out information
* Ability to find yourself, your passions, what you really want to do
The one thing I will caution you as you enter into college, while you are there and after you leave is don't let the stress overtake or rule the experience or the opportunity to learn. The journey is what helps you grow not always the outcome. Young people like yourself are being bombarded by the notion that every outcome is the most critical and the stress of chasing perfection often stops us from learning along the way. A smart person learns from mistakes, but you need to allow yourself to make them without it being an earth-shattering issue.
When I am interviewing candidates I do look for college graduates but they don't necessarily have to be technology graduates. When I look at their resume I am looking at what the tried in college, possibly changed majors, got involved, improved. I ask them about the experience of college rather than did you learn how to code a function or troubleshoot a problem. It's much easier for me to teach a person who has built the ability to learn and grow a technical skill than it is for me to teach a technical person how to learn and grow!
Good luck, you will kill it out there!
Steve recommends the following next steps:
Updated
Mary Patrice’s Answer
Hey there, Kieran! Based on your tags, I'm assuming you're curious about art schools. In many cases, art schools provide valuable benefits and resources for artists. While an art degree is often preferred, it isn't always required, and the expectations can vary by job or company. Many successful artists come from various educational backgrounds, including self-taught paths or online courses.
Everyone’s journey is different, but for me, attending school is essential to developing my skills necessary to be a 3D artist. For example, I had to learn how to use a software called Autodesk Maya. The software is widely used in the industry, so mastering it is crucial. As a beginner with no prior experience, I was initially overwhelmed by its extensive features. Fortunately, with the guidance from my teacher, I was able to learn it effectively. Based on my current skills and knowledge, I am fully confident in my ability to handle the task proficiently. I hope this helps!
Everyone’s journey is different, but for me, attending school is essential to developing my skills necessary to be a 3D artist. For example, I had to learn how to use a software called Autodesk Maya. The software is widely used in the industry, so mastering it is crucial. As a beginner with no prior experience, I was initially overwhelmed by its extensive features. Fortunately, with the guidance from my teacher, I was able to learn it effectively. Based on my current skills and knowledge, I am fully confident in my ability to handle the task proficiently. I hope this helps!