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Why are you in collage?
I just want to know why you're in collage, what's your goals, and how did you get in.
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Brett’s Answer
I recommend the book "Is College Worth It?" by William Bennett - former U.S. Secretary of Education under President Ronald Reagan.
Thomas O'Shea
Music Producer, Composer, Live Sound Engineer, Musician
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Thomas’s Answer
I'm able to answer this as a college student for this last semester before graduating, so I feel like this is the perfect question for me.
At the start of college, I'll be honest, I didn't really want to be there. I would be away from home, in the middle of a pandemic, with no one I knew. Terrifying. But I decided to stick with it because I enjoyed learning from my professors and thought it would get better. And boy, did it get better. Every semester since that first one, I have found another reason why it was good for me to stay in school. First, I learned a lot of new techniques that I can use in my field during my career- I would have had to google and spend hours of extra time figuring it out had I not learned in school. Second, the opportunities available at college, no matter WHAT degree you're going for are so great, they themselves make college worth it. I'm not just talking about internships and talking to professors. I'm talking about networking with guest speakers, taking the opportunity to present, publish, perform, or really any kind of presentation work that you would literally get NO WHERE else. Just as an example, I'm a music major studying audio production, music business, piano, and music composition. I thought I was just going to go to class, go back to my apartment, occasionally go to the bar, and sometimes hang out with friends. Instead, I have performed with an orchestra, had professional musicians play my music, perform a mass (a large piece of choir music), showcased my remixes, mixes, audio recordings and productions, debuted new classical pieces for well known composers, and even perform my original pop music for the first time ALL at school. I know that's a very specific answer for my specific degree and life, but the point is the reason to go to college is to explore your interests and find new interests that can contribute to your career.
I have multiple goals, but the main ones are 1. make it in the music industry. 2. work on music that will gain some kind of mass attention (not as a main artist necessarily). 3. Score a movie soundtrack. 4. Tour with a touring group (either as a pianist, backup singer, percussionist, sound engineer, or keys tech).
Getting into music school is a little different because of the audition. First I had to do the normal college application and college essays, then I had to go onsite to perform my piano pieces for the piano professor and THEN I got a letter that I got in both schools (the overall college and the school for music).
At the start of college, I'll be honest, I didn't really want to be there. I would be away from home, in the middle of a pandemic, with no one I knew. Terrifying. But I decided to stick with it because I enjoyed learning from my professors and thought it would get better. And boy, did it get better. Every semester since that first one, I have found another reason why it was good for me to stay in school. First, I learned a lot of new techniques that I can use in my field during my career- I would have had to google and spend hours of extra time figuring it out had I not learned in school. Second, the opportunities available at college, no matter WHAT degree you're going for are so great, they themselves make college worth it. I'm not just talking about internships and talking to professors. I'm talking about networking with guest speakers, taking the opportunity to present, publish, perform, or really any kind of presentation work that you would literally get NO WHERE else. Just as an example, I'm a music major studying audio production, music business, piano, and music composition. I thought I was just going to go to class, go back to my apartment, occasionally go to the bar, and sometimes hang out with friends. Instead, I have performed with an orchestra, had professional musicians play my music, perform a mass (a large piece of choir music), showcased my remixes, mixes, audio recordings and productions, debuted new classical pieces for well known composers, and even perform my original pop music for the first time ALL at school. I know that's a very specific answer for my specific degree and life, but the point is the reason to go to college is to explore your interests and find new interests that can contribute to your career.
I have multiple goals, but the main ones are 1. make it in the music industry. 2. work on music that will gain some kind of mass attention (not as a main artist necessarily). 3. Score a movie soundtrack. 4. Tour with a touring group (either as a pianist, backup singer, percussionist, sound engineer, or keys tech).
Getting into music school is a little different because of the audition. First I had to do the normal college application and college essays, then I had to go onsite to perform my piano pieces for the piano professor and THEN I got a letter that I got in both schools (the overall college and the school for music).
Updated
Annah’s Answer
Jazzy! Great question. I am 50 so believe it or not, it has been 30 years since I attended undergrad. Times have changed significantly since then. In my family, it was understood you attended college. In the nineties I believe this was typical for many students. College became an extension of your life, providing an opportunity for personal growth along with the academic learning. It was a time to connect with peers socially, grow self-confidence, and hopefully land on a topic of study that could lead to professional success. These days it is even more critical to know what you want to study and the potential career outcome(s). As the cost of secondary education rises and the job market becomes ever competitive, there is much more pressure for students to have a plan in place. Also, sometimes you just don't know what topics stand out as most interesting. This is okay. Any first year of school will be spent taking an array of courses. I grew up studying fine arts. I knew this was a big interest for me. I also liked creative writing and was curious about women's studies. I looked at both art schools and women's colleges. I felt more comfortable around women and decided on applying to all women's colleges. This was after spending a summer at Pratt fine arts in NYC. I realized I preferred a smaller liberal art(s) setting where I could stand out as a student. At Pratt I felt lost in the sea of highly talented and unique individuals. It was overwhelming. I also wanted a college with a lot of history and tradition. I preferred a campus setting where I could live in a dorm and be part of a close-knit community. In making such decisions, I was able to visit some schools, meet with school representatives, look at brochures (yep, before everything was online), and meet with current students. There are many ways to figure out what type of setting or course of study will be best or most supportive. Sometimes aspects like transportation, finances, location, etc. may also figure into your decision. Perhaps you need to stay in-state or know there is one or two things you definitely want in a program or campus. Taking a gap year or starting at community college is also a way to take time to further explore who you are and what you might want out of life. The time you take to do this will be time worth your while. It may save you years down the road wondering these same questions. No matter what, give yourself grace to research, experience time on campus (if possible), get to know your own passions and talents. This process does not need to be a straight line. It might be curved or bent back on itself. The point is that you keep going. Best of luck!
Wow. congrats!! Definitely cheering you on. Thank you!
Jazzy
Updated
Sasha’s Answer
Hello Jazzy,
Pursuing a college education can significantly boost your income potential, enhance your job opportunities, augment your employment benefits, and expand your professional network. It's also a great platform to explore various career paths, acquire vital skills, and foster independence.
Here are several compelling reasons why people opt for college education:
1. Career Advancement: College serves as a stepping stone to develop key skills that employers value such as critical thinking, problem-solving, and the ability to handle extensive projects. A lot of professions necessitate some level of college education, and having a degree can put you ahead of other job seekers.
2. Development of Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving Skills: In real-life situations, you often have to solve problems independently. College equips you with the ability to think critically and solve problems, which are crucial for academic and life success.
3. Preparation for the Future: College provides you with practical life skills that will equip you for future challenges.
4. Standing Out in Job Applications: The knowledge and skills you gain from college coursework can be directly applied in the workplace, making you a more attractive candidate for higher-level jobs.
5. Accomplishing Personal Goals: College can serve as a catalyst to help you reach your personal ambitions.
6. Building New Relationships: College offers a unique opportunity to forge new relationships and expand your social network.
7. Making a Positive Impact: College equips you with the knowledge and skills to make a meaningful difference in your community and the world.
I hope you find this information beneficial.
Pursuing a college education can significantly boost your income potential, enhance your job opportunities, augment your employment benefits, and expand your professional network. It's also a great platform to explore various career paths, acquire vital skills, and foster independence.
Here are several compelling reasons why people opt for college education:
1. Career Advancement: College serves as a stepping stone to develop key skills that employers value such as critical thinking, problem-solving, and the ability to handle extensive projects. A lot of professions necessitate some level of college education, and having a degree can put you ahead of other job seekers.
2. Development of Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving Skills: In real-life situations, you often have to solve problems independently. College equips you with the ability to think critically and solve problems, which are crucial for academic and life success.
3. Preparation for the Future: College provides you with practical life skills that will equip you for future challenges.
4. Standing Out in Job Applications: The knowledge and skills you gain from college coursework can be directly applied in the workplace, making you a more attractive candidate for higher-level jobs.
5. Accomplishing Personal Goals: College can serve as a catalyst to help you reach your personal ambitions.
6. Building New Relationships: College offers a unique opportunity to forge new relationships and expand your social network.
7. Making a Positive Impact: College equips you with the knowledge and skills to make a meaningful difference in your community and the world.
I hope you find this information beneficial.
I will use this advice as I prepare for my career.
Jazzy