The Importance of Education

Well…it’s here…the 1st month of the New Year and I can say that I survived the holidays.  Whether it’s shopping for food, gifts or managing all the visiting relatives, it truly is a wonderful time to reconnect with family and friends.

As is customary, the obligatory review of 2024, and the implementation of things we are challenged to change, is on the horizon.  I think back to a topic of frequent discussion between multiple family members.  It was the value of having a college degree.  Some were of the mindset that college is so costly thus making it out of reach for so many kids.  Others felt college is not for everyone, thus a push into the “trades” of electrician, plumber, construction etc..  While I agree 100% with both sides, I still fall back on the opinion that if there’s any measure of an opportunity, a college degree is essential.  Its value is immeasurable because it gives you the power of choice. 

Several generations ago, a high school graduate could get by with just a diploma, enter the job market and depending on the position, possibly end up with a pension as well.  Today, that is rare, if non-existent in most jobs.  Everything has changed.  It has become even more complex and competitive and, “job security” you say….well that was gone years ago.  So how does anyone let alone a high school graduate navigate this?  Many suggested how essential planning ahead is and begins at the very latest, the beginning of high school.  There are so many options available today to acquire additional education, whether a bachelor’s degree, specialty degree etc.

For high school graduates, college provides for four (4) more years of additional education, broader social exposure, and time to decide what they want to do for the next 50+ years.  That choice is daunting, let alone the accuracy of that decision.  A college education affords them the opportunity to continue to grow within all their skillsets and upon graduation, the chance to compete in an ever-changing, continually competitive, economic landscape.  Ultimately, understanding that education can give them options and choices to open doors for their chosen career opportunities.