Community Empowerment

I’ve graduated from three colleges, so I’m not here to bash college or discourage anyone from attending. In fact, I believe my last day will be spent at a university because education is a powerful tool. But here’s the thing: not all degrees are created equal. If you’re considering going to college for a degree that won’t set you up for success—one that will just leave you buried in debt with little to show for it—please, reconsider.

College is Not a Party

College isn’t a free-for-all where you get to experience everything you were never allowed to do at home. It’s not about partying, getting into trouble, or creating unnecessary drama. College is an opportunity to develop your independence and prepare for the future. It’s a time to step into the real world and face life’s challenges. Think of it as the ultimate training ground for life. But just like any trip, the journey can either lead you to your dream destination or take you down a path you’ll regret.

The Hard Truth About College

According to a 2020 report by the National Center for Education Statistics, nearly 40% of college students drop out before finishing their degree. Why? Because they’re unprepared for the academic and financial challenges college brings, and they don’t always have a clear purpose for why they’re there. That’s why it’s crucial to understand: if you’re just there for the “experience,” or a degree you’re not passionate about, you might end up wasting both your time and money.

Instead of having a blast with friends, partying, or worrying about relationships, college should be about learning to make great decisions. It’s about choosing the path that leads to personal growth and professional success, not the one that’s lined with distractions.

The Road to Success

Your college experience can be either a steppingstone to your future career or a pitfall that sets you back. Statistics show that students who graduate with a degree that aligns with their career goals are more likely to succeed. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, individuals with a bachelor’s degree earn on average 67% more than those with only a high school diploma. But here’s the catch: a degree is only worth it if it leads you to a field with demand. For example, degrees in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) fields offer higher starting salaries and job security compared to degrees in areas like liberal arts or fine arts, where opportunities can be scarce.

Making the Most of Your College Years

College is the time to decide whether you want to dive deep into your chosen field or just skim the surface. It’s about mastering your subject, not just completing assignments for the sake of a grade. Students who use their time wisely, who are focused from day one, often end up landing their first job right after graduation or even starting their own business.

But if you choose the road of “fun” and constant distractions, you might find yourself unprepared for what’s next. College isn’t about how many parties you attend or how much free time you have. It’s about building skills, knowledge, and discipline that will last you a lifetime.

Choosing the Right Path

There are countless roads to success, and college can help you take the right one. But beware, there’s also the road that leads to wasted potential—full of distractions and bad decisions. So, make your time in college count. Be smart about your choices, know what you want to achieve, and take action to make it happen.

Ultimately, a degree can be a powerful tool, but it’s up to you to make sure it’s one that will serve your future goals, not just a piece of paper that leaves you with a mountain of debt and few opportunities.

So, before you head to college, take a hard look at what you want to achieve. If you’re willing to put in the work, stay focused, and make the most of every opportunity, college can open doors you never thought possible.

If you found this helpful, don’t forget to hit the subscribe button so you never miss an update! I’d love to hear your thoughts—do you agree with what I said about college, or do you have a different perspective? Drop a comment below and let’s start a conversation!