The College Educational System has Failed us.
Think back to the days where you were just about to graduate high school, or even junior year when you were beginning to fill out college applications. Teachers and mentors filled you with ideas of limitless hopes and dreams that were possible with a college education. You were told that employers prefer college graduates and that you would probably be sucked right up upon graduating with a Bachelorâs degree. And when the subject of affordability and financial assistance came up, we were informed of all the amazing financial aid options we would most definitely qualify for including, grants, scholarships, and of course student loans.
I can speak for most of us and say that the primary source of college funding comes form student loans, I myself owe a little over $40,000 for my bachelorâs degree. I was told that owing this amount is no big deal, and once I get out of college I would be able to pay this no problem. The truth is, is that with the failing economy and poor job market most of us are stuck with mediocre low paying jobs, if youâre lucky. And whatâs worse is that college tuition is dramatically increasing, while the job market is greatly decreasing. We have been let down. The system in and of itself contributes to the failing economy. The little money that college graduates are making is having to be used to pay off their college loans, thus limiting their ability to spend in an economy that desperately needs more people to spend. Some people are even opting not to go to college at all because of high debt and tuition; we are digging our own hole with the help of student loans.
This issue has been a major subject in the upcoming elections. Obama is voicing his support for limiting student loan interest increases. I feel that this initiative barley scratches the surface of the problem. Even if interest rates decrease or remain the same, college tuition is still increasing dramatically which in effect makes students take out higher loan amounts that in-turn accrue greater interest. I propose that the issuing and high accessibility of student loans is a huge part of the problem. Some may comment and say that it is the increase in tuition and I would have to agree with that as well. But for now I will highlight why I think student loans host much of the problem.
First is that our way of thinking has changed dramatically, mostly due to the idea of âcreditâ and instant gratification. Back in the day, when you wanted to buy a car, you saved for many months, even years and then bought the vehicle. Now, we are encouraged to obtain things, NOW NOW NOW! That is our way of thinking. This idea has carried over to student loans. We may not be impatient but we have been desensitized and in some way lied to about the effects of taking out large student loans. It is so socially accepted that student loans are âGoodâ debt that we are discouraged from thinking about their long term impacts and how our pay-ability will be influenced by an unpredictable economy.
I propose that there are alternative ways of dealing with the student loan problem. First, if you are a parent, send your child to a community college. I chose to go the expensive rout and attend an expensive trade school of which I donât even use the degree I earned. Most kids donât know what the hell they want to do when they graduate high school. They may think they do but in reality most do not. Community college gives them a few years to really think about their options while getting general education credits out of the way.
Second, I suggest student loans be the last resort for funding education. Look into grants and scholarships. I would even go to an inexpensive school. Even if a school has a good reputation, it may not be worth the high tuition costs and most employers do not care what college you went to. Third, I suggest that some sort of college savings fund be set up. (I am not too familiar with these but an internet search and a few clicks will do wonders).
Fourth, major in something that will almost guarantee job placement, (Engineering, mathematics, nursing, accounting, biological sciences, etc). If you are a parent, donât tell your kid that they can be anything they want to be if they put their mind to it. While this may have been true when you were a child, the fact of the matter is that now a days, unless you want your kid to be struggling and barely able to eat, they cant. Not to mention that you may someday have to rely on your kid to take care of you; make sure they financially can! I would recommend that you or your child obtain a high demand degree, then after, you or your child can focus on what you really love. For example, after I smartened up and got what I thought to be an âin-demandâ degree, I then chose to peruse music, my true passion. I use my day job to support my love.
Lastly, get a job! (while in school) most employers donât want to hire someone with no experience. You are not doing your kid any favors by not letting them work so they can focus on their studies. Even if you are financially able to support your child through college, make them get a job. Trust me on this one.
I hope you find this helpful. If you disagree with me on any of this, please let me know and tell me why. These are my opinions based on my experiences and I am definitely open to others opinions. Maybe it will help me expand my own knowledge on the subject.
gracieabrams
blakekathryn
kianamaiart
baratheonpilled
amandla