Understanding the Importance of a College Education, Essay Example

Introduction

Many young people tend to forego a College Education because they feel that it is either too expensive or they lack the education to complete their education.  This paper examines the implications of this through first-hand knowledge. An example of my Uncle William who missed a college education for these very reasons.  The concept of a college education is more than just about learning; it considers developing your self-esteem, gaining the respect of others and finding a place in the world via improved employment opportunities.  Without a reasonable standard of education, you are most certainly disadvantaged in society.

Uncle William

Uncle William was the only child on my mother’s side of the family who managed to graduate with a four-year college degree.  His grandparents were unable to help him financially because they did not have the money to do so. This motivated William to find a job that would finance his education. William was very self-motivated and he strived towards achieving his goals and dreams. He was prepared to go the extra mile in order to accomplish the tasks he set himself. William was also astute enough to realise that an improved education would increase his earning power and as such put him in an improved position to look after his family. William was a man of spiritual faith and selfless in his attitude towards others; in this regard he became an excellent role model to follow.

William knew that by self-perseverence he had the ability to overcome difficulties and obstacles and ultimately succeed. He did not let the lack of financial resources become a barrier to the goals and dream he had set out for himself. The grandparents lacked the education and knowledge in order to help William and did not understand the College Education process. They were working class people who worked long, hard hours in order to provide an income to raise their family.

Although William lacked the financial resources and support that, many other young people obtained from their families, nevertheless he overcome adversity.  Williams’s achievements increased his self-esteem, confidence and self-reliance. He became a self-made man and after graduation became a very determined, hardworking and outgoing person. Uncle William made a lasting impression on my life and enabled me to see the value and potential of a sound college education.  I am convinced that by following in his footsteps I too can achieve my educational goals, overcome the hurdles and challenges in life and equally succeed in achieving my vision or dream for the future. By achieving my goals, I look forward to a better future where I can contribute to society and help others.

Conclusion

College Degrees can considerably enhance the employment prospects of an individual. In addition there are many other benefits like:  the formation of peer groups in order to assist networking with likeminded people – this often results in close bonds and friends for life, increasing self-esteem and confidence by mixing with different classes of society that share your goals and ambitions, the acquisition of knowledge help you to grow as a person and better understand the world that you live in. (Education Leadership).

It is also widely acknowledge that College educated people become better citizens in society and often become proactive in contributing towards society events and charities. The process for obtaining a college degree has been greatly simplified these days and the education is freely available to all.  Concepts of distance learning have increased the ability to obtain degrees enabling people to study in their own time without the more formal need of attending lectures at a campus. Computer technology and advanced communications have placed college education at the disposition of the masses.

Works Cited

Education Leadership. The importance of a college degree. 2011. 13 9 2011 <http://www.ed-leadership.com/2009/11/importance-of-college-degree.html>.