College is not for all

Does college really have to be the best option after high school? Your senior year, you will frequently get the question, “What college are you going to?” or “Have you looked at any colleges yet?” Our school system is centered around preparing us for college years. In English, we are constantly being prepped for college essays everyone talks about. But what if college isn’t for you?

It seems that society places college as the best option for anyone and everyone. What if a person wants to be a welder? Or a construction worker? Or even a cosmetologist? What would be the point in attending a four-year college when beauty school can be completed within a year? Most people are aware of these options, but I’ve found myself dropping the options due to the feeling that the people around me will think less of me because I would not be attending a college.

I think society should stop pressuring college onto students as if it’s the only option after high school years. Schools should provide a broader variety of classes centered around careers after high school. If a student plans to attend college, the prep sessions and AP training are completely applicable, but if a student wants to go into a field other than college, don’t make them feel as if they will not go far in life.

Not attending college does not place you in a lower division; it just places you in a different route.

ANNA VICTORIA FRANCO

Sherwood