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AbideWithMe
Guest
My oldest niece, intelligent and a very good student, took a year off to work on a wildlife preserve in Africa. It gave her time to figure out what she wanted to do in college.
Is there any point in going to college? Is it even WORTH IT? Please help!
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AbideWithMe
Guest
Yes.
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Bill_Martin
Guest
According to who?
To the OP: I would strongly suggest taking some time to work and develop your interests before heading off to college. Or if you prefer, you could work and go to school part time at a local community college. That way you are able to find something that you like without incurring huge amounts of debt. Transferring to a university from a community college is usually easier than applying out of high school, if you’re worried about being admitted.
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TheRealJuliane
Guest
This was so true for me. At 25, I started to question where I was going and what I had done up to that point. That crisis propelled me into taking night classes and eventually, going to school full-time (paid with money I had saved while working, plus some grants).
The crisis was painful, because I felt I had missed out on something my peers had experienced, but I did it my way and enjoyed it probably more than they had.
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TheRealJuliane
Guest
No, we have that crisis NOW. There are jobs that pay a SIGNING BONUS, people are being recruited out of the training programs, for $80K that is NO COLLEGE DEGREE!Because everyone and their dog has gone to college and has a degree, and can’t get a job, and knows nothing else but what they have learned in classrooms, this country will have a vocational and skilled trades crisis on its hands in about a generation.
Something as simple as finding a good cobbler is nearly impossible these days. You know - those guys who repair shoes? These are not just menial labor jobs - these are people with skills and artistry!! The guy who did the ceramic tile work in my bathroom last week is truly a skilled artist!! And the people who know how to do this type of work is dwindling - they are all in their late 40s or 50s — we need to be training young people to do this work, passing on the skills and the talent that will be totally lost because everyone thinks that a college degree is far superior.
Not everyone is cut out to go to school - don’t sweat that. Find something you really love to do, and make a living at it. You may not end up a millionaire, but you will be happy and fed. What more can one ask from life? How many with tens of thousands of debt due to school can say the same?
~Liza
Looking at all of your options is the most sensible thing to do. This “everyone has to go to college” nonsense will wane and there will be more balance.
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Warandpeace
Guest
ASK GOD
I didn’t know what I wanted to do when I went into college but he has lead me the whole way. You should pick something you are good at but slightly challenges you as well. Remember that you cannot worship both God and money.
It is true that you can go to a trade school, etc. (though many of those suggested are male dominated)
Also, you want to be EDUCATED for education’s sake.
And when you get out of college, realize that it still isn’t going to be a cake walk. So don’t stress about every little test. Also realize that there is no way you will know exactly what job you are going to get when you get out. Universities have job fairs and career centers to help you. There is also monster.com, simplyhired.com, linkedIN, interships.com (alot of entry level jobs), USAJOBS has government jobs (some of which you don’t need a degree in, usually at least some college though)
I know some people have worked their way through college and have been satisfied with it…I guess that is up to you. I would also suggest checking out scholarships. There are a lot of scholarships for entry level freshman. I would note that whenever you two things at once usually both suffer.
I didn’t know what I wanted to do when I went into college but he has lead me the whole way. You should pick something you are good at but slightly challenges you as well. Remember that you cannot worship both God and money.
It is true that you can go to a trade school, etc. (though many of those suggested are male dominated)
Also, you want to be EDUCATED for education’s sake.
And when you get out of college, realize that it still isn’t going to be a cake walk. So don’t stress about every little test. Also realize that there is no way you will know exactly what job you are going to get when you get out. Universities have job fairs and career centers to help you. There is also monster.com, simplyhired.com, linkedIN, interships.com (alot of entry level jobs), USAJOBS has government jobs (some of which you don’t need a degree in, usually at least some college though)
I know some people have worked their way through college and have been satisfied with it…I guess that is up to you. I would also suggest checking out scholarships. There are a lot of scholarships for entry level freshman. I would note that whenever you two things at once usually both suffer.
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Linusthe2nd
Guest
You are not worthless. God has a place for you. He does not want you to borrow money to go to college or to go to a school of any kind. Borrowing is out, period!!!
Some metro areas have vocational classes associated with their Junior Colleges. Usually, tuition is free or very reasonable in these schools. In our county we have a great Junior College which offers associate degrees in about 20-25 areas, like practical nursing, auto mechanics, electronics, professional chef training, etc. Look into that and try to pick something that won’t bother your asthema so much.
Communication is a possibility but not a good one. Jobs there are really hard to get, competition very stiff. Forget that.
What do you enjoy doing? Make a list of all the things you think you are pretty good at and see if you can get a hint there.
There are always jobs if you are willing to work, unless you live in an area of sparce population. Sometimes you can get a job at a restaurant just cleaning the dishes, etc. Or as trainee cook. How about Day Care? There should always be openings there. Aldies in our area is always looking for help and they pay pretty good. House cleaning? Not pretty but pays pretty good. I see girls working on lawn maintenance and landscaping.
You can also do volunteer work, at least that will get you out of the house.
Try to learn to drive, that will help - you can get older cars at a reasonable price. Get out of the house more, daily if possible, with a companion preferabley, and take long walks in safe areas.
Some metro areas have vocational classes associated with their Junior Colleges. Usually, tuition is free or very reasonable in these schools. In our county we have a great Junior College which offers associate degrees in about 20-25 areas, like practical nursing, auto mechanics, electronics, professional chef training, etc. Look into that and try to pick something that won’t bother your asthema so much.
Communication is a possibility but not a good one. Jobs there are really hard to get, competition very stiff. Forget that.
What do you enjoy doing? Make a list of all the things you think you are pretty good at and see if you can get a hint there.
There are always jobs if you are willing to work, unless you live in an area of sparce population. Sometimes you can get a job at a restaurant just cleaning the dishes, etc. Or as trainee cook. How about Day Care? There should always be openings there. Aldies in our area is always looking for help and they pay pretty good. House cleaning? Not pretty but pays pretty good. I see girls working on lawn maintenance and landscaping.
You can also do volunteer work, at least that will get you out of the house.
Try to learn to drive, that will help - you can get older cars at a reasonable price. Get out of the house more, daily if possible, with a companion preferabley, and take long walks in safe areas.
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WingsOfEagles
Guest
I’m a 24 year old with a full-time job in the field I went to college for. The answer for me was yes. College/Vocational school is generally necessary nowadays. To even move up to the better-paying management positions of a restaurant/retail store require a degree.
A high school diploma generally causes a person to be stuck in minimum wage dead-end jobs. It was different a generation ago, but not now.
I think some people get too hung up on “a job in the field you went to school for”. I know of a science major who is an executive for a store. She’s not in her field, but the degree is what allows her to have that job.
A high school diploma generally causes a person to be stuck in minimum wage dead-end jobs. It was different a generation ago, but not now.
I think some people get too hung up on “a job in the field you went to school for”. I know of a science major who is an executive for a store. She’s not in her field, but the degree is what allows her to have that job.
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Lancer
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Amen!
Pax Christi
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StrawberryJam
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I am amazed that I am finding a thread like this on a Catholic forum. Catholics were always in the forefront on education here in the USA.
Something has changed. I understand the need to supress knowledge to go about an agenda.
The Catholic Church that I know, has done much to make college education accesible and available and believes in it, unless I am wrong again.
What is going on here now and why?
In answer to your question, knowledge is always worth it. You have to want it and do something with the gifts you have. No one here is qualifyed to guide your next step.
You need to take control of your destiny.
That means you don’t have to get your advice here by anyone.
Get excited about something. You sound as if you just don’t care and are not passionate about anything.
Get out in the world and see what reasons you will have to be passionate. Wherever they lead you.
Something has changed. I understand the need to supress knowledge to go about an agenda.
The Catholic Church that I know, has done much to make college education accesible and available and believes in it, unless I am wrong again.
What is going on here now and why?
In answer to your question, knowledge is always worth it. You have to want it and do something with the gifts you have. No one here is qualifyed to guide your next step.
You need to take control of your destiny.
That means you don’t have to get your advice here by anyone.
Get excited about something. You sound as if you just don’t care and are not passionate about anything.
Get out in the world and see what reasons you will have to be passionate. Wherever they lead you.
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Allegra
Guest
Education for education’s sake and with no way other than debt to pay for it is terrible advice. In this economy, if you don’t have an end in sight, don’t sign the loan document. College is for getting trained in a career, not expanding your childhood indefinetly and “finding yourself”.
To the OP: I recommend you look at community college. There you can take inexpensive classes that will help you in the working world. In the meantime, get your feet wet in some sort of job. My little sister couldn’t be drug into a college classroom by her hair. My mom threw her out and she took the first job she could find; the graveyard shift behind the counter as a filling station, working for 6 bucks an hour. Seven years later, she’s debt free and she just got promoted to being the manager of a brand new filling station and convenience store. She will be making almost twice my salary and that is without counting bonuses if her store does well. What’s more important, she is a happy wife, mother, and homeowner. There are all kinds of opportunities out there. People want to think that if one “does it right” (meaning attending a university) they will automatically be offered a high-paying job upon graduation. Trust me, if you don’t have a plan that is set on a certain career path, that piece of paper isn’t worth a thing. It’s certainly not worth the DEBT! Be very careful and don’t let anyone pressure you into postponing your life with ten years of indentured servitude paying off those loans. Not unless it’s for a degree that will get you a job that you know in your heart is your true calling and will make you sublimely happy.
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Morwenna
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Dear Maria, if you ever meet anyone who tells you “they can’t respect you” or “they respect you less” because you didn’t go to college … don’t walk, but RUN for the nearest exit, and don’t look back. You don’t need or deserve that in your life.
You are a child of God, and you are worthy of respect no matter what your educational attainments (or lack thereof)! In fact, I will tell you honestly that many (not all) of the people I admire and respect most actually never set foot in a college/university. I say this as an “educated” person myself, one who has three college degrees with honors. I am not saying this to brag (I don’t even like saying it at all)
… this is just to preclude the inevitable response from some who would otherwise say, “oh, you’re only saying this because **you **never went to college or didn’t do well in college.” 
Wise advice.
Also very wise.
I absolutely agree with the above two posters. If people want to go to college, they should go, but remember that God doesn’t make “cookie-cutter people” … not everyone learns in the same way, and not everyone would reap the benefits from learning in a college setting. For some, in fact, it would be counter-productive.
Here a couple of practical ideas you might want to consider:
College: To get a real feel for the college experience without the risk or commitment, contact a local college or university and ask about “auditing” a course. This means that you sit in on a course, just like a regular student, listening to the lectures and doing other coursework or activities, however you won’t receive a course credit, and usually there is no cost (or very low cost) involved. You might even want to audit 2 or 3 courses in different majors/disciplines… you won’t be racking up thousands of dollars just “experimenting”, so you won’t feel as pressured … you can just relax and see how well it fits for YOU.
You mentioned that the college you want to attend is not on a city transit line (and how silly is that, by the way? You’d think that would definitely be included in the city transit plans.) … but is there another college or university in town, at all? If so, maybe you can try the above at this other college, just to see what the actual experience is really like … and if you decide that it’s a good fit for you, then you can start setting goals to get to the college of your choice.
Tradeskills or careers: If there are any trades or careers you feel any interest in, contact a local business or trade union, and ask about “job shadowing”. This is where you basically follow a person around for a day or two (maybe even more), seeing what their life is actually like in the career or trade, versus what you might **think **it would be like. You may even end up crossing paths with someone else who is doing a completely different job than the one you’re “shadowing” … but could end up sparking your interest in a completely unexpected direction!
And as others have said, keep on praying! God made you with unique skills and talents … sometimes it just takes time to find your unique niche in the world. Don’t give up! I’ll be praying for you, too!
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ValPal
Guest
The answer is a definite maybe.
IMHO, having a college degree, especially one with 4 or more years, can’t hurt. My first real job out of college required a four-year degree…period…no degree, no job. And the degree had nothing to do with the job. Same with my second (and current) career. While a college degree was not actually required, I had one and the other candidates didn’t, so I got hired.
Even now, if I wanted to change careers, four year (or more) college grads have way more options. The difference is, say, between starting as a manager and starting as a clerk at a big box store.
IMHO, having a college degree, especially one with 4 or more years, can’t hurt. My first real job out of college required a four-year degree…period…no degree, no job. And the degree had nothing to do with the job. Same with my second (and current) career. While a college degree was not actually required, I had one and the other candidates didn’t, so I got hired.
Even now, if I wanted to change careers, four year (or more) college grads have way more options. The difference is, say, between starting as a manager and starting as a clerk at a big box store.
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St_Francis
Guest
Maria,
You may be able to go to your old high school or to the community college and take some tests to see what you would be more likely to be interested in. Ha! They may even have tests like this online! The tests usually involve some personality testing (don’t want to put a people-person into a line of solitary work!) and interest testing, as well as areas of strength and weaknesses. This might send you in one direction or another.
At this point, I do not agree with those who say that college is an absolute must, esp straight out of high school—maybe it depends on the area of the country you are in. First of all, I know some children of immigrants who went to work straight out of high school and now one has his own HVAC (fixing heating and air conditioning systems) and another who got a job as a receptionist at a real estate company and then they paid for her education to get a license to sell real estate. I also knew someone with a Master’s degree who had a chimney-sweeping business, a lawyer who left to become a carpenter…
And I have also heard about people who postpone *marriage *because they have too much debt from college—that to me is incredibly sad. Others are really struggling under their load of debt.
Now, in one’s private life, one should continue to learn and to grow. First, it is most important to one’s spiritual life to learn more about the Faith! So, yes, education should always be important in a person’s life, it just doesn’t have to be college, it doesn’t have to be right out of high school, etc.
And I had no idea what I wanted to do when I grew up until I was 25… and had majored in the wrong thing in college for it!
You may be able to go to your old high school or to the community college and take some tests to see what you would be more likely to be interested in. Ha! They may even have tests like this online! The tests usually involve some personality testing (don’t want to put a people-person into a line of solitary work!) and interest testing, as well as areas of strength and weaknesses. This might send you in one direction or another.
At this point, I do not agree with those who say that college is an absolute must, esp straight out of high school—maybe it depends on the area of the country you are in. First of all, I know some children of immigrants who went to work straight out of high school and now one has his own HVAC (fixing heating and air conditioning systems) and another who got a job as a receptionist at a real estate company and then they paid for her education to get a license to sell real estate. I also knew someone with a Master’s degree who had a chimney-sweeping business, a lawyer who left to become a carpenter…
And I have also heard about people who postpone *marriage *because they have too much debt from college—that to me is incredibly sad. Others are really struggling under their load of debt.
Now, in one’s private life, one should continue to learn and to grow. First, it is most important to one’s spiritual life to learn more about the Faith! So, yes, education should always be important in a person’s life, it just doesn’t have to be college, it doesn’t have to be right out of high school, etc.
And I had no idea what I wanted to do when I grew up until I was 25… and had majored in the wrong thing in college for it!
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april32010
Guest
find a mechanical trade union (steamfitters,plumbing or sheet metal workers) or electrician ,elevator constructers local and take the application test.its a fairly easy test ,math ,reading comprehension .you pass and are accepted ,you will have a 4-5 year apprenticeship,paid and health and benefits.after your apprenticeship,in california you be making 80,000 to 100,000 per year.
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StrawberryJam
Guest
Not one of you will encourage her/him to talk about their passion and interest and talent?
Or how to find it?
Or how to find it?
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Maria1993
Guest
Thank you all for your diverse opinions.
I live in a really populated city, So jobs are scarce, I’ve applied in numerous places and nothing. I would love to work, but it’s better
said then done.
And the only things I am passionate about is my faith and music.
I’m somewhat of an Artistic person, I just don’t see what to do.
I live in a really populated city, So jobs are scarce, I’ve applied in numerous places and nothing. I would love to work, but it’s better
said then done.
And the only things I am passionate about is my faith and music.
I’m somewhat of an Artistic person, I just don’t see what to do.
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IbeenStupid
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I kind of selectively read through this.
I will say don’t be like these losers who dropped out of college: Steve Jobs, Mark Zuckerberg, Michael Dell, Lawrence Ellison and of course Bill Gates. Think what they could have done if they stayed in college and got their degree?
Seriously, the job market is very tough right now. No one is safe not HVAC, auto mechanics not anybody. Maybe it will change but right now it looks bad.
But if you want to know about high education, well in Europe they have the most educated escorts. Countries like Romania has the most educated webcam “models.” Ukraine is exporting their highly educated women throughout Europe as prostitutes. When economy is bad this oldest profession is always on the rise.
As for what you can be doing in life? Who knows? I run a small business that I thought I would never have, and I do plumbing, HVAC, Auto repair, Small engine repair, Drywall, painting, web page design and in my spare time I write some lousy poems, and sometimes I draw. I have also been an aircraft mechanic and a college drop out.
The thing is you will find something you like and you will do it well. There is enough time to learn many thing that will be usefull to you or you can pay someone else to do them for you. But then you need a good paying job and there aren’t many of them around right now.
Just don’t give up!!
I will say don’t be like these losers who dropped out of college: Steve Jobs, Mark Zuckerberg, Michael Dell, Lawrence Ellison and of course Bill Gates. Think what they could have done if they stayed in college and got their degree?
Seriously, the job market is very tough right now. No one is safe not HVAC, auto mechanics not anybody. Maybe it will change but right now it looks bad.
But if you want to know about high education, well in Europe they have the most educated escorts. Countries like Romania has the most educated webcam “models.” Ukraine is exporting their highly educated women throughout Europe as prostitutes. When economy is bad this oldest profession is always on the rise.
As for what you can be doing in life? Who knows? I run a small business that I thought I would never have, and I do plumbing, HVAC, Auto repair, Small engine repair, Drywall, painting, web page design and in my spare time I write some lousy poems, and sometimes I draw. I have also been an aircraft mechanic and a college drop out.
The thing is you will find something you like and you will do it well. There is enough time to learn many thing that will be usefull to you or you can pay someone else to do them for you. But then you need a good paying job and there aren’t many of them around right now.
Just don’t give up!!
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StrawberryJam
Guest
Passionate about faith and music and are an Artistic person.
Have you applied for jobs in your archdiocese?
I think you may be surprised what kind of opportunities are out there for you.
First off, you can if you do not already volunteer at your parish.
This is a wonderful experience for you to share at an interview.
I wish you the best, keep doing what you do and keep knowing that you can find value in knowledge everyday. The world may not care about it at all, but no one can take it away from you.
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anonymous_in_fl
Guest
It only takes a week or two to become a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), at least here in Florida. This field is open to anyone with a high school diploma/GED and no criminal background. As a CNA you assist with basic routine patient care in hospitals and nursing facilities such as bathing patients, assisting them with eating, turning them, etc. the pay is excellent for someone with only a H.S. education ( about $12-15/ hr).
This is just a suggestion on how to start earning an income. Once you start making money save some for college; help your family with the bills, etc. by actually working a job ( some job, any job) you will begin finding out what appeals to you and what doesn’t.
By the way, seeing a counselor for your anxiety issues is also a suggestion. There are many community mental health centers that will see patients for very, very low cost. And yes, there are many excellent anti-anxiety medications out there that are non-narcotic and will not get you “hooked”.
This is just a suggestion on how to start earning an income. Once you start making money save some for college; help your family with the bills, etc. by actually working a job ( some job, any job) you will begin finding out what appeals to you and what doesn’t.
By the way, seeing a counselor for your anxiety issues is also a suggestion. There are many community mental health centers that will see patients for very, very low cost. And yes, there are many excellent anti-anxiety medications out there that are non-narcotic and will not get you “hooked”.
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