college
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From: waterbury
college
alrite guys this is a question i have been tossing around since i have started college i go to a state school in CT i am here because everyone around me tells me i should do it i am also here because of swimming but swimming don't pay for college, there isn't one major in this school that can be of any use to me for if and hwen i graduate i am a hands on kid o yea i am 20 but i like building things with my hands and workin outside and basically i have no idea what to do i mean should i try and get a trade or spend 50-60000 (5 or 6 yr plan) on a degree that i know for a fact i will never use so yea any insite would be greatful sorry for the long post o yea please no out of control posts
thanks chris
thanks chris
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From: Texas
Punctuation is your friend! I suggest you master that before going to College. :-)
Seriously, an education will prove it's worth in some way. At some point, you and a person with comparable skills and work history will be fighting for the same job. If only one of you has a degree, then you can bet the person with the degree gets the job. It works the same when it comes time for a company to down-size.
If you can focus enough to get that degree, then do it.
I do reccomend you get as many credits as possible at the local Junior or Community College. Complete everything possible before going to the "Big-Money" schools. You will also have a better chance of getting higher grades while you develop study skills, at a smaller, less accredited school.
All this from a man with the experience to back it up. I attended 3 Universities, and majored in 5 different subjects on my 9 year tour. I'm still paying for some of the student loans. But, thanks to the degree, I don't have any problem paying for those loans :-)
Seriously, an education will prove it's worth in some way. At some point, you and a person with comparable skills and work history will be fighting for the same job. If only one of you has a degree, then you can bet the person with the degree gets the job. It works the same when it comes time for a company to down-size.
If you can focus enough to get that degree, then do it.
I do reccomend you get as many credits as possible at the local Junior or Community College. Complete everything possible before going to the "Big-Money" schools. You will also have a better chance of getting higher grades while you develop study skills, at a smaller, less accredited school.
All this from a man with the experience to back it up. I attended 3 Universities, and majored in 5 different subjects on my 9 year tour. I'm still paying for some of the student loans. But, thanks to the degree, I don't have any problem paying for those loans :-)
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From: Phoenix
Hi Chris -
I swam in college too and majored in Biology (Biochem emphasis), fully intending to go on to med school. I ended up teaching high school in Denver for two years, then going to the Harley program at MMI in Phoenix, then starting my own metal working business. As you can see, I'm pretty far from my original plan, but it is working out really well for me. I've found the biggest assets gained in college were my friendships, connections, and experiences. I'm still paying off my student loans, but it is worth it to me. I'd say give it a chance and get the most out of your time there (meaning not just the academic aspect).
-aaron
I swam in college too and majored in Biology (Biochem emphasis), fully intending to go on to med school. I ended up teaching high school in Denver for two years, then going to the Harley program at MMI in Phoenix, then starting my own metal working business. As you can see, I'm pretty far from my original plan, but it is working out really well for me. I've found the biggest assets gained in college were my friendships, connections, and experiences. I'm still paying off my student loans, but it is worth it to me. I'd say give it a chance and get the most out of your time there (meaning not just the academic aspect).
-aaron
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Chris,
In light of the fact that this is such a life-defining decision, I suggest that you give it plenty of thought before making a final determination. I strongly suggest finishing college, even though you may not know what it is you want to major in. The first two years of course work are very similar for all degrees, so you have a little time to decide. College will give you exposure to all types of people and allow you to question a multitude of backgrounds, jobs, life experiences, religions, and locales. You will meet people of all ages with different reasons for being in school. And the culmination of all this is that you will open your mind and learn how to THINK. Please understand that I am not saying you can't think now, but people who are not exposed to diversity in environments, cultures, schools of thought, etc rarely have the ability to solve problems from multiple angles due to lack of experience/exposure. Finally, having a degree in most anything will allow you access to jobs and opportunities that would never be available to you if you had no degree.
Good Luck,
Ernie
In light of the fact that this is such a life-defining decision, I suggest that you give it plenty of thought before making a final determination. I strongly suggest finishing college, even though you may not know what it is you want to major in. The first two years of course work are very similar for all degrees, so you have a little time to decide. College will give you exposure to all types of people and allow you to question a multitude of backgrounds, jobs, life experiences, religions, and locales. You will meet people of all ages with different reasons for being in school. And the culmination of all this is that you will open your mind and learn how to THINK. Please understand that I am not saying you can't think now, but people who are not exposed to diversity in environments, cultures, schools of thought, etc rarely have the ability to solve problems from multiple angles due to lack of experience/exposure. Finally, having a degree in most anything will allow you access to jobs and opportunities that would never be available to you if you had no degree.
Good Luck,
Ernie
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From: waterbury
hey guys thanks for all the helpful feedback hey gtex punctuation was never my strong point in english classs lol owell i am what kills me is that jsut about everyone i know that went to college and got a degree they don't even use it in there line of work. now i am not sayin thaty peice of paper isn't important how the hell did you guys figure out what the hell u were gonna do for a living
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From: waterbury
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From: South Carolina
Keep swimming. Get your degree in something, anything! Both will show an employer that you can stick to a comitment.
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From: Eastern Iowa
I am kind of biased on this matter, but why not consider the military? Give Uncle Sam a few years and then go to college for free! The expieriences and friendships that areforged in the Army (or any other branch) are ones that WILL shape you for life. Without a doubt.
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From: waterbury
i have thought about joining the military i could even pick up a trade while i am in there for free but i dunno i have ben in trouble with the law a few times and i don't think i would be able to join
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From: Eastern Iowa
I had some brushes with the law too, including an OWI. I had to get a waiver (the recruiter will make all this happen) but I still got in. This was in 2001, before the war started. So they were a lot more picky. You will learn a trade, and get into the best physical shape of your life. I was 22 when I joined, and by the time baisic training and AIT was over(about 6 months) I had lost 30 pounds and put on a ton of muscle. I am 26 now and I can still run all day, 5-8 miles is no problem.
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From: Eastern Iowa
Originally Posted by blue96psd
i mean i have been thinkin about getting my cdl and possibly transfering to a technical college to work on diesel trucks cause thats something i am interested in
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From: Alvin, Texas.
I got lucky enough to get to take my Bach. program at another community college! A 4 year degree for CC price. I do need to finish this english mini-mester, but I won't have to unwillingly touch a 4-year school admissions form until I go for a grad degree in engineering.
If you find a local CC with a diesel tech certification program, go for it. The cost is minimal, compared to pay-off, and while I support the military, neither my brother or sister are better off financially or employment wise since getting out of the Navy and Air Force, respectively.
Needless to say, you have to WANT to do the military thing. If you want to go solely for the bennies (benefits) like they did, forget it.
If you find a local CC with a diesel tech certification program, go for it. The cost is minimal, compared to pay-off, and while I support the military, neither my brother or sister are better off financially or employment wise since getting out of the Navy and Air Force, respectively.
Needless to say, you have to WANT to do the military thing. If you want to go solely for the bennies (benefits) like they did, forget it.