College is a big decision in someone’s life. It can all depend on if the money is there or the financial aid to help. College is one of those decision that most seniors in high school get pestered about. People ask if they are going or not. Adults even get pestered by their friends or family members about going to college now. When people are thinking about going to college, they are making sure that they have the financial aid or how can they get help for financial aid? What college to go to? Do they want to commute to college or stay on campus? What degree should they pursue? All these questions go through a lot of people’s minds before attending a college. There are so many factors behind why some people got to college while others leave. Here are two people’s stories.
In 2012, Ivy Neher started her degree in the Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies with two minors: one in human services and another in psychology. She was attending the University of Maine at Augusta through the Houlton Higher Education Center. Why did she decide to go to college? “I wanted to be the first in my birth and adopted family to graduate college. Plus, my mom and dad wanted me to, so I did”
Ivy said, “Going to college can be for many reasons such as doing it for yourself, your family or work.”
Not only did Ivy go–she was stuck with it “I had a good support system through the Houlton Higher Education Center and I had good financial assistance. I didn’t have to take out any loans.” Ivy was careful with her expenses, including those for books. “I ended up spending $300 or more depending on the class I took that semester on books.”
After graduating in December of 2017, Ivy feels that her degree is a claim to fame. She has advice to all who plan on attending college. “Find a support system. For example, go to a guidance counselor and your friends. Find someone who will lift you up when you’re feeling down. Encouragement is the key. It’s always good to find someone to keep you from procrastinating.”
“On the other hand, college might not be for everyone” Danielle Neher said. Danielle started college August 24, 2017. Three weeks later she dropped out. Danielle decided to go to college because, “I thought it would have been a good experience and I did for my family.” She did not stick with college because, “I was unhappy there. I was always stressed out. I hated the work you would have to do for one class.”
For Danielle everything was free. She had the tuition waiver, living on campus expenses were paid for and her books were covered. But she did not stay. “I could not take the stress level that college was giving me. I figured living life was a better option for me. I could not stand being jailed on campus by homework and deadlines,” Danielle said. Her advice: “Always try out college before you decide it’s really not for you.”
College has its pros and cons. People must weigh infinite factors to decide what’s best for them.
