It’s the time of that time of year for many high school seniors in America: it’s selection time. No, not selection Sunday, although the stress of March Madness and anticipation of spring weather often distract the adolescent mind. Instead 18-year-olds across the country are embarking on one of the most important decisions of their young adult lives: what college to go to. The factors to formulate to the perfect fit are endless: tuition, location, athletics or maybe Greek-life participation. Whether you are a frat guy or a young woman working on that soccer scholarship, the challenges in finding the college with the right fit are endless. College can be a frightening thought and student loans, even scarier.
As ancient Greek records demonstrate, quality education at one time was for the rich and powerful men. As humanity, we have made leaps and bounds in furthering the spectrum of those considered worthy of the right to learn. As a nation, within the last century our progression has been astounding. Minorities and women are now responsible for much of the population of students on college campuses, which was absolutely not the case for a majority of the 1900s. Scholarship opportunities are available to incoming students, many tutoring programs are at each individual’s disposal to ensure success, graduate job implementation plans are frequently options for students and the list of good fortunes colleges now provide is lovely.
The competitive job market in America has made the minimum of a four year degree a requirement to acquire a professional job. Parents start college funds before the first day of kindergarten and kids work through high school in anticipation of student loans. There is an epidemic of astronomical amounts of student debt all across our country. Students are looking to achieve success but the cost for many is simply too high. This can be one of the largest factors for many when selecting a university.
Adam Belton, a local student in the county, has decided to attend Thomas College next fall. “I’ve been interested in Thomas for a while. They have a job guarantee program that sounds more than promising!” Belton is 18 and is pursuing a career in the criminal justice field. His ultimate goal is to be a Maine State Police officer. “Thomas has a top-rated criminal justice program. I’ve done ride-along job shadows with a couple of cops that graduated from there. They all had a lot of good to say.” Belton has found his time in the county is coming to a close. “I love my friends here and family but I need to get away for a while. Thomas isn’t so far that I’ll have to miss too much, but it’s just far enough for some new scenery.” Belton received an academic scholarship for his first year at Thomas for more than $13,000. “I know that debt is the last thing I want to face when I graduate. Thomas provided a package that I could definitely work with. I’ll need to have a part-time gig with my classes, but it should be manageable.” Belton’s deciding factors were the specific programs Thomas offered, the location and the cost.
Robin Gerard is a student at New York Institute of Technology and was recruited to play soccer there her senior year. Although she was raised in rural Massachusetts, her desire to explore the city life has been a part of her future plans. “When the coach from NYIT approached me and I found the school was in Manhattan, I seriously cried. It’s perfect!” Gerard had loved the game of soccer since she began her first pee-wee camp. “My dad coached my first three years of soccer and ended up coaching my last two years of varsity soccer. It created this crazy bond and love for each other and the game. I knew I wasn’t going to stop there.” Gerard was given a scholarship to play for NYIT for four years at the Division 2 level. Her college decision was made primarily by her passion for soccer.
Regardless of a student’s passion or future ambitions, college is not a decision to be taken lightly. Whether it’s balancing a full-time class schedule and work, or athletics and 16 credits,, or perhaps a busy social life with a heavy homework load, selecting a quality educational institute is important. The quality of your education should never be dictated by the quantity in your wallet. Follow whatever successes you desire and select an institute that equips you best for your goals! Decisions are frightening, college can be intimidating, but don’t be a settler. Shoot for the moon and if you fall you’ll land in a smelly college dorm room.
