While many people have a clearer path in mind, others are still navigating their options. In this context, it’s essential to emphasize the significance of college. It can be expensive and demanding, and I contend that diving into it immediately after high school simply because it’s the expected next step may not be the wisest choice. I propose a radical idea: a substantial number of high school graduates could gain immensely from taking a break before enrolling in college and exploring the realities of adult life first.
I’m not advocating for travel as the primary option here. While traveling can be enriching—whether sponsored by parents or done on a budget—it’s not the focus of my suggestion. Some individuals, like a friend of mine who worked in a vineyard in Italy and ended up discovering her passion for culinary arts, find their calling through travel. However, that experience can often feel detached from daily life, which isn’t what I mean.
I believe that most high school graduates would greatly benefit from spending at least a year working and living independently. Entering the workforce, even in a non-career job, and managing expenses like rent can offer invaluable life lessons. Understanding the true value of money can reshape your perspective, prompting you to think critically about your educational choices. When you realize what a dollar can actually purchase, you may reconsider your course selections and recognize the importance of attending every class—after all, someone (be it you, your family, or a loan) footed the bill for it.
I personally experienced this first-hand when I dropped out of college after just one semester. I felt lost and unfulfilled, unsure of my major and direction. Returning my student ID and refunding my dad felt like a breath of fresh air. The next three years were a whirlwind of jobs—I worked at a coffee stand, in retail, as a waitress, and as an office manager. I learned about budgeting, paying bills, and the reality of financial independence, including the feeling of being broke and facing eviction.
When I eventually returned to college, I did so with clear goals. I had already lived the party lifestyle, so my focus shifted toward maximizing my education through internships and actively engaging in my studies. I attended college by choice, not obligation, and I understood the opportunities that lay ahead. Each of my subsequent careers sprouted from that time in school, and I wouldn’t alter a single moment of that journey, including the tough experiences that shaped me.
Consider this: we often rush students from high school straight into college, but for many, it merely feels like an extension of their previous schooling—except with more freedom and fewer rules. The college experience should be so much richer than that, offering real growth and discovery.
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In summary, taking time to work after high school can provide essential life lessons and a clearer understanding of one’s educational priorities. This experience may lead to a more fulfilling college journey and a greater appreciation for the value of education.