College = Happiness?

Why do people go to college? Is it to expand their minds? Not usually. Is it because they need the degree to have a "successful" career? Indeed.

Ironically, about 80 percent of college students (disclaimer: not a factual statistic) have absolutely NO idea what they want to do after college. Frequently, students spend half, if not more, of their college experience trying to figure this out.

So, people attend college, not out of determination, but out of fear.

The fear of having to face themselves. In order to choose your path in life, don't you have to know yourself? So people are more likely to know themselves at age 22 than at age 18? It just doesn't work that way.

And what if I know myself already? I have a job that could easily become full time. I love it. I hate school. So why am I still in school? Why am I spending 12,000 dollars per semester?

I'd like to say it's because my parents wouldn't let me drop out. Which is true. And I don't want to make my parents sound like the type to pressure their kids unfairly. My parents are very good ones and I have never felt forced into anything I didn't want to do (except piano lessons, Hebrew school, psychotherapy...) -AHEM- anyway...

If I'm being honest with myself, would I actually drop out of college if my parents allowed it? The world today is under the illusion that money fosters happiness. Money comes from having a good job, which can only be attained with some college degree. Is this true? Have we done our research?

I'm going to avoid using the obvious example of Hollywood celebrities.
But let's look at some every day people: The owner of the local pizza place gets by pretty well, I'm sure. Mechanics, plumbers, carpenters ....probably not dirt poor. The mailman is by no means poor, plus he/she gets plenty of exercise (though a not-so-sexy tan).
These are typical, average human beings who probably didn't follow the conventional ideal life: go to college, find a job, make money, get married, have kids, retire well. Cops have awesome retirement plans, and they only need a year or two of school (I think).
With a full time job at United Cerebral Palsy, I would be making enough money to support myself. I have no intention of raising any children by myself, so if I do have children, my salary will hopefully be combined with my husband's. I might have to make small sacrifices (i.e. hold off on getting a dog), but I feel like I'm sacrificing more to go to school.

But the bigger question is: would I be happy?
Well, I'd be doing what I love every day. I would be less concerned with silly letters and numbers that supposedly represent my intelligence. I would be doing something I'm good at, which would help my self esteem, rather than school which only worsens it. I might not be able to wear Hollister jeans or drive a Mercedez (not that I'm used to that kind of lifestyle), but I really don't care. That is not what I need for happiness. A heavy wallet can't love me, hug me, kiss me, or make me laugh. What do I need it for?

Yes, money is essential for a happy life, to an extent. Because of what it represents: survival. Food, shelter, security, health -- that's where money is necessary. But you don't need to be a teacher or a lawyer to pay for any of that.

You learn in high school that without a college degree, you can't find a decent job. "You'll regret it later." "You won't be able to support yourself." "You'll spend your life asking, 'would you like fries with that?'"

Now, unless I'm mistaken, I've already addressed the last two statements. As for the first one, well, if the second two aren't true, perhaps it negates the first one? I mean, if you spend your life doing something you like, and you're able to support yourself, will you regret not becoming a doctor or a lawyer? People say sometimes that they wish they'd "done something better with their lives" or that they regret not "making a bigger impact on the world". But honestly, how many of those people found a job they liked? Perhaps if they'd gone to college, they could have found a more fulfilling career -- but perhaps not. Furthermore, how many people say that that DID go to college, and DO live comfortable lives? In other words, before you succumb to the pressure of worrying you'll regret taking a chance, compare the size of two groups: people who regret risks they took versus people who regret taking the safe road. The retort "better safe than sorry" just won't do here. This isn't buckling your seatbelt; this is choosing what to do with your time spent living.

People like to throw around the phrase "Live for the moment." It's been so overused that it faded to cliche long ago. Fifteen year old girls like to put it on their AIM profiles, and they think it means they can go to parties with college boys to get shitfaced and lose their virginity (which may or may not exist). But really, think about it. How many of us live for the moment? I personally spend most of my high school career with my eyes on college. And now I'm miserable in college and just trying to get through it so I can get a job that will make me happy, right? Is everything in life a preparation? School for college, college for career, career for retirement, retirement ...for death? Great. Perfect. Why does everything we do today have to make or break us tomorrow?

I'm sick of following the conventional life pattern. Why am I in college? To get a job doing... exactly what I do now? Or is it because I'm afraid to stray from the traditional path of American life?

Peace & Love,
Loretta

P.S. To be clear, I am not advising anyone to give up their dreams. If your dream is to be wealthy, or to be a doctor or a lawyer, by all means, go to college. Enjoy.