College Is Worth It - Assignment Example

College is worth it Part A. Introduction The essence of education cannot be over-emphasized. Major world organizations such as the World Bank (WB), the United Nations (UN), and other small organs in various nations stress on education. The organizations have in their missions to enhance education all over the world for self-sustainability and economic development. All the countries strive to attain an efficient education system to cater for the various needs of all the citizens. A lot of funds have been channeled towards the education sector. Therefore, it is true to conclude that education is the backbone of every nation. Consequently, it is the engine for economic growth and thus, every nation that seeks to develop its economy must invest in human beings through provision of education. The education system The education system of most nations has been broken down into various levels. In Europe, the curriculum is thoroughly structured to cover a wide scope and to equip the learners with adequate knowledge. The school system has been divided and categorized into several systems. The levels are, pre-school, primary level, secondary level I, secondary level II and the highest level being the tertiary level. Students graduate from one level to the next as year’s progress and the desired grades attained. Exams are administered for every level. Teachers and all other staff are aware of their responsibilities and thus, all work towards achieving the set objectives, goals and missions of the institutions. Many students advance to the tertiary level which comprises of colleges and universities of higher learning. However, other students opt to join vocational training institutions while some indulge themselves in part time jobs. It is at this stage that many students pose the nagging question, ‘is college really worth it?’ Many people are of the opinion that college is insignificant and moreover, it adds little value to an individual’s up-bringing. However, I strongly disagree with the notion that college has little benefits to the individuals who are privileged to have undergone through the system. College life confers great advantages to the few that go through the system. Thus, the common saying, the roots of education are bitter while the fruits are very sweet. The paper, seeks to bring into light the numerous benefits derived from going through college and thus supporting the argument that college is worth it. The other part of the paper is based on creating a school with the essential qualities of a standard college. Value of an American college education It is in college where students finally decide on the path and direction they would wish to take. The paths are defined more clearly through specialization. Students specialize in through the choice and preferences towards various degree choices. Many go for lucrative programs which are known and prescribed as per the market needs. Some programs are most preferred by the students as a result of level of prestige associated with the program. Therefore, many go for courses such as Medicine, Engineering, Economics, and Business. Regardless of what an individual pursues in college, the benefits that are associated with having been in college is conferred upon everyone. Some of the great benefits are listed below. Level of income The pay gap between college graduates and non-graduates is very large. It goes without saying that individuals who have college degrees earn more income compared to those with none. The higher the level of education an individual has attained, the higher the pay. The desire to earn more salary has always been the reason why the elderly still go back to school to further and major in their preferred field of specialization. The need to be competitive among employees of various companies has propelled many employees to enroll in professional courses and to join institutions of higher learning. The efforts of these employees are paid off by the raise in their pay. A recent research that provided new income statistics proved that college is worth it due to the pay rise and large gap that exists between the categories of individuals. College is the most assured ticked from low class to middle class and even beyond (Leonhardt par. 4). Another study by a research firm known as PayScale showed that hard subjects have more pay than subjects that are considered simple and easy. It therefore, shows that hard work pays off. Subjects like Engineering have better pay that most Humanity subjects. From the study it can be deduced that the individuals who have done neither of the subjects rank last in the pay scale (“Is College worth It? The Economist” par. 12) Opportunities College sets those who have attained the degrees apart from everyone else. It is said that the higher one climbs a mountain, the cooler it becomes. The same also applies to education. One exposes himself or herself to more, greater and better opportunities as the climb the ladder of education graduating from one level to the next. The opportunities increase with the level of education one attains. College sharpens the skills of the graduates and equips them with the various skills that are desirable by many firms. Consequently, college enhances a person’s ability to handle various responsibilities in different levels of a company’s management. It has been observed that the rate of employment increases as one goes through college. Conversely, college reduces the level of unemployment in the country. The result is a ripple effect that is reflected in the increase in the level of output and economic growth in the countries (“College Education” par. 23). Job requirement Many job opportunities set a very high bar in terms of those eligible to apply for the various vacant positions in the firms. There are some specialized jobs that require skills that can only be attained from undergoing through higher learning. The positions can only be well handled by graduates who have attained the required knowledge and skill that is being sought for by the hiring firms. Having gone through college makes it easier for the individuals to learn faster and be more adaptable to suit the job requirements. However, sometimes the high academic requirements are set to discourage people from applying for the various positions thus eliminating and reducing the number of applicants making it easier for the firm to thoroughly scrutinize the list of applicants. College prepares one to meet the requirements set by hiring firms (“Is College worth It? Time” par. 3). Interpersonal skills The great benefits derived from attaining higher education overflow and have spill over to other aspects of an individual’s self-improvement. Other that impacting on the amount of notes that have to be squeezed into ones wallet and increasing the number of zeros in one’s pay-cheque, it has been observed that individuals also improve on their interpersonal skills. Though the carrying out of the numerous tasks and activities in the schools, one’s interpersonal skills are greatly sharpened. Communication skills are sharpened through presentations in front of the entire class. Writing and research skills are improved through the projects and thesis that students submit as pre-requisite for acquiring a degree. Team works, division of labor coupled with other soft skills are also inculcated in the students through interaction with other with different strengths and weaknesses. Achievement Earning a college degree is considered a lifelong objective and achievement. The level of prestige that college confers to an individual makes it worth the while. In most countries, individuals who have attained higher learning are regard in a positive light. Graduates, professors and doctors are accorder much respect. The opinion and contributions of such individuals in matters of great concern are usually taken more seriously than words from the unlearned fellows. Education gives voice and the voice is given weight. Social aspects People from different walks of life meet in the various institutions of higher learning. It is in these institutions that individuals learn to appreciate the role of multicultural diversity. Some institutions of higher learning are populated by people from different nations and speaking in different tongues. People from different backgrounds with different cultural values meet, interact freely and create robust networks (“More Than a Degree: The Hidden Benefits of a College Education” par 4). Therefore, colleges provide the environment and opportunity for the students to meet and know about their fellow colleagues. In the process, peace is enhanced through the education system. Broadening the mind College is a life jacket which without it, one can easily drown. College opens up one’s mind to the greater ideas and possibilities that were once unthinkable. It enhances the maturity and growth of one’s mind and changes ones perception towards life and other things. For instance, the probability of a parent who has gone to college taking their children to college is higher than those of parents who have not gone through the system. Moreover, graduates are more likely to have favorable insurance and retirement plan policies. Additionally, it is also observed that graduates are healthier and live long. The benefits are attributed to the knowledge that individuals acquire throughout the experiences that mold them to survive blows and teach them to get up after heavy hits. College gives a sense of direction to the students who pursue higher education. It is a tool that enables them to lead a purposeful and full life. Students grow to become engaged and responsible citizens who steer the rapid growth of their nations. (“Why College Is Necessary But Gets You Nowhere” par. 28) Co-curricular activities Large colleges are highly equipped with large facilities. The facilities such as recreational facilities enable the students to undergo manual exercises to enhance the general body fitness. It also enables students with various health complications to work out their body excess fats and cholesterol. Sporting activities are also offered by the institutions. Football, netball, rugby are just a list of some of the sports that are played in the colleges. Sportsmanship creates discipline among the students, enhances team work and team building. Moreover, it enables individuals to discover their talents. Many students have soared greater heights as gone places due to their love for sports. The benefits derived from college education and attainment of the degree stretch far and beyond. As a result, more and more people, the young and the old, have enrolled into the institutions to tap into the great wealth that education promises and the bright future that higher education holds. However, attaining many degrees is costly and thus reduces the marginal benefits of going to school to further ones studies. Therefore, to catapult the returns derived from higher education, governments should strive on cutting down on costs and making education more affordable. Part B. Small versus large colleges Colleges and universities are majorly grouped into two broad categories based on the courses, and facilities and the number of student and staff that they have. Large colleges have many large facilities such as wellness centers where students can burn excess calories, they also have a well fully stocked libraries and a state if art housing facilities. The number of students is usually also very large ranging from above two thousand students. Moreover, the institutions offer a variety of courses and have numerous departments and prestigious faculties. Small colleges on the other hand offer a different experience to the students despite its features. They are highly characterized by the small number of students and staff usually below two thousand students. Moreover, there are few facilities in the institutions. There are a number of advantages of small institutions over large institutions. Students in small institutions have the luxury of pursuing personally designed majors, there is a strong advising system and students get to closely interact with their professors. Additionally, students acquire a hands-on learning experience. Large colleges should not be viewed as being inferior to small colleges as they too have their own advantages and benefits over small colleges. Their size gives the students opportunities to interact with different individuals from different walks of life. Students are highly exposed and enjoy a variety of services that are not offered in small colleges. Many students live within the campus and there are many opportunities for the students to take advantage of. However, efficiency in such campus are impeded by the bureaucratic procedures as there is a large chain of command that has to be observed in the decision making process. Decisions as to whether to study in either large or small colleges totally depend on the needs of the students in question. Different individuals have different preferences. One has to consider the weaknesses and strengths and compare with what they would like to achieve or what they like best. Therefore, to succeed in college, one must be certain of what they seek to achieve in campus. Campus Services Built for You Campus Services Built for You is a small college. The total population of the college is of approximately two thousand students. Various facilities have been developed to provide a conducive environment for the students and the staff in the college. Moreover, the campus also has enhanced the effectiveness of various institutions to improve on the service delivery to the students. The college has a health center. The health center is run by specialized well trained nurses and doctors who are ready to take care of minor injuries and ailments. They diagnose, provide treatment, and write prescriptions. Campus police are also present in the college proving security in the school. They patrol the college compound in the night to ensure that there are no security threats facing the school. On various occasions, the security officers escort students to their various destinations. Moreover, there is also a Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender (GLBT) resource centre. The main function of the center is to help the students who fit in the above mentioned categories. There are various facilities that must be available in a college. Centers such as the careers centers, counseling centers, and campus ministry are essential and a characteristic of all institutions of higher learning. Campus services built for you has a career center whose main function is to help the students in making decisions on career paths to take. They offer advice on competitive job opportunities available in the market. They also provide a list of positions available in various firms within the country. Moreover, it is their duty and responsibility to help students prepare their resumes and curriculum vitae and finally help them get attachment and internships. The counseling center has skilled and qualified staff who are receptive and ready to offer guidance to the students on any matters that may hinder the student’s performances and functionality. Campus ministry was put in place to offer spiritual nourishment to the students and therefore, all denominations have been taken into consideration. The chaplains are always ready to offer spiritual advice on matters pertaining religious beliefs and other matters that the students may need clarification on. Diversity The college is open to all students from different parts of the nation. International students are also encouraged to enroll into the campus. Currently, the school has three quarter of its students being citizens of the country whereas the remaining quarter has come from different parts of Europe and a few from Africa. Mission and vision The mission of the college is to provide quality education and enhance the standard of living of all the individuals. Core values The college lays emphasis on integrity, hard work, discipline, and excellence. Student body The school has an active student body whose function is to champion for the rights of other students. It was designed to look into the needs of the students and address their grievances through official channels and thus, enhance the communication network between the administration and the students. The body is made up of students who are annually elected by fellow students to represent them in various capacities. There is the president, the vice president, the secretary general, the finance secretary, the academic secretary and the organizing secretary. Students holding the positions are highly regarded and are paid monthly for the services they offer. Location The college is strategically located at the New York City in Hamilton Village. The campus is situated on a four a hundred and twelve acre of land and the boundary on the northern side is marked by a river Ohio. Student involvement and activities The college stresses on the benefits of co-curricular activities and therefore, has strived to provide a variety of options for the students. Football is the leading sport in the college and the school has always ranked among the top three in the region in the tournaments. Currently we are the defending football champions. The other sporting activities in the school include boat racing and swimming, badminton and netball. Other than sports, the schools advocates for molding of a whole rounded and independent individual. Leadership training is provided to all the students and this is usually carried out through organizing forums and seminars where students with various leadership positions meet to discuss the challenges they face. The school also invites key speakers to conduct talks on leadership. Curricular and majors The curriculum has been designed to cover a broad area that is consistent with the market need in the various fields in the economy. The majors have also been customized to the individual needs and preferences. Works Cited "College Education." College Education - ProCon.org Headlines. Web. 16 Apr. 2015. . "Is College Worth It?" Time. Time Inc. Web. 15 Apr. 2015. . "Is College worth It?" The Economist. The Economist Newspaper, 5 Apr. 2014. Web. 15 Apr. 2015. . Leonhardt, David. "Is College Worth It? Clearly, New Data Say." The New York Times, 26 May 2014. Web. 15 Apr. 2015. . "More Than a Degree: The Hidden Benefits of a College Education [Infographic]." More Than a Degree: The Hidden Benefits of a College Education [Infographic]. Web. 15 Apr. 2015. . Reich, Robert. "Why College Is Necessary But Gets You Nowhere." The Huffington Post. TheHuffingtonPost.com. Web. 15 Apr. 2015. . Read More