Identity In College

College is a time when people start to become independent and take their first steps into adulthood. Higher education has become the de facto step most modern day 18-year old students have chosen to take after high school. Why has college become such a trend in this recent decade, despite the spike in overall costs and poor job economy for recent graduates? College is now seen as the gateway into a glorious career with prospects of a good salary and good benefits, even though not every degree is created equal. People tend to assume that their degree will be their career, and they identify so much with that specialization that they are blind to what may end up being the outcome. Identity is college can be found through multiple means, a degree is not everything, but it is at the same time. One of the most common questions when meeting someone new on campus is, “What is your major?” This can start a conversation …show more content…
Corliss is attending college with the aid of family members from her Spokane Indian tribe. She is gladly accepting her aid but feels animosity toward some due to their ridicule of her love of books and poetry (Alexie 15). Corliss no longer wants to identify with her tribe, she wants to make a better life for herself and knows that college is the first step into that new life, even though she cannot face her family to tell them she does not belong within their ranks anymore (Alexie 14). Corliss identifies as a Spokane Indian, but not with the tribe. She wants to be known as a Spokane Indian with accomplishments, over stereotypes. This is the primary reason she is searching out Harlan Atwater, to get answers to the questions burning within (Alexie 26). Corliss is using college as a means of escaping her identity and trying to mold a new one. Her major of choice, whatever it may be, may end up deciding whether she does make it, or ends up back on the