The Ugly Truth: Overwhelming Debt Is Contagious But Avoidable?
People learn in different ways: visual, verbal and physical. Students who are mentally, academically prepared and learn best from visual and verbal learning styles are highly recommended to attend a four-year university. Those who did not do so great academically during their high school years, or do not think they are prepared for a Cal State or UC, should consider community college. For students that work better using their hands, a vocational or trade school is the best fit for them. Most people underestimate the importance of vocational schools because “...society has a largely accepted the four year degree as a one-size-fits all approach” (William Bennett and David Wilezol 77). As a result, skilled trade-professions such as auto mechanics, welders, plumbers and aircraft manufacturing technicians are predominantly disregarded and labeled as inferior jobs. Despite that, “according to the National Center for Educational Statistics, technical and trade school jobs have a median annual salary of $35,720.” In reality these professions are in high in demand with a decent salary. Students who know their learning style and capabilities not only contribute to their success in choosing the right school for them but also their …show more content…
Students who are well aware of their financial situation and potential make rational choices. College is highly recommended to those who are prepared, aware of the consequences and are willing to take the risk. In order to choose a successful path for their life, students should apply for more than one scholarship to increase their odds of getting at least one. In addition, students who know their learning style contribute to their own success by choosing a rational school and major. Thereby, avoiding studying inconsequential material will save them time, money and a huge pile of debt. Although, students who decide not to pursue higher education are labeled as “failures” they could be doing themselves a favor by dodging a bullet of thousands of dollars in debt. Those who are not interested in school and are not prepared not attending college is their rational choice. Higher education should only be encouraged to those who are prepared and are ready to make realistic assessments, based on their finances and capacity to have a successful and content