The social construct of the average American has undergone massive change over the last century. As the economy has continued to globalize, with America leading the way in technological innovation we as a nation have begun to place greater importance on education. This emphasis seem to multiply ten-fold each decade. While education is very one of the few keys to success on an individual level, as well as a country, students and parents alike have come to associate education simply with formal college. Formal college referring to the education provided by a traditional four-year college. Within this categorization of education as a four year experience at a university, other equally sufficient vehicles of education have been branded with a
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Students who believe this are left with two options, attend college or suffer the consequences. College has transformed from a choice to pursue higher education into a near necessity to maintain a quality standard of living. The consensus that the opportunity to attend college as a necessity is certainly well intended, but America is encouraging to many of its youth to go to college. A college degree has become the go-to form of education in America leaving the alternatives slim to none. This essentially forces students who place importance on society’s version of success being wealth, status, and honors, with no choice but to attend college. Of course this goal is still attainable without a college degree, but comes with significantly more work and that is where our problem lies. A formal education is simply not suited for every student. Some students may not enjoy the meticulous schedule; being that freshman in college have usually already completed 12 years of schooling prior to beginning college. Other students may prefer to take on apprenticeships and learn with their hands rather than in the classroom. …show more content…
Vocational training and trade schools continue to be overlooked and considered to be less than equal to a college education, but this judgement is unjustified. In UCLA’s annual study on what influences first year students decisions about college across the country, it was reported that, “a portion of students that cited ‘to be able to get a good job’ as a reason for attending college was about 87.9 percent in 2012” (Wyer). Students are no longer attending college strictly to further their education, instead many students including myself pursue a college degree in hopes that it will one day translate into high paying employment in the field of my choice. If this is the common thought among students is seems logical that vocational programs would reign supreme as the premiere form of education in America. When students go to college there are essential seeking job training, but receive a more well-rounded knowledge of which most will not be applicable to their jobs or everyday lives. Vocational training, apprenticeships and similar programs “provide access to a wide range of careers. The blend of theory and practical application is highly valued by employers” according to Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (Vocation). The article written by the new statesman also makes reference to the term “parity of esteem” (Vocation) which means even though the benefits of
Students who believe this are left with two options, attend college or suffer the consequences. College has transformed from a choice to pursue higher education into a near necessity to maintain a quality standard of living. The consensus that the opportunity to attend college as a necessity is certainly well intended, but America is encouraging to many of its youth to go to college. A college degree has become the go-to form of education in America leaving the alternatives slim to none. This essentially forces students who place importance on society’s version of success being wealth, status, and honors, with no choice but to attend college. Of course this goal is still attainable without a college degree, but comes with significantly more work and that is where our problem lies. A formal education is simply not suited for every student. Some students may not enjoy the meticulous schedule; being that freshman in college have usually already completed 12 years of schooling prior to beginning college. Other students may prefer to take on apprenticeships and learn with their hands rather than in the classroom. …show more content…
Vocational training and trade schools continue to be overlooked and considered to be less than equal to a college education, but this judgement is unjustified. In UCLA’s annual study on what influences first year students decisions about college across the country, it was reported that, “a portion of students that cited ‘to be able to get a good job’ as a reason for attending college was about 87.9 percent in 2012” (Wyer). Students are no longer attending college strictly to further their education, instead many students including myself pursue a college degree in hopes that it will one day translate into high paying employment in the field of my choice. If this is the common thought among students is seems logical that vocational programs would reign supreme as the premiere form of education in America. When students go to college there are essential seeking job training, but receive a more well-rounded knowledge of which most will not be applicable to their jobs or everyday lives. Vocational training, apprenticeships and similar programs “provide access to a wide range of careers. The blend of theory and practical application is highly valued by employers” according to Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (Vocation). The article written by the new statesman also makes reference to the term “parity of esteem” (Vocation) which means even though the benefits of