Spartan Scroll

by Joanna Lei

graphic by Kaitlyn Tang

Personal Growth:

A common belief that people hold is that a university is only a place for educational growth, but they do not realize that it is also a haven for self-development.

Attending a college fosters communication skills that will be crucial for one’s future. Many will also be able to meet and socialize with people who hold different beliefs and cultures, allowing them to become more open-minded and accepting.

According to Alexandra Collias from her article on theodysseyonline.com, “students come to college from anywhere in the country – or the world – and they bring fun new facts and weird sayings. It’s refreshing to meet someone new and have so much to learn about them.” In high school, many already know each other from middle school and see each other every day; communicating with others in a university with over thousands of people with different backgrounds may be beneficial for future connections in the workplace.

Not only does going to college expose one to people from different parts of the world, but it also guides them in learning more about themselves. According to Tami Strang in her article in cengage.com, “The better a student knows his or her strengths, interests and talents, the better decisions he or she can make regarding important life choices, such as a career path.” People often apply to colleges, not knowing what they want to be in the near future.

However, as time progresses, certain subjects become more interesting than others and that allows for a more specific target. Students usually have until sophomore year to have a set major; for the first two years, students take classes that are not geared towards their future, but it allows them to have a sense of what career path they may want to take. Taking courses at college also encourages growth in time management, prioritization and public speaking.

In addition to focusing on career goals, students will be able to experience memorable events. Many universities offer free concerts, sporting events and reduced prices to on-campus events that students should take advantage of because of the rarity of those amazing opportunities.

According to an article on theodyssey.com, “It is important to enter these events with an open mind because they will make you see situations from new perspectives.When you make a conscious effort to support the students and faculty at your university by attending their events, you start to realize how important the community is.” These advantageous events not only provide a mean for becoming more open minded, but they also add to the fun aspect of a college experience.

Ultimately, there are many assets to be gained in furthering one’s education at a college, whether it is at a community, junior or four-year school. By achieving personal growth, one may be able to reach their potential, which is important for their success, happiness and maturity.

by Emily Law & Erin Quan

Furthering Education:

Students should pursue a college education as it advocates a faster development of useful life skills alongside furthering knowledge for one’s targeted career and ultimately results in better futuristic outcomes.

As seniors begin to fill out their college applications, students may ponder on the importance of furthering their education through college. Skimming over tuition fees and the overall application process appears to be daunting and potentially discouraging.

While pursuing a field that does not necessarily require a college degree may seem more appealing, obtaining a college degree should still be considered a student’s top priority.
University-level education is immensely significant in acquiring knowledge valuable for one’s targeted career. Earning a degree in a specific field signifies extensive experience in the subject, and as a result, gives graduates an edge over other applicants for jobs.

According to artinstitutes.edu, “earning your degree can demonstrate to a current employer that you’re serious about your career, and that you’re prepared to take on bigger projects and more responsibility. In the long term, when you apply to new jobs in your field, having a degree can provide you with a competitive edge.” Possessing a college degree allows for the greater possibility that one applicant is chosen over the others.

Attaining a degree has also proven to result in better futuristic outcomes most evident in higher pay. The average annual median income for graduates is $46,000- almost $21,000 more than what the standard high school graduate makes, according to Cecilia Elena Rouse in her article “A Degree is Well Worth the Time, Cost, and Effort.”
Other than the fact that one has a higher chance of attaining their preferred job with a college degree, it is the process that led to receiving their college degree that really matters.

College students are capable of acquiring good communication skills that are crucial in the means of networking, working alongside other students and especially for job interviews.

According to vistacollege.edu, attending college helps train students to attain organization and work-related skills which allows them to feel more confident when completing any tasks.

In this case, the effects of attending college and obtaining a college degree comes hand in hand. Students are capable of gaining effective abilities that can be applied to their desired work field. Those who cannot afford to attend college can still learn these skills but will need to find alternatives to adapt to them.

Success is not solely dependent on a college degree, but students should strive to complete college regardless of career they initially plan to work towards.