The word why is one of the most powerful words in the English language. Using one single word makes an individual go into detail about their thoughts and emotions about a certain topic. In one of my college classes we were asked, “Why are you here (in college)?” Most answers were “To get a degree.” Typically that answer would be my answer as well. However, that answer is not a plausible answer. It is in fact, a result of the actions and classes we take. It is a goal. If you want a degree, you have to go to class and do assignments. But, you do not need to. You will not die if you decide not to go to college. Deciding not to go to college will not determine how intelligent you are in the real world. So why are we in college? Responding to that question entitles an individual to dig a little deeper.
What do you want to be?
Growing up, the most important thing in my life was my mom. One thing that I remember very clearly was going to church together. Since I was very little, (age 4-5), I was sent up to a playroom to talk about certain topics in a group with other kids. One of the topics that was discussed was the big question that is asked of every 5 year old. “What do you want to be when you grow up?” As a 5 year old, most answers to this question are a firefighter, an actor/actress or the most iconic answer a princess. At this time of age, our mind is free to wonder about all of the possibilities that we can become. As we grow older, our perceptions change. The answers of a 10-year old turn to a teacher, a policeman, or a doctor. As we grow into teenagers and young adults, these generic jobs turn into something more specific; i.e. a policeman turns into security guard, patrol, investigator, etc. As we graduate high school we were once asked again “What do you want to be when you grow up?” However this time, the perception of occupations become more realistic than our 5-year old answers based on what we see others doing. As humans, we learn by watching others. Growing up, we follow into our parents footsteps everywhere. Literally. But there comes a point in our life when we have to make our own choices. But why do we make the choices that we make?
The concept of Why?
Another thing that kids often do is ask why. To everything. “Why is the sky blue?” or “Why do I have to go to sleep at this time?.” Every time the parent has an answer, the child responds with “Why?.” Eventually the parent gets annoyed and just says “Because I told you to” or “You’ll learn when you’re older.” So, why does the parent become annoyed? Because they do not have an answer as to why we do the things that we do. Why do we sleep at night and not during the day? Why do we need to wear shoes? Why do women need to wear a bra? Because society tells us to. Early humans only wore strips of fabric or nothing at all. So, if our culture is so influenced by society, then how can we make our own decisions about our future?
Why am I in college?
College is one thing that is very heavily influenced on by society. Out of all of my past relationships, whether family, romantic, or just friends, I have heard so many times “I am not in college so I must not be smart.” However, college is not the only choice, so why do think that of ourselves? Why do we go to college? Why do we put that immensive amount of effort into assignments and sports and clubs while juggling work and/or family care when it only results in a degree? Even with a degree, there is no guarantee of a job. So, why do we put our bodies and minds through so much stress? Maybe some students want to get away from home and start their own life and college is the only way to move out at that specific time. Maybe you think college is the only way to make it anywhere in life.
For me, I am one of those people. I am the first in my entire family; parents, siblings, cousins, basically every single person in my family to go to college. My father had always told me to go to college since the start of my high school career. Every person in my family was switching from house to house, state to state with no stability. Most of them were working more than one job or switching from jobs to jobs to find one with a sustainable income. Some of them went down the wrong path, some had kids before 20, and for some of them, high school was never completed. So for me, I felt forced. Being the only person in an entire family adds a lot of pressure and I felt like I would let my whole family down. Also, I did not have an actual representation of success without college. So, I did what I thought was the only option. Along the way, there have been many struggles, much doubt, counseling, and depression. I have not felt like myself since high school. However, even with very little motivation, I will continue to persevere and I will continue to find myself. If college is your choice, do not be scared. This is my reason of why I chose college. College is a very enriching and exciting experience. Some of your best and worst memories will be made during this time of your life. You will find yourself during this time and you will make your own choices without society and other negativity deciding what choice you need to make for you. Because nobody knows you like you do and nobody can decide what is best for your life. So I challenge you to dig deep, whatever the outcome and think. What is your why?
Seas the Moment 