Graphic by Hannah Borders
Canva graphic depicting an overwhelmed person thinking about all of the different reasons why they should and should not choose a college.
For some reason our society covets where they attend college. It’s a mix of status, tradition, and what their perception of success looks like. Unfortunately, though, too much value is placed on the name of the school versus the actual education attained.
Ever since I learned that college could be an option for me, I started plotting and planning exactly where I wanted to go to school and what my life would look like. Though I changed my mind on what major/career path I wanted to pursue, one thing stayed consistent: I wanted to go to a big state school with a bunch of people and a good football team (being from BHS, Friday nights are a big deal). I always thought that because of my above-average GPA and decent portfolio of extracurriculars, I would be provided with enough aid to keep loans to a minimum and thus be able to achieve my ideal reality.
When I finally settled on my intended major, Journalism, I began exploring the idea of liberal arts colleges in addition to my big state school dream. I fell in love with the idea of a romanticized, personalized education at a college full of ‘nerds’ like myself. Though this seemed wonderful, I could not romanticize the price tag. Still, I did not give up. I applied for financial aid and every scholarship within my reach. While my dream of a small liberal arts school was minimized, my big state school dream did not shrink. My big state school dream was later dismantled by a financial aid advisor at my number one school. He told me, “We don’t give out scholarships.” After that meeting, I knew it was time to settle for a different option, so I did. I picked the school that I did because of its financial accessibility, social and political values, and its tight-knit, lively community.
I often find myself stuck in my head and feeling apprehensive about my decision to attend the school that I am. My top choices will always be in my heart but never in my wallet. I can’t help but feel upset that I’ve worked hard and not ended up exactly where I wanted to be. I am still going to college and getting a degree, and I will become a happy, successful journalist regardless of where I go to school. In the same light, I am allowed to mourn what could have been and be jealous of my peers whose college decision is not determined by their income. I am also happy that I can live through them vicariously and appreciate that I even get to go to college at all. As a first-generation student, college is a massive dream come true no matter where I go.
Feeling bad about yourself over a college decision is so easy, but so useless. All colleges are good colleges, and all degrees are good degrees. The idea that a degree from one school is better than another is a wildly inaccurate claim. If you’re qualified, then you’re qualified. College is a big deal socially, you need to pick an environment that works best for you. If the school you end up attending offers your desired major, then it is not a bad choice. BHS College Adviser, Ms. Anya Fuller, says, “I believe college is obtainable for everyone. Students should pick a college/university that has their major of interest in order for it to be valuable.” When a job is looking at your degree, they’re looking that you have a degree, not that you went to a school with a low acceptance rate or well-known Greek life or a good swim team.
Everything will be fine if you don’t go to your first-choice school; there are so many opportunities elsewhere. Even though it feels world-crushing at the moment, it is okay because you will earn a degree and get the job of your dreams regardless. Being unable to go to your dream school becomes easier when you change your perspective. Instead of thinking about all of the things you’re missing at your top school, think about all of the things you will be able to accomplish at the school that is attainable for you.
Even though my world is still full of doubt, I will continue to reinforce the idea that college is a milestone to be celebrated and that one is not worth less or more than another simply because of the school they attend.