May 2, 2025/Midnight

Erie, PA.— College is the natural next step from many young adults after they walk across the stage at their high school graduation. It is the first time being away from home for an extended period. It gives these new adults a taste of the “real world” yet still having a controlled schedule and routine— for the most part. While the other half of recent high school graduates go straight into the work force, getting a head start on the ways of the world compared to their peers, without the stress of keeping up classes and assignments.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, in October of 2024 among recent high school graduates between the ages of 16 and 24 about 55. 4 percent of men and 69.9 percent of women were enrolled in college.

Why these students decide to attend college varies by case. Some students go because their parents gave them no other option, others go for the hopeful promise of career advancement, job security and financial stability post-graduation.

I went merely because I had no other plans, and the world was still battling with Covid-19. At the time, I was not in a position mentally or physically to get up and start the endless work cycle of a 9 to 5 –so I went to the college admissions office.

Now, after four long and strenuous years of hard work and dedication I am finally at the finish line. In about a week, I will be walking across the stage to officially commence my time in undergraduate studies. In a moment of reflection, I sit and wonder if these last for years were worth the stress. What did I learn? Did I gain anything? Did I waste my time? Was it worth it?

Truthfully, now that I am at the end, I can say that this experience has helped me in more ways than I could have ever imagined. I have made connections with people in different industries and areas of the world that I probably would not have otherwise. I made friends that I plan to keep for many years. I was given the opportunity to travel and make memories that will last a lifetime. And most importantly, I was able to discover and bring out pieces of myself that I may have suppressed, had I gone directly into a work setting after high school.

I would be lying to say there were no moments where I considered dropping out and just getting whatever job that would hire me and to just test my luck with the job search. But I stayed due to the strong conviction that there was more here for me to see.

College might not be for everyone, but I am sure glad I gave it a shot.