By Kenzie Park-Hubb
As senior year comes to a close, many students are ready to depart and move onto furthering their dreams. For many, this image includes graduating from high school, going to college, and then moving onto their careers. But, does that really fit everyone?
LaDawn Huber, the administrative assistant to guidance stated, “It depends on the person and what path is best for them. Most do not realize what is best for them until they have seen all the options available. So far, we have 4 students who are going into the military.”
Some people join the military, while some take a gap year. Taking a year off of school, also known as a gap year, is more common outside of the United States but is beginning to take effect here, according to Career Builder. Some feel as though it may help them to get a head start into the real world. It will also cause them to become more independent. Students are also beginning to take opportunities of apprenticeships right after high school.
College may not be for everyone. According to the New York Times, only forty percent of American workers have a Bachelor’s degree. The same source also stated that “only 52 percent of young people have either a two- or four-year degree or an industry certificate by the time they reach their mid-20s.” One without a college degree is just as inclined to be successful as someone who does not have a degree.
Senior Brianna Perry said that she is the first person in her family to attend college. Her parents went right into the workforce along with her other siblings. She still believes her parents have been provided with many great opportunities, even without a college degree. She says that her parents are still just as successful as others around them who have received a college degree. Her parents have accomplished just as much as those around them who have a degree.
It is said that people back in the 1970s had more options than people today. For example, the had more opportunities of apprenticeships which is very select in society today. Huber, the administrative assistant to guidance for York Suburban High School said, “The average of people going into trade schools for apprenticeships is 56.” This means that the people who have these jobs are beginning to soon retire. Today, people, believe college is expected of them. Proven by Perry’s parents, one can become quite successful without a college degree. The misconception that a person is a failure without a college degree is anything but true.