Why I Still Want a College Education

By Single Mom

I do not have a college education.

On applications I select “13” for my level of education, High School with some college. Business seminars and career related courses look good on a resume but nothing compares to soaking up information, and there is so much out there.

When I graduated High School, I wanted to study languages, but I was turned down for financial aid and turned down by the college I really wanted to attend. So what did I do? I enlisted in the Military. They promised me a career as a linguist, travel, education, and pride in serving my country. I was young, and the Military kept its promises, but I gave up all of the above to start a family. My education funds turned into a townhouse, two children, two station wagons (the less offensive term is “hatchback”) and a picket fence. It was actually a split-rail fence but you get the idea.

Language study is a “use it or lose it” deal. I chose Insurance as my career and learned a lot of four syllable words but not in any other language. My language skills faded. I also missed out on studying History, English, Linguistics, etc. I missed interacting with other students. I do not have a degree, and these days “...or (four) years of related experience” can substitute for a degree. I am capable of getting a decent job. But it is not the same.

There is so much knowledge to be had, so many classes, so much the average person does not learn from Mainstream Radio or TV Sitcoms, and I want to learn it all. I thirst for knowledge like a person in the desert thirsts for water. I plan to go back to school and I will need Brute Force Study Guide to remember how to study.

The moral of the story: GET A COLLEGE EDUCATION. However you can: Parents, grants, scholarships, working and going to school or enlisting. And when you are sitting in that lecture hall, classroom or laboratory, absorb all the knowledge you can. Put your heart and soul into learning, it matters!!!