College isn’t for everyone

The Value of a College Degree

The debate about the value of a college degree has gained traction over the years, with most people agreeing that a college education is an integral component of achieving a work-life balance. A majority of academics and parents agree on the value of a college degree in opening doors for a growing child. Indeed, most people agree that without a college degree, it is almost difficult for a child to advance into the world of minimum wage. However, some academics claim to have a particular viewpoint on the topic. For instance, J. W Reeves` ‘College Isn't for everyone' is an article that discourages some parents from enrolling their children to high-end campuses, more so if the children are disinterested in the basic college procedures. Therefore, the paper will critically examine the topic of education in a bid to prove that indeed, college education is not for everyone. Reeves` article will provide the basis for the argument as the paper will use Reeves` arguments and discussions to prove that indeed; college education is not compulsory for everyone.

The Land of Opportunity

America is more often than not referred to the land of opportunity or ‘modern-day Canaan' as some people prefer to call it (Tovani, 121). Consequently, this implies that most people, whether American or Immigrants will sort out for opportunities in the US. The outcome is people relocating to the US while millions of American youth are enrolled in college to ensure they obtain the much-required edge to fight off competition within the ranks. Thus, competition for work opportunities is stiff in the US than in other developed countries. This explains the need for enrolling children in college as it will enable them to compete effectively in the otherwise crowded job market.

Gaining Relevant Work-Related Information

Another point that supports enrolling children in college is the importance of gaining relevant work-related information. To most people, education is the key to any form of success, especially in the highly complicated and demanding 21st century. In fact, a large section of scholars argue that the American unemployment statistics would be lesser by a significant margin if every child got enrolled in school to pursue their courses of choice (Tovani, 121). However, failure to enroll children in such institutions limits their scope of information and consequently limits their opportunities in both the short term and the long run.

Keeping Flexible and Objective Perspectives

However, Reeves article 'College Isn't for everyone' sheds some light on the importance of keeping flexible and objective perspectives towards college education. Reeves highlights the importance of keeping an eye on appropriate alternatives as opposed to holding a rigid and potentially harmful perspective. “Possibly the best course of action during senior year is to participate in one of the job cooperative programs that link high schools to the world of work” (Reeves, 4). To enumerate further, Reeve articulates the essence of thinking outside the globally accepted stereotypes that tend to point out to the importance of enrolling children to college; contrastingly, the author holds that it is better to start earlier and enroll children to work-related programs right from the senior years of high school.

The College Hustle

According to Reeves, not every student is worthy of the college hustle. It is critical to note that Reeves does not entirely dismiss the importance of college education but instead, he maintains that college is cut out for those willing to commit themselves and sacrifice almost everything in a bid to attend classes and participate in school-based activities. “Parents are not getting much bang for their buck, their children learn no skills and do not become culturally aware. The values supposedly gained from four-year education…are negated by many students who are passive and expect work made easy for them” (Reeves, 3). Reeves provides personal experience in his argument on the importance of rethinking the idea of college, especially for the students who appear non-committal to reciprocating their parent's hard work by working even harder in school.

Alternative Options to College Education

“Going to college is an utter waste of time for students who have emerged from high school neither literate nor numerate” (Reeves, 5). Reeves argues of the essence of a parent staying true and realistic to a child's prospects. In his arguments, Reeve reiterates how technical education is an appropriate alternative to college education. Instead of a child wasting family resources in learning courses he or she lacks interests in, the child could receive admission to a technical institution that will focus on honing him or her with the necessary skills to succeed in the industry of interest. Thus, this serves to prove that college education is not the only means out of poverty as other alternatives such as early internships and technical education help equip school-going children with the necessary work-related experience.

Examining a Child's Interests

The college education argument is one that is not likely to end soon. However, some sections of society have begun accepting that advanced college education is not for everyone. Although some might argue by providing the endless benefits of education such as the attainment of work-related skills, it is difficult to dismiss the arguments made against imposing college education on high school graduates. Instead, as Reeves advises, it is critical to examine the interests of a child before determining whether or not to enroll him or her in college. Making such a move not only helps in minimizing the otherwise high tuition costs but would also save time for both the child and the parent since relevant alternatives can be used. Some of the suggestions provided are starting the internship programs earlier on and considering other education options other than college education. This will ensure that even without a college education, high school graduates have the opportunities to further their skills and become better suited for the work life.

Works Cited

Reeves, J.W. “College isn’t for everyone”. USA Today Magazine.

Tovani, Cris. "The power of purposeful reading." On Developing Readers: Readings from Educational Leadership (EL Essentials) (2016): 121.