A college degree means a great deal
I am the father of five adult offspring, plus I have been part of the lives of a number of other children, some of which I love as much as my own. They all had the opportunity to go to college. None of it was cheap.
I was in the donut hole so to speak. I made too much money for my own kids to get scholarship assistance, but not enough money to make it easy to pay their tuition, room and board, books, fees and more.
I had two in college at the same time during a dozen years, and one year I had three at once. Those were lean years.
But sending them to college made all the difference in their lives. They learned.
Three earned college degrees in business and went on to earn advanced degrees in business. One is just shy of a doctorate degree, while another has her doctorate and is a practicing psychologist. All are successful on their own and are quite professional.
Is that because they went to college and persevered day-in and day-out to graduate? Yes.
Today I serve on the Council of Trustees at Shippensburg University. I also serve on the Board of Governors of The Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education (PASSHE). My spouse, Maxine, serves on the Council of Trustees at Wilson College.
We see how college education changes the lives of young people for the better, how they gain poise and self-assuredness, and begin career paths that are only possible when built on the solid base of their education.
In today's fast-paced and technologically advanced world, a college degree means a great deal. It is not about making money, but rather discovering how to make better decisions, gaining networking opportunities, obtaining the training necessary to follow careers that require credentials and more.
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This is not to say that college education is the only way to a rewarding career. Heaven’s no.
With the proliferation of online courses, workshops and alternative forms of education, the traditional college pathway may seem outdated or unnecessary to some. However, here are some thoughts to consider when thinking about furthering education through a college or university.
College is not just a place for academic learning. It's also a place where you can grow personally and socially. Moving away from home, managing time and navigating the complexities of adult life can be daunting. College provides a supportive environment where students can learn these life skills. The challenges faced and the relationships built during college years can shape character and worldview.
College exposes students to a diverse range of ideas, cultures and experiences. This diversity expands perspectives and encourages critical thinking. College curricula are designed to challenge assumptions, promote debate and push students out of their comfort zones, all of which are invaluable in personal and professional settings.
Even with the abundance of online courses, colleges and universities offer structured and comprehensive programs that ensure students gain deep knowledge in their chosen field. From advanced science labs to intensive literature seminars, the depth and breadth of learning available at a college can rarely be matched elsewhere.
Colleges and universities can provide students with unique networking opportunities. Professors, alumni and fellow students can become valuable professional contacts in the future. Moreover, colleges often host job fairs, seminars and workshops where students can meet potential employers.
Many professions require a college degree as a minimum prerequisite. A degree serves as a testament to an individual's dedication, knowledge and skills in a particular domain. While skills and experience are paramount, having a college degree can give job seekers an edge in the competitive job market.
For those inclined towards research and innovation, colleges offer unparalleled resources. State-of-the-art labs, extensive libraries and collaboration with leading experts in the field allow students to delve deep into their subjects of interest and contribute to the body of knowledge.
Many colleges offer extracurricular activities ranging from sports to arts to volunteer work. These activities help in developing soft skills like leadership, teamwork and communication. They also provide a break from academic rigor and can be instrumental in shaping personality and interests.
Numerous studies have shown that on average, individuals with a college degree tend to earn more over their lifetimes compared to those without one. While college is undoubtedly a significant investment, the potential long-term financial benefits can outweigh the initial costs.
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For those who aspire for higher studies or specialized professions, an undergraduate college degree is often the first step. Medical, law and graduate schools require a foundational understanding that college programs offer.
While college might not be the perfect fit for everyone, and its value proposition may differ based on individual goals and circumstances, it undeniably offers a myriad of benefits. From personal growth to professional advantages, the college experience can be a unique and transformative phase in life. In an evolving world, where adaptability, critical thinking and specialized knowledge are highly prized, a college education remains a valuable asset.
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There are at least two outstanding and affordable colleges right here in Franklin County. Wilson College and Shippensburg University are as different as day and night, but both offer an excellent education and opportunities galore. They are affordable, a great investment, provide a caring environment and are close to home.
And, just for the record. The Pennsylvania System of Higher Education (PASSHE) includes numerous universities across the Commonwealth. Each one is unique but all are affordable, tax-payer underwritten and offer an array of educational opportunities that are as good as they get. Look it up for yourself. passhe.edu/universities
Bill Gindlesperger is a central Pennsylvanian, Dickinson College graduate, Pennsylvania System Of Higher Education (PASSHE) Governor, Shippensburg University Trustee, and Chairman of eLynxx Solutions. eLynxx provides cloud-software for sourcing and managing print marketing and direct mail. He is a board member, campaign advisor, successful entrepreneur, published author and commentator. He can be reached at Bill.Gindlesperger@eLynxx.com.
This article originally appeared on The Herald-Mail: A college degree means a great deal
