3 Reasons Why I Value My College Education
- Samantha Stewart
- Jun 7, 2016
- 3 min read
A homonym is a word that is spelled and pronounced the same as another, but has a different meaning. For example, the word 'watch' can be used when referring to a wrist watch that tells you the time, or a term to describe the act of watching a baseball game. Also, the word 'foot' is a homonym because it can refer to the measurement of 12 inches, or the body part that is at the end of each of our legs.
Now, think about the word 'college.' Would you consider this word to be a homonym?
Technically, it isn't.
But in my opinion, the term is absolutely a homonym. Every single person in the world holds a different perspective and meaning of the word 'college.' Some think it's a waste of time and money while others view it as the most valuable experience in their life. When it comes down to it, college is just one of those terms that every individual has a different opinion about.
At the close of my senior year of college, I find myself wondering often what the word college means to me. What is it that's so important to have led me to spend these four years of my life in little ol' Ellensburg, Wash. at Central Washington University? I've come up with a list of three key concepts to help me define my own personal meaning of a college education and why it is so important to me:
1. Making myself more marketable.
Nowadays, having a college degree is required for a majority of high-level (and even entry-level) positions. Of course there are special circumstances where one might obtain a position of this kind without earning a degree of some sort, but these cases are few and far between. Having a degree opens doors for the future and continues to make you marketable throughout your career.
2. Simultaneously gaining experience and networking.
Most college courses are designed to provide you with hands-on, real world experience to prepare you for your field after you graduate. Sometimes, you have opportunities to put course work on your resume. In my college experience thus far, I've learned that getting as involved as possible around campus looks awesome to potential employers.
Also, once you get through the general education classes that students of all majors are required to take, you begin to meet individuals who you have something in common with: your major. During the first couple quarters into my major, I was the quiet girl who sat in the back row, got my work done and left. I've now learned that taking the time to get to know my professors and my classmates is going to greatly benefit me in the long run. Remember that guy who sat in front of you every day last quarter? Maybe one day he's going to refer you for that dream job you've been pining for.
3. An overwhelming feeling of accomplishment.
Whether you're the first person in your family to graduate from college or the 50th, being able to say that you obtained your college degree will establish a strong sense of self pride. Your degree is much more than a piece of paper, it's a representation of all of the effort and hard work you have put into your education during the last four years.
This list is just a start to my own unique definition of a college experience. I'm sure that this list will continue to grow even years after I finish my degree and I'm excited to see what else I have to add to it.
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