Is Higher Education Worth the Price?

    Is higher education worth the cost? Honestly, I believe that elementary school doesn’t fully equip us for the demands of the real world. Especially considering my experience in a public school, there are certain essential life skills that are often overlooked in grade school. While I did take a mandatory financial class, which taught me about mortgages, rent loans, and taxes, it didn’t necessarily prepare me for the weight and complexity of managing bills as an adult. As the author Sanford J. Ungar pointed out, schools often mold students to work in desk jobs, which is why he advocates for the liberal arts major. This approach encourages critical thinking and problem-solving skills, enabling individuals to think outside the box and approach challenges from multiple perspectives. Liberal arts education extends beyond academic knowledge, providing valuable skills that can be applied in various aspects of life. 

As a college student, I’ve witnessed the insanely high tuition prices, and the struggles people face to afford them. It’s disheartening to see that something meant to be developmental, and enriching is becoming increasingly unaffordable. If we’re investing in education to secure jobs and potentially contribute to the society the government overlooks, shouldn’t they be contributing to our education? When the world helps us grow, we help the economy grow, and we contribute to the world’s evolution. However, if tuition prices become so high that they’re unaffordable, fewer people will have job opportunities, leading to a stagnation in society. While sitting in a classroom and taking tests demonstrates willpower, it’s important to recognize that secondary education isn’t for everyone. Many successful individuals have achieved their goals through trade-offs, without necessarily needing a second degree. However, for professions like medicine, therapy, law, accounting, and marketing, further specialization education is essential and necessary. I believe in investing in the people who invest in the world we live in. Andrew Hacker and Claudia Dreifus argue that while college offers benefits, the cost is often too high. They emphasize the importance of finding the right school that fits your needs, but stress that affordability should never be compromised. 

David Foster Wallace’s commencement speech highlights the significance of critical awareness and independent thinking, suggesting that these qualities would greatly benefit society. In my opinion, higher education is valuable, but it should be accessible without excessive financial burden. 

    Out of all the articles and topics we’ve discussed and the ones I’ve written about on my blog, the one that resonates the most with me is about fast food. As an exercise science major, I’m passionate about nutrition, health, mindfulness, and the impact of our food choices on society and ourselves. While I believe we all have the power to make informed decisions, eliminating fast food entirely isn’t a straightforward solution. However, if I were to get deeper into this topic, I would focus on the fast food industry and the discipline humans exhibit when purchasing outside food and taking care of their bodies. We only have one body and one life, and if we don’t use it wisely, we’ll be miserable and miss out on what life has to offer.