Today, we’re going to talk about something important: higher education. This post is based on the Student Success US 2023 conference panel discussion called “Post-secondary value: Where do we go from here?” The panel included the moderator, Patrick Methvin, Director of postsecondary success at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation; Courtney Brown, Vice president of strategic impact and planning at Lumina Foundation; Tonya Drake, Regional vice president, Northwest at Western Governors University; and Charles Monty Roessel, President of Diné College.
You might have heard that going to college or getting a degree can be really valuable. Well, that’s true, but it’s not just about making more money. Higher education has a lot of different benefits, and we’re going to explore them in simple terms.
How College Can Help You
When we talk about higher education, we often focus on two big things: money and personal growth.
- Money Matters: Going to college can help you earn more money in the future. It opens doors to better job opportunities. People who graduate from college tend to make more money over their lifetime than those who don’t.
- Personal Growth : But it’s not just about cash. College can also help you grow as a person. You learn to think critically, solve problems, and communicate effectively. These skills are super important in any job.
- Being a Good Citizen : Higher education isn’t just about getting a job. It’s also about becoming an active and informed citizen. College teaches you about the world and encourages you to be part of positive changes in your community.
What Makes People Worry
Now, let’s talk about why some folks worry about higher education.
- Costs Keep Rising: One concern is that the price of college keeps going up. People worry about how they’ll afford it. Tuition and fees can be really expensive.
- Student Debt: Another worry is student debt. Many students have to take out loans to pay for college, and paying those loans back can be tough. It can make you think twice about going to college.
- Changing World: The world is changing fast with new technology and jobs. Some people wonder if what they learn in college will still be useful when they graduate.
- Value for Money: Lastly, some folks ask if college is worth the money they spend on it. They want to know if the benefits they get after college are worth the cost.
What College Can Do for Society
Did you know that colleges also have a big role in society? Here’s how:
- Cultural Preservation: Some colleges, like Diné College, focus on preserving cultures and languages. They help keep traditions alive.
- Accessibility: Colleges like WGU work hard to make education accessible to more people. They want everyone to have a chance to learn and grow.
- Citizen Training: Higher education isn’t just about getting a job; it’s about preparing you to be a good citizen. It teaches you to think critically and be a positive force in your community.
- Bringing People Together: Colleges have the power to bring people together to discuss important issues. They can help find solutions to problems that affect everyone.
The Many Sides of Higher Education
So, there you have it! Higher education is more than just a diploma or a paycheck. It’s about personal growth, becoming a responsible citizen, and contributing to society. Sure, there are concerns about costs and debt, but colleges are working to address those issues.
In the end, higher education is like a treasure chest full of valuable skills and knowledge. It’s up to you to unlock its potential and use it to make the world a better place. So, don’t just think about the money; think about all the ways higher education can benefit you and the world around you. It’s worth it!
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