University | Opinion

What makes having a degree so inviting and prompting? Paying thousands of dollars in order to get a piece of paper, for a job that may not even be hiring?

I do not believe that university opens more doors and opportunities, rather that it provides the skills for students to pursue a career that is suited to them. Having a degree does not necessarily mean that more jobs are available, but it shows the employers that you are able to meet deadlines, write essays and complete assignments. What exactly are the skills that are entailed? 

I understand the a degree is definitely a requirement for highly skilled jobs, such as doctors, lawyers etc. But yet, why are 90% of students compelled to choose university? 

Where I came from, prestige high schools push for students to study, upskill themselves and learn. Although I agree, in university you do learn some things, here and then, but it is not a requirement in many jobs. 

I want students to know, that university shouldn't be compulsory for any reason what so ever. It may be that you wish to attend university, but that should not be the result of the influence of parents who believe going to university is the best option for jobs simply because they were not able to attend. I need to clarify that university does not equal jobs. As much as I'd like to believe that myself, I have to prepare for the worse. I am studying in my final year of university, and there are many instances where I thought where I would be if not at university. I was looked down upon by many others when I told them that I would not be attending university, but rather a tourism school. My dream of becoming a flight attendant was crushed when I found out how unlikely I am able to obtain that as a career. 

I opted out, and took on communications as I loved writing. I believe that there is a job out there that is for me. But I, just like many others, fell under the spell of society, becoming a part of the flock of sheep heading towards university. 

It is not a bad choice that I have made, but as of yet, I do not know if it is the best decision. But I certainly know that it is a decision that costed a lot of money. 

I was scared, that if I did not go university, I would become a failure. But that is not true. Studying is not for everyone, some may be experts in hair and beauty, some love to be handy, others may love to be their own boss but there are so many more options out there - apprenticeships, internships, police school, military etc. There are so many jobs, yet we feel restrained by a piece of paper work that drains our energy for 3 years or more. 

I am saddened by the amount of people who believe that university is the only way into the adult world, where in fact, after high school ends, we are already one step into the adult world. We are free to make any decision - whether or not that be university or a stepping stone into a job prospect that is potentially more worth than attending years of university. 

University is not a requirement for us, but it is looked upon as a gracious medal to have earned. 

Sheuk-Yeeng Tan