Post-High School Education is a necessity
In today’s society there are infinite possibilities for individuals to achieve goals and prosper. Young children and immigrants new to the country are reminded daily that America is the land of opportunity, and they can have and be whatever they desire. Individuals can be professional athletes, journalists for a big time paper, ring leaders, and professional musicians, just to name a few. If you fall into the ninety-nine percentile of those who will not achieve these extraordinary heights though, college is necessary to get ahead. This is why the closer you come to high school graduation, the more an importance of further education is stressed. As adults, it is a responsibility to instill this in the country’s youth.
Firstly, it is a proven fact that those who attend college attain higher salaries, and generally enjoy do better then those who decide to skip out on post-high school education. It is just the way the United States is set up, it is how we separate the competent and philosophical from the average and those complacent in mediocrity. The Research Center (2004) reports that those who drop out, or do not attend college, earn an average of thirty-percent less then those who have a college degree. That is a substantial number, especially considering how hard it is to make a living in our society. In our capitalist nation, competition will only become fiercer, and most individuals will need that extra money. In America, prestige is determined almost solely on wealth and power, and besides being born into it, the only way to attain this status is a respectable job. Individuals will have a hard time achieving these jobs without at least one college degree, and are putting themselves at a distinct disadvantage by not acquiring one. There is nothing wrong with a blue collar job, but for most of us, we do not aspire to be janitors and plumbers. Citizens are brought up wanting more then average, and are...