Go to College, and then What?
But these student loans though?
You went to college, or maybe still trying to finish, but you still have this nagging question you have been avoiding. The dreaded “Now what?” So many influences from teachers, to family, or the recruiters attending your school may have convinced you to go.
You may have even made the decision to go off across the country to attend this prestigious university. Either way, you likely found yourself broke, hungry, and needing quarters to wash your clothes. This doesn’t even mention the 2 tests, and 5 page paper you have due tomorrow.
Going to college was prompted and promoted to be the answer to your questions. College can be a good tool when equipped with proper guidance. The disconnect is when students do not have a support system from home, or know how to access the proper on campus resources. (By the way if you have student loans, make sure you know who your Loan Service Provider is, and how much you owe! The two sites you will need is the Federal Student Aid where you login and find out your balance.
You will also find information repayment options, and ways to get in contact with your service loan provider. You want to ensure you are paying the right people, the right amount of money! Protect yourself! As stated by the the above Federal Student Aid office of the U.S Department of Education, “Beware. You do not have to pay for help with your student loans.”
After my 6 years out of state, and 5 of those years enrolled, I have learned a lot during my matriculation in the university setting. I experienced much life in that span of time, and lessons I will never forget.
There are countless stories of laughter, pure joy, excitement, love, heart break, inebriation, sobering realizations, and growth from my undergrad years. I feel as though I experienced every facet of the college life in the span of time I attended school.
I was the athlete who played football, and officially stopped playing the sport for good after a 13 year run growing up. I was the hermit that never left his room outside of going to class, or the cafeteria. I was the student in all the teachers and administrators offices, finding praise for my efforts. I also was the student who (from time to time) found myself at the mercy of those same people, praying for saving grace.
I became the organizer, working to bring quality programming and events to my peers. I was the 40 hours a week, working overnight, sleeping during class, just trying to make it student.
Remember the 5 years, out of 6 things mentioned earlier? I sat a total of a year out of school due to having a bill, and also certain classes being offered only on one semester. I have seen it all!
Of all the things I experienced, I would say it can be difficult to navigate college life without a few bumps and bruises. The important thing is that you learn lessons from those hits taken during your college experiences, and life. A brief list of things I learned from college that I hope you will embrace!
NETWORK. - Duh, some may say. However do not under estimate the importance of this. When you genuinely network, you are not just exchanging business cards. You are in my opinion, injecting yourself into that person’s mind. You are creating a memorable (hopefully positive) moment with that person. This will create reasons for your name to be brought up in rooms you are not quite in yet, effectively building your door into said rooms. I also scored some great food this way, and who doesn’t need good food while you’re in college!
ITS ON YOU - Although many people encouraged you to attend college, and maybe even taken a parent plus loan out, remember that bill is on you. Even after the money your parents paid out of pocket, if you do not have scholarships and grants, YOU will be responsible for any debt you have accrued during your time in school.
There are many scholarship opportunities out there, and often times are not rewarded. They are not rewarded because a lack of applicants. It never hurts to find specific scholarships dependent on your circumstances. Some scholarships are gpa dependent, but there are all kinds of money to help you finish school. Make sure to be aware of your student loan debt/payments, as it can damage your credit score from lack of payments.
3.RESEARCH - More than just your papers. Find out what kinds of jobs require the degree you are pursuing. You want to make sure you get a good ROI, or return on investment.
Find something suitable for you, and ensure your degree will not be obsolete by the time you graduate. Look up comparable salaries for your field of study, and note that against the amount of debt you may have taken on while in schools. Figure out ways within that field you can maximize your degree. Use that network you’re supposed to be building, and get friends in the field you have studied in!
You go to college to get a degree, and then what? You have to understand that piece of paper does not define your life. That piece of paper is valueless, until your name is printed upon it. The piece of paper confirms you as being competent, and capable to other people. However, the key is that you personally validate your abilities and talent. That you bring value to the world, and that you are confident in doing so. One last thing, and it is; you must continue to learn after you receive your degree. Life is about learning lessons, and developing our selves. Do not let undergrad be the greatest achievement of knowledge and experience in your life.
Go to college, network, take responsibility for self, research, and jump in to world ready to kick ass.
If you enjoyed this post like, comment, subscribe will be coming soon, and share with someone who may need it! Below you will find links to free and paid sites that you can find online courses of wide variety.
Massachusetts Institute of Technology offers free online courses
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