(ThyBlackMan.com) Have you ever heard about Maslow’s hierarchy of needs? As a rule, it looks like a pyramid with the following layers: physiological needs, safety needs, belonging and love, esteem needs, and self-actualization. Do you see higher education here? That’s right, it’s nowhere to be found.
Higher education has never been one of the basic human needs. Nobody dies if they don’t enter university. Perhaps going to college has something to do with self-fulfillment needs. But let’s be honest – if you’ve sold your painting for three million dollars, your potential has definitely been unleashed even if you don’t have a diploma.
So, why do people keep sending their applications? Why do we want to enter university so desperately? There are three main reasons for this attitude:
· Systematic studies
In fact, we can learn foreign languages, statistics, psychology, and almost all disciplines by ourselves. The internet gives us a wide range of opportunities: we can buy ebooks, listen to online lectures, and discuss our research with others. But this type of education requires a discipline and a strong character. It’s much easier to shift the responsibility for your schedule to someone else.
· Social prestige
I want to share one secret with you: not all people with diplomas in higher education are smart and deserve your respect. Maybe some of them used to cheat during tests or buy dissertations online. However, the phrase “I’ve got a science degree” still sounds like a strong argument in various discussions. Higher education does not necessarily make us smarter.
· Fear of adulthood
Not every young man or woman has the guts to face the problems of adult life. Job search, planning, taxes, and cleaning – all of these things look quite scary if you’re not mature enough. And we want to postpone our adulthood with the help of college life.
I’m not saying that studying at university is bad and useless. My purpose is to prove that it’s not the only option. You don’t have to go to college if this decision destroys your family’s budget or if it’s not what you really need.
So, let’s check the list of alternatives:
1. Work
Yes, it’s rather simple. Work experience is probably the most important criteria for your potential employers. No one cares whether you have a diploma or not or if you have three years of practice and show good results in your sphere.
2. Internship
Many companies are interested in young and enthusiastic workers even with no experience. They offer internships for young people who want to try their hand at a new niche. For the employers, it’s a great opportunity to “raise” loyal specialists without actually looking for them anywhere else. Besides, an internship in a reputable company is the same thing as work experience.
3. Private courses
You don’t have to listen to endless lectures and do homework to learn something. Instead, you can pick private courses and get all the necessary information and skills in a few months! Plus, private
courses are much more affordable than higher education. And you don’t have to waste your time on the obligatory disciplines!
Conclusion
Higher education isn’t necessarily what you need. It has many advantages, but it’s not the only option, and you should remember that. Don’t let stereotypes and social “norms” choose for you! Your future depends only on your conscious decisions.
Staff Writer; Larry Barker