How I did it: I am 22-years-old. Growing up, I didn't know if I wanted to go to college. After I graduated high school, I worked for 3 years in a blouse mill. That's when I made my decision; that I didn't want to work dead-end jobs for the rest of my life. So I started classes at the local community college this August. I am enrolled in the Communication Design (Graphic Arts) program. However, I have decided that I don't really think I would want to do this as a full-time job, since (unless you are with an agency) freelancing jobs don't really provide a steady source of income.
    So, after giving it some thought, I decided that I am going to finish out my CD degree (since it will be a handy thing to have and I LOVE to draw and the arts), but when I transfer to a 4-year school, I will attempt to enroll in a photography program. I know that would be something I could do for the next 50+ years of my life.

Lessons & tips: Be patient. If you are not sure that college is right for you, don't go right after high school. Take a few years to find yourself. Also, realize that it's never too late to learn a new skill.

Work at a job that you hate. If you think that you can swing flipping burgers or doing grunt work for your livelihood, more power to ya. But if not, then college may be for you.

Think about what you would like to do and what you like to do. Some people are born with inherent skills for music, cooking, helping the community, or a head for numbers. Play off of your strengths.

Don't enroll in a program just because it pays well or it's popular at the time of enrollment. If you spend 5 years training to become a nurse but then realize you can't stand the sight of blood, that's a lot of money out of you pocket that you can't get back.

Resources: College websites, High school guidance counselors, and your intuition

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Sep 17, 07:33PM PDT | 0 comments | 3 cheers