Why go to college?

I have chosen to go to college for many reasons. In order for me to get even a reasonable paying job I need to have some type of college degree. The higher the degree I have, the more money I can make in a year. I've also heard from many people, including family and close family friends, that college is one of the best experiences that everyone should go through in their lifetime. College is not for some people, and there are other ways to get a well paying job without having a college degree, like knowing how to do a trade. I don't know how to do a trade of any kind so I knew college was for me.

My calling in life is to be a Geriatric Nurse. There is no way for me to do what I have wanted to do for two years now without having the college degree that classifies me for it. When my grandaddy was sick, I was in the hospital everyday for three months and could see myself doing all of the different jobs nurses do. The rewards of getting to help save someone's life or make their last moments comfortable for them would be an honor to me. I chose this college because of the fantastic program their known for having. I can not wait for someday being able to do what I know I would love to do.

Going to college cost A LOT of money. Some people have to pay for all of it out of pocket or pay back loans to the government to go to college. Very few are lucky enough to have their college completely paid for by scholarship, grants, or a family that can easily afford it. In the end it's worth it because it helps you get high paying jobs that can go into retirement, pay for a comfortable living, and even help support a family. I want to be able to live comfortably and never have to worry very much about money. I also would like to have so much money saved up by the time I die that my children and grandchildren won't have to worry about much in their lives either. My mom always had to worry about money for me, and I made a goal to be able to help her and everyone after me that I can. It means a lot to me to have my family taken care of.

Another thing about college that made me want to do it was to be a part of an organization of some kind. I tried out for the Marching Southerners earlier this summer and got accepted into the 2012 flute line. It is without a doubt the best thing I have done so far. The family in my section and throughout the whole band isn't like any other organization on campus. It takes so much work to be a part of the Southerners. The reputation we have makes me to proud to be a part of the 402 people in the band. Because I did not get a scholarship for band, I don't have to take a musical class or be in another type of ensemble next semester. I can just do marching band and not lose any money for my other classes. At first when I chose to go to college and be in band, I wanted to do some type of concert band next semester, but now that I see how much work it is and what little time I have to do things outside of school, I'm actually relieved I don't have to worry about another class to take up my time. Band makes me have a sixteen hour load. It is hard for me to believe that I almost didn't even do the Marching Southerners this year. It's what I have loved most about college so far this year.

All of my life I was pretty sheltered and over protected. My mom always worried constantly about where I was, what I do was doing, and who I was with. Sadly one of my big reasons for choosing to go to college and live on campus even though I didn't have to was because I got to be on my own for the most part. I don't have to check in with my mom all the time or tell her everywhere I'm going everyday. It's quite nice to have a taste of all of the freedom. The location is perfect too. It's far enough from where I live to really feel like I've left the nest, but not so far I can't run home for something I need or if I'm sick. It's already proven to be very convenient. I enjoy the laid back feeling college has and the fact everyone is here for the same thing. They're here to get an education. For the most part the people that go to college actually care about school. It's too much money to blow to flunk out or slide by grade wise. The atmosphere of the classrooms, the professors I have, and the ability to plan my own schedule really appealed to me. I like Jacksonville State University, and I'm glad I chose to go to college here.