In Massachusetts, 63% of students will attend a four year college after they graduate high school. The number of kids going to college in Massachusetts has dropped significantly over the past couple of years. In 2017, 74% of students in Massachusetts graduated and moved on to a 4 year college. Although, in 2021 the percentage dropped by 11%. The reason for the drop could be things like the cost or they want to pursue a trade. The desire to pursue a trade has been on the rise as students have come to realize that option after high school. A phrase said in most classrooms is this class will get you prepared for college. Meanwhile, some math teachers will say that you use this in real life. These phrases can create pressure on students as they may feel required to pursue a degree.
The worst part about all the pressure to attend college is that it may not be the right option for everyone. In terms of cost, it may not be an issue for some students. However for others, cost is a big factor as some can’t afford college. This results in students becoming buried in student loans which ultimately can push people away from a four year university. That is why community college is another good option in Massachusetts. There are 15 community colleges in Massachusetts that offer all the same degrees that a university would offer as well. I spoke to two seniors at Ipswich High School who expressed different opinions about college and their plans for after high school. One student plans to attend University of Massachusetts Lowell while the other is planning on pursuing a job as a plumber.
The first senior I spoke to was the student who plans on going to a four-year university after graduation. He is planning on attending UMass Lowell where his intended major is in chemistry and chemical engineering. He does feel excited about college. He believes that, “College feels like another extension of school – something that I have already been attending for most of my life.” He feels like college is just the same as high school where you get told what to do while receiving a lot of homework. He believes he is already prepared for college despite his negative opinions and hesitancy about college. He also told me he has felt like he is required to go to college. He notices that there has been social pressure applied on him saying that college is required to have a successful future.
Another student I spoke to doesn’t feel the social pressure that college is necessary. He feels like college just gets you ready to sit behind a desk for your whole life. However, this senior is done sitting and working behind a desk. He’s ready to work with his hands as his goal is to become a plumber. He is going to be working at Bilo Plumbing and Heating. He knows he has to start at the lowest level and is excited and ready to work his way up in the company.
Seniors receive a Tiger Paw when they get accepted into a university
The pressure that college is a requirement shouldn’t exist. There are many great options and opportunities for students after they graduate high school. Students should be able to do what is best for them whether that be at a university, community college, or a trade program. Other people shouldn’t have a say in your future. You are in control of your own destiny.
