College as an Investment
This article provides an approach to young adult life, and how I specifically look to balance a life of experiences while also setting myself up for future success.
By Carter Thompson — July 10, 2023
In a world filled with so many opportunities, it can be hard to commit countless hours and dollars to a college education. Some young adults feel the need to experience all that the world has to offer before they feel they will be "tied down" to adult life. The phrases "I'm living while I'm young" or "I'm enjoying my twenties" are used to express one's desire to avoid "wasting" their youth on years pursuing further education, saving, investing, etc. Some people might argue that they have limited free time left, so any period of their young adult life not spent "living" they consider a waste of their youth. What follows in this article is an approach to young adult life, and how I specifically look to balance a life of experiences while also setting myself up for future success. Consider this an invitation for you to do the same.
The Value of College
There was a time when I didn't even see the value in going to college. I was 16-17 years old and in a rabbit hole of watching countless hours of influencers and motivational speakers on YouTube. They tell of things like how they didn't need their college education to get the job they love, they don't even use their college degree "like so many other Americans," they have way too much debt. They regret it because they could've spent those 2-6 years getting experiences and saving money instead of going to college. These all seemed valid points and had me convinced I should follow in their footsteps to live the amazing spontaneous young adult life they have.
I soon realized, however, their social media lives were nothing but a highlight reel. A decades-long stable career likely didn't fit in this lifestyle for me. Additionally, after discussing with my uncle, a very well-off Anesthesiologist, I came to terms that a life without a college education didn't fit my goals. I expressed how I was tired of the monotony of high school and wanted to feel free to live my life as I wished. He redirected my thinking by telling me how his college life had far more freedom and joy than his high school education. He also brought to light the fact that a college education leads to a far greater return on your invested time and money. People holding bachelor's degrees earn 84% more ($36,000/yr) on average than those holding just a high school diploma, leaving college graduates to make $1.2M more in a lifetime (APLU). This statement alone from my uncle was very compelling. He also pointed out how I will be a more valuable, honored, and well-rounded employee by putting in the work now in seeking further education. This led me to set my sights on seven more years of college to strive to become a Physical Therapist and provide one-on-one care to people.
Salary vs. Hourly Jobs
There are many well-paying jobs out there that do not require a college education. If you're seeking to provide goods and services, for example as a contractor, welder, or chef, then you'd do best to either go to trade school or just straight into the workforce after high school to develop your skills that way. However, something to take into consideration when choosing a line of work is the quality of life and benefits that you receive because of your employment. Those holding a bachelor's degree are 47% more likely to have health insurance provided through their job, their employers contribute 74% more to health coverage, and the life expectancy and physical health of college attendees are greater as well (APLU). I desired all these benefits, as well as the paid time off with possibly more flexible hours that I believe will allow me to be the best father I can be in the future. Millions of people live fruitful lives in hourly jobs. We need blue-collar workers to make the world go round, but the career I saw the most value in for myself was a salary-based healthcare job with many benefits, and thus required a college education.
Delayed Gratification
A college education is a big test of your patience. You put hours and hours of time and money into your education only to see the stress and debt levels rise year by year. Going to lectures, studying, or even some classes can seem completely pointless to you. You wonder if college is worth all this struggle. I'm here to tell you it is. Now yes, college athletes have far less free time, but all students still have weekends and breaks to enjoy as they please, as well as many amazing opportunities, relationships, and benefits to take advantage of during college. Despite some modern advice, a college education is still one of the greatest investments you will ever make in your life. You won't see the financial return for the first decade or so, but it will come and build exponentially until you retire whenever you please. Do the hard work now and see the exponential returns on your investment later.
Future Success
In our current culture, there appears to be a built-up tension, a desire to “get away from it all,” and a need to do, see, and feel everything right now. This seems to lead some to feel the need to get away from the classroom and see the world. I'm here to reassure you that there are good people, experiences, and memories to be made everywhere in this world if you're willing to see them. I also encourage you to set aside the resume-building mindset of making connections and instead build genuine lasting relationships during your education. My years in college are currently on track to be some of the best years of my life. Plus, although it isn't the sexiest thing to do, financial budgeting ultimately facilitates fun, and so too does an education. A college diploma is like hitting the long-term lottery for life. Investing in yourself will set you up for a lifetime of greater freedoms and future success. I can all but guarantee that you won't regret your years spent in college when you walk across that stage and accept your diploma.
Carter Thompson
Carter is currently seeking his undergraduate degree in Exercise Science under the Pre-Physical Therapy Program at Luther College in Decorah, Iowa. He will go on to complete his Doctor of Physical Therapy Degree at an accredited university with the end goal of applying industry-leading recovery treatments as a Physical Therapist for either Division I or professional athletic teams.
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