The True Value of Education

The rising cost of higher education has caused many to doubt the true benefit of furthering their education past high school. People more than ever are wondering whether the opportunity cost of choosing college over a steady job is worth the reward. The risk is even larger for low income families who already have a difficult time making ends meet without college tuition and fees. Also with the recent spike in the cost of tuition it would leave a student directly out of college in thousands of dollars in debt.

In order to determine whether higher education is worth the risk, it is easiest to look at the average amount made over a life time of a high school graduate versus a college graduate. In a life time a bachelor degree makes around 1 million more according to a 2002 study. Another study conducted in 1998 showed a different perspective of improved life besides a greater income. The study showed a large number of aspects for that a college graduate enjoys, such as higher levels of saving, improved quality of life for their children, better consumer decision making, and more hobbies and leisure activities.

Overall if one can afford to go to college the opportunity cost may seem daunting at first but the benefits eventually outweigh the costs, not only financially but in the general standard of living as well.

Community vs. State: part 2

As I talked about earlier, there are several differences between the state schools and the community schooling. In my first post about the differences I mentioned the size of the class rooms and how they effect learning. Another difference however is the level of education you receive. The level at which is required is most classes for a major university is usually considered more intense. At UK falling behind on my work load was very hard to recover from and the was a lot more expected out of you. This wasn't the case in every class but for the most part the classes do seem more challenging.

At any institution there will be tough classes and easy one, also the amazing teachers and those who struggle to relate to the students and teach them in the best way possible. However at a community college they don't offer the level off qualifications that the universities do. Which are the levels of qualifications that the majority of higher paying jobs are looking for. although there are many programs that a community college offers for many jobs that don't require as high of standards.

There is nothing wrong with those jobs either, its all a point of perspective, and some times that perspective a negative one when it comes to a community college.

Writing in College

Either you have the gift or you don't when it comes to writing. Yes, everyone can write a decent paper but a good writer it just comes naturally, and there writing stand out from the crowd. I struggled throughout high school when it came to writing, working hard just to get a C- paper. Back then a 3 page paper seemed like a novel and took me the same amount of time to write it. Towards my senior year I did improve slightly but still wasn't where I needed to be for the college level and it showed on my first college paper.

As I walked in my first day he handed us our English 104 syllabi's, I glanced it over and saw a due date for a ten page paper. A 10 page paper was a big step up from the level I had been writing on in high school. The criteria becomes much more specific and rigid and the course moves a lot faster. At first it might seem like a lot but if you stay on top of the assignments and meet with your teacher to review each draft you should keep a decent grade.

To prepare for college try to, if the option is presented, get into writing classes or meet with your teacher to see where your writing needs improvement. My mistake was to attempt things on my own without seeking advice. Procrastinating was also one of my downfalls it didn't allow me to have the time to realize simple mistakes from transitions to minor grammar mistakes.

Community vs. State: Part 1

what is the true difference between community and state schooling? It differs from school to school but most community and state have several standard differences. The size alone is probably the most obvious between the two, an average class at a community school will have around 20 students opposed to a minimum of 30. I have attended the University of Kentucky and Bluegrass Community and Technical College and each are very different. At BCTC my average class size was from 15-20 students, unlike where UK I found my self sitting in class with over 200 students.

At the university a question would arise but never get answered due to the fact no one would speak. I mean who want to be the dumb ass that asks the question he just covered in front 200 plus students?
However at BCTC in some of my classes I find myself asking more questions than anyone else. The showed the smaller classes allow the student to feel more comfortable and in touch with the teacher. In my case asking the teacher for help or to clarify the material, allowed me to understand it much easier and progress throughout the semester. Where if I had been at a university that out come probably would have never had happened.

Greek Life

As you enter college there are many paths to take that will define or represent you as a person. Whether it be the athlete, a loner, the tree hugger, the frat guy, or sorority girl, all are accepted, simply just different. In my situation I went with the route of Greek life and pledged Delta Tau Delta. Although with joining people begin to perceive you differently, some may automatically assume you're a douche bag while others see a brother. It has its pros and cons, same as every decision in life.

Whatever your choice maybe, doing nothing shouldn't be one of them. Participating within the campus or the community brings about definite rewards, especially in the choice of Greek. The bonds built last an eternity, as well as the social networking. The party's aren't to bad either. You instantly become involved with projects to help out the community, from helping the Governor to setting up charity events.

If your a confused timid freshmen as I was, participate in something. However choose one that fits you right, the recruiting process is often times skewed.

Dont Get Your Hopes Up

The majority of freshman live that first year of college in the dorms. And a majority of freshman that first year hate the dorms! It's definitely is an situation that you love to hate, or at least in my case it was.

As I waited patiently during the month of June to discover the verdict of where I would be living my freshman year. Hoping desperately I lucked out and was put into one of the few dorms that were recently built. With over 22 dormitories as a whole it was a complicated and unknown experience to me. However I did hear one thing over and over, don't live on North Campus! Sure enough, Holmes Hall located in the heart of North Campus. This antique of a building was built in the early 70's, lacked the luxury of air conditioning, and was confined to males only. After hearing about all the accommodations Holmes lacked my roommate and I decided to notify the university of our newly developed asthma and allergies, which wouldn't allow me to live in the beloved Holmes Hall. After being relocated to a dorm that was slightly newer than the last, the day finally came to move in.

It was more than anything I had expected. As I turned the key to 1803 of Kirwin Tower a wave the muggy summer heat embraced me. Along with the heat came the smell of old carpet that had started out what appeared to be green but now displayed a mixture of dull brown. With the expired carpet came the realization of truly how small the rooms were, it seemed more fitting for a Keebler elf than two grown men. As we settled our belongings the open space quickly vanished, becoming occupied by chairs, refrigerators, a microwave, a 37" TV, and other miscellaneous objects, which were stacked and piled throughout the room. With the lack of privacy and space brought with the rooms also comes the unforgettable memories, often on an idle Wednesday night.

Bleeding Blue...

Moving to the great state of Kentucky around high school I wasn't truly exposed to the hysteria about the wildcats. It wasn't till last Saturday that I finally realized why people surround their lives with the most winning program in the nation.I must admit I'm probably not the biggest sports fanatic, however I still enjoy watching a good game. It was until i came to Kentucky, being one the the biggest basketball schools, did i realize how little I knew. The majority of my friends had been bred to bleed blue, displaying their knowledge by constantly spiting facts about players, coaches, even announcers since the beginning of the program.

The school spirit at Kentucky is always on a high but when that beloved basketball season comes around it reaches a completely new level. Attending a school that devotes themselves as fans you can help but to get caught up in it. Never before had I found myself upset at the loss of a game until i realized the respect the basketball team receives. The aura surrounding players on the team is that of a national superstar. With people swarming, smothering, and suffocating from parties to class they are recognized instantaneously.

This current season has only amplified the energy about UK the hype about John Wall has proved to be true. When I hear "John Wall is GOD" coming from the street behind my apartment, which fills with the fans returning home. Like I said earlier it wasn't till last Saturday did I realize the "swagger" about UK until I Attended my first game. Three rows off the court shoulder to shoulder with screaming fans it hit me that this was way more than simply a program instead a lifestyle.