To some, a college education is strictly intended to train a student for their post-graduation career opportunities. Benefits of all shapes and sizes appear pre and post-graduation in addition to the ever-so hoped for high-quality career opportunities. Additionally, the more of an education that a student is willing to undergo; the more elevated the chances of living a secure and stable life (Greenstone, Brookings).
Although both of these purposes bring about a beneficial outcome, they also entail a variety of obstacles for the student to overcome. With higher education comes a seemingly impending sense of anxiety and chaos. More often than not, a student's journey through college was not complete without an exhausting bout or two of trials. The struggles passed to college students seemingly weed out who is interested in succeeding from who is there just to fill time (Grice). One popular problem among undergraduates and graduates alike is the cost of higher education. Far too many stories are reported about the absurdly high costs of tuition and books, leading to student debts of roughly $100,000, or even beyond (Greenstone, Brookings). On the other hand, this price may be earned back, and then some depending on the student's career choice. .
Gaston Caperton explains the benefits and value of a college education actually outweigh the painful price required to gain an education. Caperton states that because an education is so valuable, it should not be the price that is a "barrier "causing students to want to drop college courses (Caperton, College). Aside from cost and debt, other obstacles include the strife caused by half-hearted classmates and harsh professors who seemingly make a student's life more complicated than necessary, as well as the anxieties of time management and important due dates. Surprisingly, all of these conflicts may wind up as beneficial to students. The purpose of students persevering through these rough patches is to better prepare themselves for real world stresses such as lousy co-workers, unorganized bosses, chaotic schedules, and fast approaching deadlines.
