Everyone knows someone who has been affected by the downturn in the global economy. For me it was my parents. Both of them were laid off within three months of each other, leaving my family in a time of despair. For five months both of my parents were in constant search of new jobs. I’ve heard countless stories about how my dad would go in to interview for a position and the next prospective candidate was a recent college graduate. This constant state of unemployment and underemployment begs the question, “What are the benefits of having a college degree?” With the constant rise of tuition and the national unemployment rate lingering in near double digit numbers one could say that things look very grim. But, for America to grow and continue its’ dominance as the best nation in the world we must continue to educate our citizens past the post secondary level. Our citizens need to continue to complete college and technical training for the betterment of themselves and for the advancement of our communities and nation. I believe the only way to generate continued enrollment in these higher learning institutions is through community awareness.
As a young child one learns about the idyllic “great jobs”; physicians, attorneys, CEO’s, nurses, politicians, teachers, and etc. You are constantly being told to “stay in school and go to college” so that you your career choices are unlimited and that your future would not be determined by becoming a professional retail cashier, or a burger flipping extraordinaire in a dead-end minimal wage job. This message was delivered through media, in families and throughout our 12 years of education. The message of continued education must be strengthened and continued if we want an educated, influential and powerful nation.
One key to raising the enrollment rates is educating both children and parents. Colleges should hold informational sessions, geared toward elementary age school children and their families. It is imperative that we let both the child and the parent know that college doesn’t have to be placed on hold because of financial troubles. We have to inform our community that a college degree isn’t a plus on a resume anymore, for most jobs it’s a requirement. It is our job to let parents know how to properly save for college and let them know that even though their child is in elementary school there are things that they need to be doing now to give their child a competitive edge when it is time to apply for scholarships. If you wait until the child is in high school, or even middle school it is often too late. We have to inform our community while the children are young; so that when they’re of age they are prepared to go on to great institutions such as Howard University.
At the Mecca, Howard University, students are placed through a real world simulation for four years. Required courses such as English and Speech teach students vital job requirements such as writing and effective communication skills. Every aspect of Howard prepares you for your bright future. The college experience, and preparation for life, is more than a G.P.A.; it is the sum total of life lessons learned in and out of the classroom. It is common knowledge that every institution of higher learning changes you, even after one brief semester, but, it is my strong belief that the Mecca challenges you to become more competitive, resourceful, knowledgeable, and successful to better prepare you for real life. As a freshman, I am in the midst of a “Job Simulation”
The “Job Simulation” is the combination of both my classes and the organizations that I have become involved in. Last semester I had the honor to take “Intro to Mass Communication”. The class opened my eyes to life and history of the Media Industry. It showed me that my future dreams are going to be hard, but I can accomplish them with hard work and dedication. Another class that has already molded me into a more determined individual was English. I wrote several essays for my professor and despite the large amounts of efforts that I was putting into the course I couldn’t get the “A” that I craved. Even though I ended up with a “B” in the class I learned more from the “B” than I could an “easy A.” That class taught me that even though I’m not in the real world yet, I have to treat my classes like a job. I have to take this time in school seriously, build relationships with my professors, and learn from them. The organizations I am proud to be a part of taught me that if you have strong passion for something your job is actually play time. As a Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA) member I have learned many new PR techniques that I wouldn’t be exposed to until junior year according to my graduation scheme. I also have learned the value of networking. Since “no one person is an island” I have connected with many upperclassmen that are in the internships that I will apply for down the road. I have learned what companies are looking for and what I can do now to better prepare my resume and myself.
To continue to generate enrollment I believe that we must start “recruiting” children at a young age. You are never too young to think about your future, especially in this economy where your future success is dependent on a college degree. Kayne West recently asked the question “Who will survive in America?” My answer is simply this: those who are prepared.
