Essays about the value (or lack thereof) of a college education in today’s world are easy to find. Most of them, however, are written by people whose college years are long behind them. Regardless of their opinions or approaches, these writers often miss the juicy details of day-to-day lived experience. This essay, published on Medium in July 2015, was written by Alex Kern, a software developer and student at University of California Berkeley, and it goes to the heart of student life.
Read it here: Kern, "Don't drop out: Why there's still value in college"
- Although Kern is strongly in favor of staying in school and graduating, he has a number of complaints about and criticisms of the college experience. What are they? Summarize them. Does he present his criticisms fairly? Point to specific examples to support your assessment.
- While Kern details several good arguments for leaving school, he makes it very clear that staying and graduating from college was the better choice for him. Still, his experience as a full-time STEM student at a prestigious university is likely very different from the experiences of many students. How well are you able to identify with Kern’s depiction of college life? Despite any differences in your situation, how applicable do you find his advice? Why? Which of his arguments resonated with you most? Why?
- Read (or re-read) Owen and Sawhill’s essay in Ch. 16 of your text. Those authors, for the most part, support the idea of finishing college. But are they and Kern really talking about the same thing? Why or why not? How might Kern respond to their essay? Why do you think so?
- Kern states that “school is a catalyst for experiences that teach you your physical, emotional, and mental limits. When combined with academics, an undergraduate program offers you the greatest variety of opportunities to acquire new skills….” Based on your own experience, do you agree with Kern’s claim? Even if you are just beginning your college journey, you have probably already had an experience or two that tested your limits and offered a learning opportunity. Describe such an experience. Using Kern as your They Say and your description as evidence, argue a position that supports or rebuts Kerr’s assertion.
They Say I Blog 
After reading Mr. Kern’s article, I agree with many of the points he made. He faced the situation that he was talking about and that was very important to what he was saying. He recognized the value of staying in school, while also having the possibility to get a jump start on his career. I agree with what Joanna said in response to the article as well. She outlined the point that many people that did not go to college are successful, but many would have ended up much better if they did. I think it is extremely important to go to college. College gives you an experience that is twofold, both learning new knowledge inside the classroom and outside about yourself. It gives individuals the opportunity to develop themselves in ways that they would have not been able to before if they went straight into a job. It can also broaden your horizons to new careers and knowledge that you would have never thought of before. I always thought it was important to attend college, and this article drives that point home.
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I agree with Kelsey’s point that the article is great for people who fall into the college mold, because that was the target audience of the group. The target audience, in my opinion, was people who are already in college. She makes valid points about the different molds for college people, but I have to disagree in her points of what the article was meant for. I think the article was written to show college students the good things that come out of college, not just knowledge and a degree, but the social experiences that shape the person into an adult. I believe Kern wrote this article not to convince people to go to college, but to get them to stay in college. He is writing against the newly rising culture of people leaving college early to pursue financial gain and is instead trying to get people to finish out college and become their own person, not “the next Mark Zuckerberg.” In reference to her other points, Kelsey is correct. College is not for everyone and everyone should figure out where they have the best chance to succeed, whether it be at another college, trade school, or the military.
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I completely agree with Arthur Chandler. His view on college is very practical, while weighing every option. College is the time for an individual to grow and find their place in society. Those four years in college change people from being young and dumb into the future of society. As Arthur states, not everyone has the opportunity to go to college, so the ones that do have the opportunity should go. Yes, college is very expensive, but it puts an individual in a place to earn more money than a person who gets a job right out of high school. A college education broadens an individual’s knowledge and exposes them to topics they may not be interested in at first, but may find that they love. While in college students will make connections that will eventually help them in looking for a job, whether it be a professor, a secretary, or an advisor. College gives students a chance to enhance their skills before they take the leap of faith into the workforce.
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The complaints and the criticisms of the college experiences that Kern has are that you would want to avoid the bad classes at all cost. Which is true, being a college student I feel as if there are multiple classes that I have taken that seem like a complete waste of time, but they are just required classes that you have to take in order to graduate and that is just something that I will never understand because why would I be required to take a class that has nothing to do with what I am studying. It seems almost as if it would just push you back more than just move you forward to the important classes that you need. Another one that he discusses is that why rush? What seems to be the rush, and it is not that us as students want to rush, it always seems like it is the parents and the adults that are always pushing us students. I understand completely that they want us to be successful and they want us to become something. But sometimes with the pressure of them and all of the school work it becomes too much and we become overwhelmed. Kern also talks about how “just because you earned a degree it does not mean you made it”. Which is true, most students and adults feel like once you graduate it is all over and that life becomes a whole lot easier. False. Once you get out of college it seems like more hard work comes along, you have to step out into the real world and put that degree to use. But it is difficult, you make think that everyone wants to hire you because you are fresh out of college with a degree, so that means you are smart. It can take months and even years to find a job after college. It is only so difficult because for the most part more employers are looking for people with experience and you fresh out of college have no experience, what’s so ever.Kern, to me, presents his criticisms fairly. Being a college student there are a few things that I can relate to. It is easy to relate to a college article when you are in college. Sometimes I think that most parents and adults relate to their own college experiences, and try to compare it to their children’s or someone else’s. Everyone learns differently and most people like to go at their own pace. You cannot force college upon someone. School is not for everybody. I understand that he is saying throughout the article that you should not drop out because there are so many experiences that you can experience in college, and that the best time of your life begins in college. But that same rule does not apply to everyone. I need college because I want to become something in life, but overall college has not been anything but stress and I am just ready for it all to be over.
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Everyone in life always says you better go to college so you can get a higher paying job and so that you can go somewhere in life. I believe that to a certain extent. I do believe you need some kind of education, but i don’t believe that you need to have a higher degree in order to have a really good paying job. I do believe that it gives you good skills needed for life ahead, but should be a shorter process. School takes so much time and money by the time you get to your “good paying job” you are in debt and have to use all your money to pay it off. Life is about being happy and making something of yourself and with the money and time of school it is hard to be happy.
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Asia is surely right that getting a college degree will more than likely provide the opportunity for a better job in the future, because recent studies have proved this to be true. Although having a degree does not guarantee one a job, it generally puts that individual in a better position than someone without a degree. Having a degree also means that a person made it through either two or four years, in which they were constantly tested in more ways than just academically. According to Kern, “School is a catalyst for experiences that teach you your physical, emotional, and mental limits. When combined with academics, an undergraduate program offers you the greatest variety of opportunities to acquire new skills, both from your fellow students and from faculty”. Kern was saying that college helps you grow in all aspects of life, rather than just gaining knowledge. College students are constantly tested mentally, emotionally, and even physically. By graduating, one learns far more than what they just read in their textbooks. Like Asia, I am also undecided on my major, but am certain that college is that path that I want to take in order to give myself the best chance at success later on in life.
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College is not what we call “Easy” or “Just something to do” It really takes time, devotion and wanting to. College is highly different from high school and dramatic changes are to be made if you want to stick it out and be successful. I deal with college by taking it one step at a time, not rushing and going at my own pace. I love that the article brings out a degree gives you something to fall back on, it is a guarantee. Advice in college and encouragement is always needed because it is not hard to give up but it is easy to keep going. College can be a struggle but it is not impossible to get done.
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I completely agree with Ann Landreville when she encourages students to take classes with professors that challenge and engage them. As Kern points out, these classes teach you more than a textbook ever could, and continues to make you think long after you’ve gotten your final grade. Like Ann, I was also surprised by the article, expecting statistics like the average salaries of those who go to college compared to those who don’t and other “motherly” evidence. Kern’s approach appeals to college students much more than “motherly” ones, and is more valuable.
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In the article, “Don’t Drop Out: Why There’s Still Value in College”, Alex Kern discusses his experience in college and how there is value in higher education. Kern declares that every field in college has worth. He says this is because the most valuable aspect of college is learning about how to learn, not learning tangible skills.
While learning outside of college is possible, most will not for various reasons. The author explains how school helps the students become well-rounded individuals by pushing them out of their comfort zone. Kern states that college teaches each student their physical, emotional, and mental limits. Being in an environment filled with peers and teacher who inspire, encourage, challenge, and help is a great learning opportunity. In connecting with his own experience, Kern states that students do not have to drop out of school to pursue their passion. There is plenty of time between classes to come up with ideas and prototypes. The author also lists activities that students can only experience at school: join student groups or start your own, meet individuals with varying demographic backgrounds, live in a student-centered community, watch performances featuring fellow peers, expand your mind in an environment where it’s socially acceptable, meet life-long friends, etc. Kern ends his article by answering the question about how he feels a little over half a year later: “I’m happy I’m still in college, and I can’t fucking wait for senior year”.
I agree with the author that college has value. I certainly did not want to attend college when I was a senior. Even though it has pushed me to my limits (especially socially), I do not regret the decision. During my first year of college, I learned new and more effective ways to study and organize my thoughts. I also discovered a new way to look at the world. While Sociology may not have given me practical skills for my future vocation, it showed me a new way to look at phenomenon and social problems in a society. I have since applied Sociology’s unique way of learning to my other courses and my everyday life. While it may not have initially seemed practical to my life, I use Sociology’s way of thinking and terms anytime I can.
I also heartily agree with the author that the college environment is one perfect for learning. It is quite shocking the difference between high school and college. In college, students actually want to be there and to learn. My fellow students would ask the teacher questions I had never even thought of! Throughout my time at Ivy Tech Community College, I’ve had excellent teachers who have challenged and encouraged us. Even though I do not engage in the social activities at school, I can see how they can be important to the life of a stressed out and lonely college student. Overall, college is an important experience for individuals intellectually and socially, but like Kern and many other college students, I too, cannot wait for senior year.
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This article talked about how college students shouldn’t drop out of college, and finish their education. I agree with the article, because when you finish college it will look good when you apply to jobs. I agree with the author because I can relate. I know someone who drooped out. A cousin of mine never finished college and she doesn’t have good luck in finding jobs. No job will hire someone without an education. It is shown that the students that drop out, regret it later in life when they are not qualified for a job that they wanted because of the decision that they made.
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I still found Kern’s article to be relatable regardless of our differences. His depiction of college life is still similar across most colleges, such as how college give you the opportunity to “meet people your own age with different world-views or ethnic/financial/geographic/political backgrounds,” joining student groups, and being in a place where we can learn or “expand our minds” in a place that supports learning and growth. What argument of his resonated with me the most was when he agreed that it is possible to lean outside of college, “But you won’t. You won’t because it’s hard. You won’t because you don’t know where to begin. You won’t because at first glance, any field unrelated to your current fascination will appear boring. You won’t because it’s difficult finding time to explore topics unrelated to your job or startup.” I found this to be very true, especially for myself. College has opened so many new learning opportunities for me where, even though they exist outside of college, if I hadn’t been in that environment I wouldn’t have taken it.
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After reading Kerns article “Don’t Drop Out” I agree with his statement that school does teach you your physical, emotional and mental limits because “school does forces you out of your comfort zone”, college can be so overwhelming but Kern gives you the best advice to staying in college mostly because college shapes your character and makes you independent. Most people would want to drop out because they feel like they can accomplish things on there own but for most people that’s not true, people don’t tend to go for a long tem rewards but Kern tell you its better to acquire new skills
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Kern talks about how college has many negative features but he still believes the better option is to stay in school. I agree with him when he says somewhere along the lines of it isn’t what we learn but how we learn that is important and he believes college helps you figure that out. Like he says he barely goes to class but can teach himself through books and online and such. I agree with him that even though college does have negative features that it does in fact help you find yourself, and that unless you have a huge opportunity and you wanted to drop out before maybe the best option is in fact staying in college. Besides college is usually the best years of your life despite all the studying.
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I disagree with Kayla Adkins response saying that college is not for everybody, because as recent studies have shown, having just a high school diploma is becoming less and less valuable. Kern in her article addresses the fact that many successful people have made it without a college education and that college is not for everyone but argues that college is about treating yourself and through the college experience it enables you to develop special qualities and experience a variety of life’s settings. College puts you out of your comfort zone and forces students into situations that are unfavorable or undesirable, but at the end of the day the perseverance through that is more valuable than any degree you can obtain. I disagree with Adkins response to Kern’s article. I feel that college is necessary to personal development. College puts a lot of stress on students and teaches several life skills including time management, priorities, and several others through the perseverance of these stresses. College also acts as a cutthroat way of “throwing you from the nest” or removing you from the shelter provided by parents, this in essence prepares you for the real world. In conclusion I feel that college is a fundamental part of establishing an identity while also pursing your ambitions into any given field, it allows for enjoyment of life through the development of friendships, experiences within different communities and the overall expansion of your state of mind.
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Kelsey is right that college is not for everybody, but she seems on more dubious ground when she claims that college is not the best option. While there have been some successful people who did not receive higher education and are now doing very well for themselves, the probability of this happening to everyone, or even a large majority of people, is very unlikely. This is why I believe that college is the best option and people should be influenced to attend. Kelsey brings up the point that not going to college can give someone life experience that they cannot experience while in college however, I would like to argue, from her examples she gave, that someone could gain all those experiences. In college there is learning to do a trade, ROTC and students with part-time jobs. There are also a lot more experiences that you can only gain at college for example, there will almost never be another time in a person’s life where they will be surrounded by people their own age and away from home. Another reason that college is the best option is that it will be easier to get a job with a degree. As Kelsey mentions, college graduates still struggle to find job and people who do not go to college do have job options available however, college graduates with a degree are not blocked off from as many opportunities such as better paying jobs and promotions as people without a degree. This is the main reason why going to college is the better option for people.
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In this article, Alex Kern explains why staying in college and not dropping out is the best route when considering your future and your development. Furthermore, Kern asserts that school is a catalyst for experiences that teach you your physical, emotional, and mental limits. He notes that facing these limits through adversity helps people in acquiring new skills and developing themselves. He explains that school is the best experience of your life and through experimenting outside of your comfort zone, meeting diverse people, and taking advantage of opportunities, you become a more well rounded individual.
I agree that staying in college and pursuing your undergrad is the best route because my experience as a college student at the University of South Carolina confirms it. Kern states that school is a catalyst for experiences that teach you your physical, emotional, and mental limits and I completely agree with that. Personally, as a student, I have been pushed to my limits in all of these categories and it has shown me that I can transcend these limits and acquire new skills while doing so. Furthermore, I have become a more well rounded individual through my college experience and firmly believe that staying in college and getting your degree is the best route in life.
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1) I agree with Arthur Chandler that one major advantage of college is the networking and connections you make because my experience with applying for jobs confirms it. Chandler suggests that after you leave college you have a much better networking community that if you were to start working right out of high school and I agree. While you are in college, you are surrounded by peers that are all taking the starting steps to being successful in life and pushing themselves to their limits as far as their education. These students will be the future innovators, entrepreneurs, politicians, etc. They will hold high level jobs and by attending the same school as these future successful people you are setting yourself up with a good networking community.
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I wasn’t really able to identify well with Kern’s depiction of college life, because I guess I didn’t have the typical college life. Right out of high school, I went to college but I was a commuter who stayed at home due to funds being low. I didn’t partake in any extracurricular activities on campus, I just came to school, did my work, and then went back home. My friends weren’t at school, they were back home. My job wasn’t up there, it was back home. School was its own separate entity, and something different to be done. It got even worse when I left college and went to nursing school. Then it was a year round school, with little opportunities for extracurricular development, or anything different outside of the curriculum. I found more friends in nursing school, but did it enrich my life like the author is saying? Not really.
I value my education that I received, and now that I am back in traditional college to get my bachelor’s degree it seems almost a newer world. I am an online student, and it’s later in my life so my roles and responsibilities have changed. Although, I still wear sweat pants every day I am able to.
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Amanda
I went to college prior to joining the military. I got the full blown four-year, sorority life, football game, party, and lots and lots of classes experience. It was an extremely enjoyable experience. And like Kern states, I met my closest friends and grew into the person that I am today. However, there were multiple times that I argued with my parents about dropping out. I felt I had a higher calling, and that the military needed me more than a college campus did. I hated struggling through classes when I knew I could be leading Soldiers. It was a constant mental battle, and often finding the mental fortitude to attend class was difficult, if not futile.
However, I eventually decided to push through the end of school and I do not regret this. It has set me up for success in both work and personal life. I am able to execute my tasks and missions in the military with more self-confidence and proficiency. And socially, I don’t feel as though I quit on my friends. Even now I continue to stay in school. School pushes me to be outside of my boundaries, forces me to have a purpose even when I feel a little lost in my work life (which I’m sure happens to most at different times throughout life) and allows me stay sharp and focused. While college was a struggle, and there were options for me outside of college (albeit they weren’t a promising tech start up), I am still very happy that I stuck with it.
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I think Kern represents his criticisms fairly regarding why not to stay in school. I would have to say that most college students think the same things Kern has thought at one point or another during their college days. But the bottom line is he chose to stay in school and obtain his degree. No one can tell you that it would be better if you didn’t go or you did go, only you can figure that out on your own. It is part of living life, making mistakes and learning from them.
I have mixed feelings regarding Kern’s ideas about school. I believe that an education is something that can never be taken from you. I do not think there is anything wrong with furthering your education especially if that is something you want to do. After all, I’m doing it! So in that perspective I think that obtaining a college degree is well worth the time and money spent. However, I also think that further education isn’t for everyone. I look at my brother and know that this is true. He is a very smart individual without any further education than a high school diploma. At the age of 38 years old he is retired and farms “for fun”. Do I think that a college education would have benefited him in anyway? Made him any smarter? No, because school was just not his forte.
In my opinion Owen and Sawhill recommend that college is a good investment if the return is there. I think they talk mostly about how much of a return you will get from every year of schooling obtained for a certain degree. To a certain degree I think that Owen/ Sawhill and Kern are talking about the same thing just in different ways. Owen and Sawhill truly breakdown the amount of money made per year of college regarding the degree you are perusing. Whereas, Kern I think looks at the whole picture.
I do agree with Kern’s thought that school is a catalyst. I personally attended college 13 years ago and I am perusing a greater degree at this time. And I must say that no matter how little or much schooling one has is does shape you physically, emotionally, and mentally.
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I agree with Kern and find his advice very true. I think that earning a college degree is all about opening opportunities in life. It is going to prepare me both intellectually and socially for my career and adult life. I believe that with a college degree you have job security, and a better income. Being in college can be time consuming and stressful ,but in the end is worth it
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While Kern details several good arguments for leaving school, he makes it very clear that staying and graduating from college was the better choice for him. Still, his experience as a full-time STEM student at a prestigious university is likely very different from the experiences of many students. How well are you able to identify with Kern’s depiction of college life? Despite any differences in your situation, how applicable do you find his advice? Why? Which of his arguments resonated with you most? Why?
After reading the article “Don’t Drop out” by Alex Kern, I can honestly say it gave me a different outlook on college classes. I will be the first to admit that I would do anything to get out of going to college and I think having to take classes outside of your degree is stupid. I am a nursing major why do I have to take public speaking, art, etc. However, I agree with many of the statements made by Kern. Many of the classes outside of my degree have been more valuable to me than my nursing classes their self.
His advice on staying in school is very important to me. I do not think that high school students understand the importance of finishing out their college career. And not only for just the education you will obtain but the connections you will make with other students, professors, etc. I do believe that individuals can make a living with out going to college, I do know people who have done it. However I feel that the majority of people succeed quicker if a college degree is obtained.
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How well are you able to identify with Kern’s depiction of college life? Despite any differences in your situation, how applicable do you find his advice? Why? Which of his arguments resonated with you most? Why?
After many years of working after High School and never feeling the need to go to college I have to agree with him. The best you can do for yourself is go to college and stay there and get your degree. As for college life, hanging with classmates, joining clubs or creating one; of this I have no experience and no desire.
His advise is solid. I believe this to my core. I have the experience of not having a degree for 40 years this year and I can’t count the opportunities I could have qualified for if I had a degree. The promotions that past, the positions I wanted and had the knowledge and experience but, not the degree.
I used to laugh at the situation I was in; somehow I think I knew I was the one being laughed at. Not now, not this year. I will have my sheepskin soon!
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My experience has been different than Kerns. I attended a community college and commuted. My next college experience was a 16-month nursing program, where I commuted as well. Now I am enrolled in a completely online RN-BSN program. I have not had the “typical” college experience. I have never lived on campus. Often, I wonder if I have missed out, because I was practical in my decisions. I did not want to “waste” money.
Despite our differences in college experiences I agree with Kern. I have met my best friends through my college experience. I do not know what I would do without them. They were with me through the ups and downs of school and life.
Never have my values, beliefs, and worldview been challenged by others. Which I think is one of the greatest experiences. Most are not “cultured”. We are sheltered and are robots to the worldview we are taught. Being open to others and being able to form one’s own worldview is essential.
Though not everyone follows the same path. College is not only about the classes and degree but the development of self, which is vital in any profession and life in general.
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My college experience, as a later-down-life’s-road learner, could not be more different than Alex Kern’s. I would love to wear sweatpants every day and expand my mind in a socially-accepting environment. My closest life experience was being a private in the Army, where the responsibility level given, and the resulting expectations, were quite low. That left more flexibility for enjoying free time as he describes.
I can relate with Alex as I too enjoy learning from many sources, not just a classroom or a textbook. I think his advice of living one’s own life and not trying to emulate the success of another is valuable. I dropped out of high school and I squarely blame myself for not having the discipline to sit and endure the boredom required “play the game” until graduation. I might have benefited from more unique or demanding classes, or the chance to demonstrate mastery of skills or concepts, which my peers were struggling with, and move at a faster pace.
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I could not agree more that a college degree will lead to bigger and better things. I myself dropped out of college back in 2013 and found it very difficult to deal with the day to day differences or “the abbreviated list I missed out on while choosing to leave.” I was surrounded by people who challenged me daily and pushed me to achieve my goals as both a student and athlete. I have spent a lot of time trying to justify my decision for dropping out, you know the Olympic dream and all. I also was offered a position which would provide me with a comfortable living but instead chose to finish this ole journey off. I now will be an officer in the United States Air Force thanks to this little piece of paper and for that I am forever grateful, cheers.
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I thought that his main argument is that college teaches you about things in your comfort zone. That your boundaries are pushed and you learn more about your self and new subjects you would have given little attention. Kern goes onto say that just because “you” do not see the merit in a course such as a liberal study degree, does not mean there is no academic achievement in that field, and it is no less scholarly than a degree in science. I feel that his second argument is college teaches your how to learn. It is true, learning in high school and college are completely different. In high school students are spoon fed information, likewise the tests tend to me easy and designed for everyone to pass. I feel like the reason you see so many freshmen dropout is that they never learned how to learn. Instead of being spooned knowledge, they are required to use textbooks, look up information, and watch youtube videos. I know it seems obvious to some, but its a skill that must be learned. I can assure you that any job in the real world is not going to plop down a tldr version of your job. Instead you will have to learn how to do that job.
I feel that Kern’s description of college is vastly different then mine. I think that he has an advantage over many college students by degree choice alone. If you ever get bored go check out jobs for computer programmers on indeed, most if not all say can substitute a degree with real world experience. Good luck finding an English, Biology, Chemistry, Athletic training job without a degree. Your will not be given a second of their time. I think a lot of students feel pressured, that they NEED a degree. Whereas any kind of computer job has a degree as a luxury. Kern even said that he was hosting events and making software in college.
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I did not have the full college experience, so I can not identify well with Kern’s depiction of a college life. I have heard from my friends that it was the best time of their lives. They have told me that they met their best friend in college and some have even met the love of their lives there. When I went to nursing school in my early twenties, I was married and I commuted to the college campus. I was interested in the quickest way to get an education so that I could get a good job.
I have to agree with the statement that school forces you out of your comfort zone. That I can identify with! That is one of the reasons that I returned to school after 30 years. I have been in my current job for 25 years. I was feeling stagnant. I raised my children and in order to change positions, it became apparent that I needed a degree in higher education. So, choosing to go back to school forced me out of my comfort zone. Kern found a community of friends that challenged him everyday. That is absolutely true with this recent experience. It has definitely challenged me beyond my expectations.
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I can identify well with Kern’s perspective on college, especially student life. I am yet to begin college, but I have heard a lot about it entails. One of the things I am most excited about is the type of opportunity Kern describes. The possibilities are endless and that is something I am enthralled by. His advice is quite useful because it acts as an encouraging reminder of how much opportunity college offers. For a young adult like me, that is terrific motivation.
I can identify well with Kern’s perspective on college, especially student life. I am yet to begin college, but I have heard a lot about it entails. One of the things I am most excited about is the type of opportunity Kern describes. The possibilities are endless and that is something I am enthralled by. His advice is quite useful because it acts as an encouraging reminder of how much opportunity college offers. For a young adult like me, that is terrific motivation.
I thought his argument for personal ubiquity was profound. We are constantly told that everyone is unique in some way, but it can be hard to actually convince people of that sometimes. Society has countless standards and rules in place that make us think we need to conform. However, as Kern reiterates, this is by no means true. There is no set path to success, nor is there any universal guide to get us there. We should all follow our gut instinct and make the decisions we feel our best.
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I feel as though my college experience has been different than a lot of others. I have literally been in college for the past 10 years with all intentions of finding what I want to do in life. I have changed my major several times, and have found out a lot of things that I do not want to do in my career. I feel like I agree with him in the fact of going to college and earning your degree, even if its something you realize you might not enjoy, get a degree in something. It can always be your fall back plan.
I attended New Mexico State University for a year, I met a few friends there, but I was not really into meeting a ton of people and joining clubs or a sorority. When I moved back home I entered a nursing program, where I became close with a few girls, and now attending school online does not make it that easy to meet and become friends with many others. When he talks about how college can help you earn a potential job, I agree with him. Although I know many people who have gone to college and now can not find a job in their field, or have to move and make major changes to obtain their jobs. I also know a lot of people who have not gone on a furthered their education and they now hold jobs that they make good money and have great benefits. I believe its all up the individual.
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I do agree with this blogger in regards to what college can do for the “average” 20’something student. I, however, am not that type of student. I’m a 40’ish married mother of 3, who has a full time job, who could care less about joining a sorority or meeting new friends, mostly anyone in an online class is probably to far away from my center of existence to actually grab a cup of joe with. Kern’s also suggests that college is filled with a catalyst of experiences that will test your intelligence and push you to your mental limits. I couldn’t agree more with that statement. Several times this semester I wanted to throw my laptop out of the window because I felt I just couldn’t deal with the stress of a class I absolutely couldn’t tolerate; I hate stats and have no mental gratification in being pushed to my limits. Yep, not feeling the burden of stress of a class I hate!
On a better note, I do believe high school students benefit from a college education. I have a son who is graduating this year from high school. Looking at my child getting ready for the future I am happy he choose to continue his education. Because of my son’s decision to continue the educational path he will, at least I hope, have better career opportunities that will lead him to a the lifestyle he dreams about living. I hope with his college degree, that is if he chooses to continue into his senior year of
college, prepares him to be the best person he can be.
So, when I look at this blog by Kern’s I can view it in several different directions. From my direction, college is not a place where I go to meet people or have a great time. College is merely a stepping stone to achieve my final goal in my career. For my son, and other students just venturing the college fields, I see all of the opportunities Kern’s refers to, increased friendships (at least ones that will last a lifetime), finding your inner self, enjoying perks of being away from home for the first time.
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I would say my college experience has been completely different from his, but I would say he gives good advice. I first completed my associates degree in nursing at Penn State in a very accelerated program. I commuted from home to save money. I also worked part-time. I did not have any of the normal college experiences and I regret that and still remain envious of those who have been able to experience the “normal college life”. My BSN has been completed online, so again no “normal college experience”.
I never considered dropping out, it just wasn’t and option for me. But for those student who do consider it, I would have to agree with the author, it’s a bad decision. You have your whole life to pursue your business/career but you only have this time to have a normal college experience. All of those college benefits he listed rings true to me, mainly because I know my college experience has lacked them.
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In Alex Kern’s “Don’t Drop Out: Why There is Still Value in College”, I can identify with Kern on some topics. I have sought out and surrounded myself with a group of friends who challenge me daily. I can’t say that we will be friends for the long haul because life happens and sometimes people drift apart. However, I can say that for right now, they are an amazing group of people that I hope with still surround me in a few years. Technically, this is only my second semester at Cal U as a degree seeking student, however, being a dual enrollment student gave me the chance to get my footing and then make friends. Although my experience is different, I can relate to Kern’s view point.
I really enjoyed the advice Kern gave in this essay. I think the one that impacted me the most was his little “Treat Yourself” group. Some points in this section included leaving your room to make new friends and joining more student groups. As someone who has heard it all before, I can’t stress how much I wish I had listened prior to. Next semester I plan to join the groups I was once in and really enjoying my college experience. It is more than just getting a degree. It is the foundation of your future.
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To me Kern is trying to say for people not to drop out of college. I hate college personally I think you should not have to pay to go to school. You are pretty much paying to be stressed out and have loads of work thrown at you all at once. I find his advice very helpful as I am at the verge of not coming back to school. I think the treat yourself advice obtains to me the best because I need free time and I owe it to myself.
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I’ve heard all the arguments, some pro school and some against. I’ve found value in being in school although sometimes i feel somethings are not worth it. Some things do not seem valuable to me, for instance not all of my general education classes had something i could actually take away from it. That made it less motivating for me to want to stay in school. But what i find value in is the overall experience, the skills you take away from your classes. Being on time, writing a quality essay, the discipline of studying. These skills amongst others are absolutely worth staying in school.
You learn things about yourself, you change into a better, more efficient you from the challenges that college presents. Also communication skills, something that will always be valuable in whatever you do in life. College helps you see the world different, and it helps you learn to critically analyze your decisions and actions. Life is all about decisions, so therefore college does prepare you for life. IF you let it, if you take it seriously.
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In Alex Kern’s essay “Don’t Drop Out; Why There’s Still Value in College”, he argues that college enables students to be outside of their comfort zone and is a catalyst for experiences that teaches you your physical, emotional, and mental limits. In addition, I agree with Kern’s claim because college pushes us to those limits while also teaching college students how to discipline themselves. College enables students to be outside of their comfort zone because they can choose classes that would best fit their current schedule, forcing students to develop time management skills that their future job may require them to do. Despite the fact that most jobs will require people to develop time management skills anyway, the consequences for having poor time management skills in school is not as bad as the consequences for being late at a future job. Furthermore, college encourages students to develop networks for future jobs that they may be interested in. Attending class with students that have a similar major is beneficial to students because they will be likely to work in the same field as them in the future. In contrast, if a person who did not attend college were looking for peers to start an entrepreneurship, the chances of them finding another person not in college with the same goals is very unlikely. As a result, college provides a good ground for people who are trying to network. Furthermore, college encourages students to become a better and well-rounded person. Although students may stress about obstacles they may face in college, students will realize what their limits are. This is beneficial to the student because knowing which subjects they spend more time on will help them realize what they can improve on. Understanding what they are capable of doing is important for students to learn in order to develop self-discipline. In conclusion, I agree with Kern’s argument that college becomes a catalyst for experiences that teaches students their limits by forcing them to be outside of their comfort zone.
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In his article, “Don’t Drop Out,” Alex Kern urges students to stay in school, an idea I firmly agree with. He begins his essay by explaining why he himself considered dropping out of college and starting his own business. The path of entrepreneurship is glamourous and fashionable, and one of the only reasons why a college drop out is not looked down on. In a technology dominated world where college-dropout CEO’s are considered celebrities, the idea of leaving school to pursue a career one loves is seductive. However, Kern gives his readers a quick dose of reality: we are not all the next “Steve Jobs.” None of us are the “next” anyone. If we live our lives trying to follow the exact footsteps of someone else, we will only become a watered down version of an idea. One cannot achieve greatness by mimicking someone else. In order to be successful, Kern says, individuality is imperative. Just because Elon Musk dropped out of college does not mean that I cannot be successful if I continue with my degree. If I have a vision or an idea, there is nothing stopping be from pursuing it while I am still in college. Of course, a college education is not the right fit for everyone. However, unless a student can find some sort of successful learning system outside of school, like a growing business, a college education is priceless, no matter the discipline. It helps create educated, well rounded individuals who can apply their skills in dozens of different disciplines. Kern knows the realities of businesses – they rarely take off. However, Kern does not discourage students from being creative. In fact, he encourages students to create while they are still in school. Being in college does not mean one cannot start their own business or pursue their creative ideas. Dropping out of college is not a necessary component towards entrepreneurial success. At the end of his paper, Kern urges students to stay in college while simultaneously pursuing their dreams, because, as he says, “You are not the next Mark Zuckerberg…and that’s okay!”
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In my opinions, I completely disagree with his opinions. The reason is that college is not the best option for everyone to succeed. According to my own experiences, I have been attending colleges for almost two years. I have taken many college level courses such as English, Calculus, Philosophy, French, psychology etc. After taking so many courses, I am always wondering that why I cannot apply into practically perfectly and always get confused with all of the ideas from the books. Sometimes, my parents always blame me lacking of practical skills even if I am extremely knowledgeable at various complicated subjects. Theory cannot be applied into practice perfectly, this is one of the most impressive philosophy I have learned in my life which is why I always question that college is not the only option to succeed in my life. life is short, time is limit, we spend so many hours studying many theories in order to get good grades to get good degrees, sometimes, we completely forget that it is barely possible to apply them into practice. It cannot be denied that there are many ways to succeed in our lives. we must find time to seek our academic talents actively so that we can spend some time developing in an effort to perform it to be recognized in public. There are many students who have decent grades in high school admitted into top universities because they are good at playing sports. Thus, student shall not misunderstand that academics are the only way to get into top universities because there are many ways to succeed doing it. it is important for use to learn practical skills to survive in society. knowledge is not everything. Foundations such as social skills, networking, talents… are key to succeed in surviving in society. that is why I completely disagree with his opinions.
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The article Don’t Drop Out Why, There’s Still Value in College talks about the delima Alex Kern faced of dropping out of college and gives his rational about why he decided to stay. I found this piece very interesting because the author looked at college through perspective that I had never looked at before. Kern talked about the importance a well rounded college education has on a person’s ability to think abstractly, analyze information, and learn new things. His overall message was about how college is essential for our personal and intellectual growth and that dropping out to pursue a start-up is not the best idea for ambitious entrepreneurs. Even though the author had some valid points, I do not agree with his point that it is always important for students to complete college. Dropping out of college to pursue a startup or another career is perfectly valid as long as the person is ambitious and hard-working enough to do so. This piece reminded me of an article I read a while back written by a student at University of Maryland. This student was on track to be the valedictorian at UMD, yet he decided to drop out just weeks away from his graduation. The article talked about how this student learned most of the material for his classes through books and online resources, all of which were free or cost very little money, compared to the cost of attending college. This resulted in him seeing no value in his education and degree. Because this student was an aspiring entrepreneur, a college degree would just give him a safety net to fall back on, a safety net that he didn’t want since he was so passionate about his startup.
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Alex Kern’s article “Dont Drop Out Why There is Still Value in College” has a great deal to offer a young person in terms of appreciating a traditional college education. Perhaps more notably, his experience is a life lesson for people of all ages in living contented, happy, and fulfilled lives. Reflecting on his “surprising decision” to turn down an entrepreneurial opportunity and stay in school he says, “I spent my whole life itching for a justifiable opportunity that would take me out of classes once and for all. Yet, once I was afforded it I reneged – not out of fear but out of understanding” (Kern). Consider the irony. If Mr. Kern would not have been afforded this opportunity, he would have spent that last two years of college frustrated, malcontented, not attending classes, and wishing he was elsewhere. Instead fate intervened, opportunity knocked, and he was forced to carefully consider what he does have and if it’s worth giving up for an alternative. He emerged with a totally new perspective, excited to be where he is and eager to maximize his current opportunities. Sometimes we find ourselves wishing and hoping for opportunities that may or may never come our way. This leaves us empty, frustrated, and unfulfilled. Often enough, what we wish for is in reality not an upgrade from what we actually have. Given a real choice we would choose to stay right where we are. Focusing in earnest on what we do have instead of what we don’t is a pathway to a fulfilling and happy life.
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Kern says that “school is a catalyst for experiences that teach you your physical, emotional, and mental limits. When combined with academics, an undergraduate program offers you the greatest variety of opportunities to acquire new skills….” I couldn’t agree more. College teaches students self-discipline because you figure out what works for you to be successful while enjoying your time too. I’m recently enrolled back in college after stepping away for several years, and I wish I had never left in the first place. My situation was a little bit different; however, I could have thought about it more like Kern did and stayed. This world is very competitive, and a college degree is extremely helpful in the workplace. My favorite point that Kern made is when he said, “if you’re living your life as a shadow of another, you’ll come to realize that it’s self-defeating.” He says “be the next you.” I love those statements because when I left college and started working, I thought I was impressing others by the money I was making and what I was doing. I actually felt like I was just trying to please other people. Everybody is different in their own ways, and they should adventure out to do whatever pleases THEMSELVES. I agree with Kern’s decision to stay in school because it is a once in a lifetime opportunity. Even going back to college now definitely isn’t the same.
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At the same time that I believe going to college and staying in college is a good thing, I also believe it is your choice if you decide to go on to get a degree. Alex Kern, the writer of ‘Don’t Drop Out: Why there is still value in college’ , states that “ School forces you outside your comfort zone.” In making this comment, Kern urges us to want to take other courses to be inspired and to be a “well rounded person”. I find that Kern’s essay was quite inspiring and made me think about some of the friendships I could have missed if I didn’t attend college. Kern states, “ Meeting people your own age with different world -views or ethnic/financial/geographic/political backgrounds.” While I understand the impulse to Kern’s view, my own view is going to college doesn’t just mean meeting new people outside of your major, you can also meet people that are just like you in your major. You can then have these new friends over not just to ‘hang out’, but to also study. Kern makes an excellent point on ‘why’ people want to leave. Kern says, “Some brilliant individuals have capitalized on this trend by encouraging the best and brightest to prematurely end their formal education… The Thiel Fellowship selects a handful of students each year to drop out of school for two years in exchange for a grant and mentorship that helps them pursue their (usually entrepreneurial) passion.” Kern gives a summary of what the Thiel Fellowship is so he can later put his opinion towards it. Kern disagrees by saying, “I do not, however, agree with the program’s fundamental thesis… an award – a degree – does not mean you’ve ‘made it’.” In making this comment, Kern is trying to say that just because you ‘made it’ doesn’t mean you put hard work behind it to get to the career or degree that you want.
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After reading Kern’s article it is easy to see why he posted it in the first place. Like Ann when I was reading the title ” Don’t drop out, why there is still value in college” I thought that Kern was striving to be like every other adult who tried to convince us, readers, to stay in college because of the idea that a degree is the only thing that can validate us. Surprisingly Kern took that notion and made it something that readers could enjoy. Even in his opening paragraphs Kern stated take many articles encouraging students to stay in college had a ” motherly tone” and that he was writing this article for someone who “understood his own tongue.” While I personally do not agree with Kern that there is still value in college, I can appreciate his viewpoints and strive to be original. Kern’s point about how we should ” Avoid bad classes” is encouraging because without realizing it many students take classes that don’t work well for them with teachers who only hold them them back from reaching their full potential. Unfortunately, Kern makes it sound too easy to avoid a bad class. Realistically many classes have a waiting list because of the demand to complete the class as a requirement, so sometimes students don’t get the luxury of working with teachers who encourage their students to grow and think outside of class as well. I feel as though Kern did establish this article in his own tongue. He was looking at these points without taking into consideration that everyone is different, and that one thing that worked for him is not going to work for another.
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I believe Alex Kern had a very interesting viewpoint regarding staying in college as he described in this essay. He made many claims regarding its positives such as the connections you build with friends and the chances of diversifying one’s self. I agree with the points Kern makes as college is an experience like none other, especially for a recent high school graduate. I do think his points could have been better delivered if more facts and statistics were offered. For example, when Kern writes, “Scholars have increased both the breadth and depth of human understanding in subjects they find compelling” (11), a valid numerical statistic could be very powerful in backing up this truly important statement. Furthermore, if he referred to additional articles (instead of simply relying on his own experiences) it would help boost the argument as a whole. Ultimately, I do like the essay as a whole and I thoroughly agree with the many points Alex Kern made. I also really enjoyed his rebuttal style throughout the piece. However, I believe if he would’ve included more statistics, more intriguing facts, and additional support, the argument and its credibility would have been boosted as a whole.
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Many people have their own unique opinion on whether college is a necessary component or not. This depends on the person’s experience with college and how informed they are about it. The author’s main argument is that the college experience is a necessary one, but what the author does not seem to realize is that everyone has different priorities and may be in different situations than him.
2. Kern emphasizes his idea on college being very important, but this is because he was a part of a full-time STEM program and attended a high-ranking college. Most students are not part of programs like these and attend community or SUNY schools. An experience at a community or SUNY college is going to be nothing like an experience at an Ivy League college. I feel that the way he describes his college experience isn’t relatable whatsoever. He went into college with a passion and being fully aware of what he was interested in doing for the rest of his life. He even mentions that attending college for a liberal arts degree isn’t ideal, which is what most college students begin majoring in. His major was also considered a luxury because it was easier to find a job as a computer programmer than it was after majoring in English. His advice was very powerful but I don’t believe it was realistic enough. Some may not be as academically advanced as Kern and/or don’t have the money to apply to such expensive schools. The advice had good intentions, but I feel that the author should have applied it to everyone, rather than a specific few.
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Alex Kern speaks on a very popular debate within young adults. This being if college is worth
staying in or even attending. Kern brings up very good points, explaining how just because a
very small percentage of people succeed by not attending college does not mean that you will
be as successful as they were.e has an entire section in the article titled, “You are not the next
Mark Zuckerberg” where he points out that too many people want to become the “next”
somebody else when they should just focus on being themselves and succeeding in their own
way. Kern later goes on to speak on how staying in college may even be worth it just for the
experience and setting. You learn how to be around other young bright minds who are also
finding themselves. Keern even goes on to make a connection to himself explaining that if you
want to be an entrepreneur you can do that while still attending school, benefiting you in
knowledge and experience.
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Alex Kern speaks on a very popular debate within young adults. This being if college is worth
staying in or even attending. Kern brings up very good points, explaining how just because a
very small percentage of people succeed by not attending college does not mean that you will
be as successful as they were.e has an entire section in the article titled, “You are not the next
Mark Zuckerberg” where he points out that too many people want to become the “next”
somebody else when they should just focus on being themselves and succeeding in their own
way. Kern later goes on to speak on how staying in college may even be worth it just for the
experience and setting. You learn how to be around other young bright minds who are also
finding themselves. Keern even goes on to make a connection to himself explaining that if you
want to be an entrepreneur you can do that while still attending school, benefiting you in
knowledge and experience.
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