I’ve grown up under the impression that college is another step on the journey of education in life— elementary, middle, high, then college. College was never a choice for me, but rather a necessary stage in the path to building a successful life and career. Education has empowered those around me to take charge of their life and reach their greatest potential. It was hard to ignore the importance of college in an academic setting, considering I saw it first-hand with my dad. 

At 18 years old, my dad fled a war-torn country overseas to the U.S., intending to take advantage of the opportunities that education could offer. The war made life limited, so college was his only opportunity for stability and success. 

Individuals holding Bachelor’s degrees make 86% more than those whose highest level of education is a high school diploma. It’s not just financial benefits that a college degree can provide, but also greater job security. As more people are entering the labor market with college degrees, having one is becoming crucial. By 2022, the unemployment rate of high school graduates reached 4%, whereas those with Bachelor’s degrees dropped to 2.2%. 

Employers require a degree as a minimum qualification for a variety of jobs, especially those that are highly competitive. Having a degree makes a person more attractive to the employer, and it opens a path to career development, with companies using a candidate’s educational background as a foundation for promotions and management positions.

My dad’s situation showed me how a college education can be an avenue for building powerful connections. In college, he became familiar with professors, peers and professionals who became his ticket to career-building. Such relationships — whether through internships, job placement or mentorship — serve as launching pads into the professional world. The networking a person establishes in college becomes essential in opening career doors.

For my dad, it wasn’t about learning facts and figures; the idea was to give him the skills to find solutions to real-life problems. College enhances skills that are used in the job market, such as critical thinking, problem-solving and teamwork. Over 79% of college graduates say their higher education helped them in these areas of personal and intellectual development. 

My dad’s story and the supporting facts are proof of why college is important to achieve success. Getting an education opened doors for him to reach his greatest capabilities. From increased pay and job security to important connections and essential skills, a college degree can take one’s life in an entirely different direction. I have learned from his life journey that academics are not taught alone; rather, it is a strong tool to build up one’s future.