College Is Way More Than Higher Education

The first day of college begins with hopes and dreams of a new future. You walk around the college, drinking in the newness of a world unknown, where the buildings will become a second home to you as you release yourself into a variety of lectures.

Your first day is filled with trepidation as you imaginewhat college life will be like. Of course you have watched"Beverly Hills 90210" and "The College Years" and have seenthe picture perfect episodes, describing a life of partiesand fun times and you wonder what acquaintances you'll makeand what extra-curricular activities at college you will beparticipating in.

The college buzzer rings signaling the start of the firstinformation session and you join the herd of other collegestudents fresh out of their last year of high school,looking around for just a glimpse of anyone you might know,somebody that you could talk to and perhaps enjoy yourcollege days with, to no avail. The college informationsession begins and as it continues, you sink into yourchair as they ramable off all the general stuff that youalready knew, because you studied the college handbook asrequired before attending. You are thinking what all thiscollege stuff is about.College is about the closing of one chapter of your life,and the beginning of another. It's a time of expanding andgrowing into adulthood. There is a lot of focus on thehigher education aspects of attending college, and it'sreally much more than that.

College is a time to get to know who you are, and what youmay want to do in your life. College gives you anopportunity to spread your wings, and learn about thingswhich serve and support you in a "safe" environment. Collegeis a time to network, and relationship with other people.

Some of the most important questions you can ask yourself isWhat do I like? What am I interested in? What subject do Ilose myself in? There will be some required courses andthose may not jazz you, but your major should be somethingthat fits like a glove. If you are unsure, don't commit toany one course of direction until you have determined that.There is an abundance of college options, so take your timein choosing the one that best suits your needs. It will saveyou a lot of time and money and aggravation, in the longrun!

The author has experienced the benefits of a college education. She credits her college years for building a solid foundation and rounding out her life. She is a successful entrepeneur and parent and is involved with her community.

Meghan Semple is passionate about college and is the webmaster of For Choosing College