Why College? - Revised

Until I reached the seventh grade, I didn't know what college was. I just knew that if you wanted to be a teacher or a doctor you went to college to become one. I didn't know of credit hours, fraternities, meal plans, or any other things associated with college. I found that if I wanted to be successful, college was a necessity. If I was to become a band director, college would be a necessity.

photo credit: Debbie Koenigs (probably outside) via photopin cc 

Neither of my parents attended college. They both graduated from high school, but never took the next step in furthering their education. I am surprisingly happy that neither of them attended college. I would not be here if they had. College is going to be a chance for me to do something that neither of my parents were able to do. I will have a degree from a university. This is very exciting to me. So many doors are going to be opened for me and it is up to me to go through them. I am reminded every time I go to class of how blessed I am.

When I reached the ninth grade, I began thinking about if I wanted to attend college or not. I thought about joining the military, but quickly changed my mind. I finally realized that I wanted to attend college. My first choice of a college was The University of Alabama. Nothing seemed better than to be able to call The University of Alabama my college. I am very happy I decided to not attend The University of Alabama. The tuition, etc. was too expensive. I knew I could receive the same education from Jacksonville State University for much less money, so I chose JSU.





photo credit: j.o.h.n. walker via photopin cc 





My parents never really gave me an option to attend college. They would always say, "Whether you like or not, you are going to college." or, "It doesn't matter how expensive college is, you are going." I didn't really like being pushed about it, but I am glad my parents pushed me in school. I would not have been given the opportunity to march with the Marching Southerners, join a fraternity, or even know of Flex Dollars.

I was very active in both the marching band and symphonic band at my high school. I participated in many honor bands, clinics, and classes. Music was my favorite thing in the world. I knew that college would be a place where my musical interests could flourish. There are numerous activities involving music in the world of post-secondary education. Now, I am a member of The Marching Southerners and it is incredible.

Other than musical ensembles, I was involved in many clubs and organizations in high school. I was a member of the National Senior Beta Club, Government Club/Student Government Association, Morning Announcer Staff, Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA), and many others. I liked keeping myself busy. There are so many more clubs and organizations in college than there are in high school. For example, my high school didn't have an Earth Club. I would have loved to be a part of Earth Club because I am all about going green, saving the environment and recycling. I can now join the Earth Club at Jacksonville State University. This is another reason why I chose to attend college. I want to be involved with every organization that I can possibly be a part of.



I decided to attend Jacksonville State University for many reasons including proximity to home, cost, music program, and accredidation. I am definitely happy I chose Jacksonville State University as my college. I am now studying to become a band director. I am able to do this because I chose to take the next step in furthering my education.

 



Without college, I don't believe success would be as easily obtained. I think it would be much more difficult to find an enjoyable job with a high-paying salary and great benefits without a college degree. Not attending college should be a last resort in today's society. Education is one of the most important things we have. We are blessed to be able to even attend school.

College has already been a great experience for me. I am a member of the best college marching band in the nation. I have made some awesome friends that share similar interests with me. I am making connections with people I never thought I would even talk to. I have been introduced to a new society and I love it. Life could not be better.



photo credit: Jacksonville State University via photopin cc 

Now that I have finished my first semester of college, I am thankful for the opportunities I have been presented while being here at Jacksonville State University. I am in the most amazing musical ensembles I have ever been in. I have some of the best friends I have ever had in my life. I have become an all-around better person. I am still having having the time of my life. Though I may not get enough sleep always, but I always keep a smile on my face because I love college. JSU has already been what I expected and so much more.