Jeanne's advice column

alot of my friends are dropping out and getting their diplomas. one of my friends is going to go to a community college for 2 years and then go to a university..and she dropped out last year. and one of my friends who worked her butt off in high school for 4 years didnt is going to go to a community college for 2 years and then a university. it seems like my friend who dropped out didnt have to finish school but my other friend does and is still doing the thing drop outs are doing. so im not seeing any consquences of dropping out of highschool. it looks like if i work hard in school im still going to be equal to the people who havent. also my dad complains how i wont be able to afford anything in this economy in america even if i go to college. so whats the point of finishing school? im just going to be poor anyways.

Well, first let's talk about what your dad said. Yes, it's true that the economy right now isn't in the best of shape. Even people with college degrees and well-paying jobs are having to watch their budgets right now. But they're still far better off than most people with no college education. Think about it: if someone who makes $75,000 a year is struggling, then someone who makes $30,000 is gonna have it a lot tougher. So yeah, a college education won't guarantee you a life of luxury, but it will certainly put you at advantage over those without one.

Also... times may be tough right now, but it won't always be like this. If you look at history, you'll see that the economy has always fluctuated from bad times to good times. 20 years ago, things were bad; 10 years ago, they were great; in another 10 years, things will likely be looking a lot better than they are today. So it doesn't make much sense to base a major life decision on a temporary economic phase.

Now, as for dropping out: It's great that your friends are planning to go on to a University, and I hope they do it. However, if your goal is to get a degree from a 4-year University, it's a lot easier to do it when you go straight there from High School. Taking a detour through a Community College can sometimes make it harder to stick to your plans. For one thing, not everyone at a Community College has plans to continue their education; and when you're hanging out with people who don't share your goals, it can be easy to get sidetracked. Also, taking classes at a Community College is a very different experience from the University life, especially if you're also working and enjoying a little income, living at home, and socializing with old friends. It can be hard to go from that lifestyle to being a full-time University student whose main focus is on school... and many people decide not to do it. There's absolutely nothing wrong with a Community College, but if you have the choice, it's just a lot easier to accomplish your goal if you go straight to a University.

And finally... the video thing. Well, I'm really sorry that happened, and I know it's gotta be embarrassing and frustrating when people talk about it. But just like everything, it will eventually pass. It may be the talk of the school right now, but people will forget about it soon enough. Something else will happen for them to gossip about, and your incident will be old news. Not that that makes it easier right now, but it's true. But don't let your past mistakes, or other people's cruel remarks, effect what you do for yourself. Keep looking to the future and imagine where you want to be, and don't let anything get in your way.

Good luck! =]

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(Rating: 5) THANK YOU! i wish i could rate you a ten lol

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