EN110.6.2 Achieving Academic Excellence
Writing Assignment 5_06

Why College is Important to Me

A College Education is the next step forward to my success. I have been employed in telecommunication’s industry for the past 17 years. While I am thankful for the opportunities that were presented to me, it is time to take another step in securing future success for my family and me. Having a degree allows me to be more selective in the field of my choice. Being a father I want to set an example for my children that through hard work and devotion to continuing your education success is not guaranteed but earned. According to Nelson Mandela (n.d.) “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world”.

I believe that education is the key to unlock limitless possibility’s to change my world. Having worked in the telecommunication business for so long, I have learned a few things along the way. I understand that there have been opportunities that I have missed out on simply because I didn’t have a degree. Employers want to hire someone who is educated and who they feel will benefit their company the most. I have the experience to do the job, but I often don’t get the chance to prove that because of the lack of a college education. I want to be able to move forward in the telecommunication industry or possibly another field that will provide opportunities for higher earning power. There are endless possibilities with the skill set that I already have and the knowledge that I hope gain.

Sir Claus Moser (n.d.) stated “Education cost money, but then so does ignorance.” How much is a college education worth? A college master's degree is worth $1.3 million more in lifetime earnings than a high school diploma, according to a recent report from the U.S. Census Bureau (qtd in Longley). "At most ages, more education equates with higher earnings, and the payoff is most notable at the highest educational levels," said Jennifer Cheeseman Day (qtd in Longley), co-author of the report. There is a substantial gap between people who have earned degrees and those who have not.

I have seen firsthand, in my life that those who have attained college degrees often seem to be happier in life. I often thought it may be because these