First off, if you chose to go to college and further your education, I commend you on that. College is not only challenging, but it is also very expensive. In fact, the average student loan debt for the class of 2016 was $37,172 while the total student loan debt in America is $1.26 trillion among 44.2 million people according to Student Loan Hero. The point is, you pay a ton for college. My question to you is; Are you getting your money's worth?

College is fun. Everybody knows that. With all the epic parties, tailgating, sporting events and a chance to meet all sorts of new people, how could you not love college? Most people say that college was some of best years of their life and I agree with them, college is amazing. But I think I love college for different reasons than most people.

The way I like to look at college is by comparing it to a smartphone. There are so many different, useful and great things smartphones give you the opportunity to do, much like college. But I believe by just going to class, doing homework and going out you're not getting the full use of your college experience or your money's worth. It's like using your smartphone to just call people and nothing else. Even though it offers you options like using the internet, FaceTime, social media and access to an app store with thousands of amazing apps, you choose to just call people with it even though you pay the same amount for both. That's how I think most people go through college, never utilizing the college's full potential.

The reason we go to college is to further our education so that we can go on to get careers in our field of study. Too many student forget that and have their head wrapped around the partying, girls (or boys), and drinking that can come along with college. Now, I'm not saying you shouldn't go out and have a little fun, but I think most people prioritize partying way too much.

There is much more college can offer you than just going to class. There are clubs and organizations for every type of interest, hobbies and major. I think if you are not involved in at least one or two student-run clubs or organizations at your college in your major you're crazy! By doing these clubs, you are not only building up your resume, but you're making connections with other students and gaining hands-on experiences that just going to class doesn't offer you.

My question is to you, if you're paying so much for college, why would you not take advantage of all the options it gives you? Intramural sports, greek life, connection groups and student-run organizations are just some of the many options most colleges offer you. I encourage you to start using college for all it is. Like I said, since you're paying the same price anyways, why use a smartphone for just calling when there are so many other benefits that come along with it?