We've all been told for years that higher education is the best thing you can do after high school, if you're lucky enough to be able to go. I hated being told this same thing over and over by anyone who brought it up. I hated having to sit in class rooms in high school and had absolutely no desire to continue sitting in classrooms for four more years, listening to professors talk. I was hard headed then, but here I am now, sitting in class as I write this, paying tuition and housing for something that isn’t important to me. And I'm still happy with my decision.

In todays world, it is very hard to live a comfortable life without a degree from any type of school. A degree is a degree in my opinion, whether its from a two year junior college or a four year institution, and any little bit helps. So be thankful you get this opportunity while you're still young and can make your life exactly how you want it to be.

I've seen friends not go to college after high school for various reasons, and several are already struggling just a few years after graduating. I see their mistakes and am so thankful that I took the time now to learn from great people. I'm grateful to have the opportunities I'll have after finishing these next few years.

I was blessed with parents who pushed me to be the best I could be, and who cared enough to make me go to college. My parents worked hard to give me the life I had. They had to convince me that college was really the only option I had after high school if I wanted a life I could be proud of. I hated them for making me go, but now I'm beyond thankful for them and this opportunity to further my education and get a degree from a well known university.

So to the girl sitting in the back of class thinking “I should’ve skipped this class again,” - don’t do it. Take the time to go to class and do the work. I promise you’ll be thankful when you get to walk across that stage with your diploma in your hand. And you’ll be even more thankful when you’re not having to work at a fast food restaurant seven days a week just to pay your bills.