What Does It Mean To Be A College Grad By Jennie Lemay 2011

What Does It Mean To Be A College Gradbyjennie Lemay 9 2011after M

What Does It Mean To Be a College Grad by Jennie Lemay 9 2011 after M

What Does It Mean To Be a College Grad? BY JENNIE LE · MAY 9, 2011 After May 14th, I will be a college graduate. By Fall, there will be no more acappella rehearsals, no more papers or exams, no more sleepless nights, no more weekday drinking, no more 1AM milk tea runs, no more San Francisco Bay Area exploring. I won’t be with the people I now see daily. I won’t have the same job with the same awesome boss.

I won’t be singing under Sproul every Monday. I won’t be booked with weekly gigs that take me all over California. I won’t be lighting another VSA Culture Show. I will also have new commitments: weekly dinner dates with my mom, brother/sister time with my other two brothers, job hunting and career building, car purchasing and maintenance. In essence, my life will be – or at least feel – completely different. From what college alumni have told me, I will soon miss my college days after they are gone.

But in the bigger picture, outside of the daily tasks, what does it mean to hold a college degree? My fellow graduating co-worker and I discussed the importance (or lack thereof) of our college degrees: while I considered hanging up my two diplomas, she believed that having a bachelor’s was so standard and insubstantial; only a professional degree is worth hanging up and showing off. Nowadays, holding a college degree (or two) seems like the norm; it’s not a very outstanding feat. However, I’d like to defend the power of earning a college degree. Although holding a degree isn’t as powerful as it was in previous decades, stats still show that those who earn bachelor degrees are likely to earn twice as much as those who don’t.

Also, only 27% of Americans can say they have a bachelor’s degree or higher. Realistically, having a college degree will likely mean a comfortable living and the opportunity to move up at work and in life. Personally, my degrees validate my mother’s choice to leave Vietnam. She moved here for opportunity. She wasn’t able to attend college here or in Vietnam, nor choose her occupation.

But her hard work has allowed her children to become the first generation of Americans in the family to earn college degrees: she gave us the ability to make choices she wasn’t privileged to make. Being the fourth and final kid to earn my degree in my family, my mom can now boast about having educated children who are making a name for themselves (a son who is a computer-superstar, a second son and future dentist studying at UCSF, another son who is earning his MBA and manages at Mattel, and a daughter who will is thankful to have three brothers to mooch off of). For me, this degree symbolizes my family being able to make and take the opportunities that we’ve been giving in America, despite growing up with gang members down my street and a drug dealer across from my house.

This degree will also mean that my children will have more opportunities because of my education, insight, knowledge, and support. Even though a college degree isn’t worth as much as it did in the past, it still shows that I – along with my fellow graduates and the 27% of Americans with a bachelor’s or higher – will have opportunities unheard of a generation before us, showing everyone how important education is for our lives and our futures.

Paper For Above instruction

Graduating from college signifies more than just the culmination of academic efforts; it embodies a transformative milestone that shapes personal identity, societal perceptions, and future opportunities. For Jenni Lemay, her impending graduation on May 14th marks not only the end of her college experience but also heralds a new chapter characterized by change, growth, and reflection on the deeper meaning of educational attainment.

Historically, a college degree has served as a marker of social mobility and economic stability. The data consistently demonstrate that individuals with bachelor’s degrees tend to earn significantly more than those without such qualifications. According to the U.S. Census Bureau (2020), bachelor’s degree holders earn approximately twice as much as those with only a high school diploma. This economic disparity underscores the value of higher education, especially as societal norms shift and degrees become more commonplace.

In Lemay's perspective, her college degree carries personal and familial significance. Her mother’s migration from Vietnam to seek better opportunities epitomizes the aspirational nature of higher education. Her mother’s sacrifices and hard work have enabled her children to access opportunities unthinkable in her original country. Lemay’s experience highlights how education can serve as a vehicle for upward mobility within immigrant families, reflecting broader themes of resilience and hope.

Furthermore, Lemay emphasizes that her degree symbolizes empowerment and agency, both for herself and her family. Despite external perceptions that degrees are now commonplace, she asserts their ongoing relevance in providing economic security and societal respect. Her familial narrative of her siblings’ achievements illustrates how a college education can facilitate diverse career paths, from technology to healthcare to management. For Lemay, her degree is not just a piece of paper; it’s a testament to her family's sacrifices and her own capacity to make informed choices.

Within contemporary society, the meaning of being a college graduate extends beyond economic benefits. It encompasses identity formation, social recognition, and the cultivation of skills essential for navigating complex career landscapes. Lemay’s reflection on her upcoming graduation illustrates the bittersweet realization that college days, with their friendships and personal growth, will soon be memories. Yet, the knowledge and experiences gained are lifelong assets that prepare graduates for future challenges.

Despite concerns about the decreasing exclusivity of bachelor’s degrees—due to their increasing prevalence—education remains a crucial determinant of social mobility and individual potential. Initiatives aimed at increasing access to higher education continue to close gaps for marginalized populations, contributing to a more equitable society. However, systemic issues such as student debt and credential inflation threaten the true value of a degree, necessitating ongoing analysis and reform.

In conclusion, being a college graduate signifies a multifaceted transition. It is a reflection of personal perseverance, family sacrifice, and societal progress. While the tangible benefits include higher earning potential and expanded opportunities, the intangible aspects—identity, resilience, and purpose—are equally vital. Educational achievement remains a cornerstone for individual development and societal advancement, underscoring its enduring importance in shaping not just careers, but also lives and communities.

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