I have heard one phrase quite a few times over the past few weeks, and each time I hear it, it sounds to me like someone scratching their nails down a chalk board. It physically hurts me to hear it, and, to be honest, I feel a bit put down.
Would you like to know this phrase? Here it is:
"A college degree is just a piece of paper. It doesn't mean anything."
Ouch!
While I will agree that a college degree is not a measure of intelligence by any means, I will argue that a college degree doesn't mean anything. Some of you might rolling your eyes at this point, thinking to yourself "of course she says that! She has a bachelors degree and a masters degree!" Well, all that I ask is that you bear with me for a second.
A college degree, while not a measure of intelligence, can be a measure of other factors.
A degree, for many, can symbolize hope for a better future. It's a fact that those with a degree will make more money than those without one. Please spare me the argument of "I know so-and-so and they don't have a degree and they make tons of money." There is always an exception to the rule.
A college degree can be a measure of work ethic. I have spent hundreds of thousands of hours reading, writing papers, watching lectures, and taking tests. That was on top of being a stay at home mother of twins, volunteer activities, and trying to maintain a somewhat pathetic social life. I had to make time to get my school work done, otherwise it would have never been finished.
A college degree can be a measure of determination. If you want it badly enough, you will find a way. One of the most valuable benefits of my military service was the G.I Bill that came along with it. Because of that benefit, I was able to earn college degree, and I truly believe that without it I would have never completed college. I had to find time while my children were napping and such to get homework done. Being a student and a parent is extremely challenging. But you know what? I found a way to not only finance my education but I also found a routine that enabled me to complete my education. Other people take out student loans or work several jobs in order to finance their education. If you want it badly enough, you will find the time and money to do so.
A college degree can be a measure of knowledge. Knowledge and intelligence are two different, but related concepts. Knowledge is a collection of facts, truths, or principles that are gained through study or investigation. Intelligence is defined as one's capacity for learning, reasoning, and understanding. Ones intelligence can determine how much knowledge they are able to obtain. It is more of a natural ability, either you have it or you do not. With that being said, it is nearly impossible, unless you are trying very hard, to go through any type of schooling and not come out on the other side without knowledge. If you go to college for two years, four years, six years, or even longer, you will complete your education with more knowledge than you had before you started your education.
A college degree can be a measure of capability. Some fields of work require that the person be licensed before they are able to work in that particular field. Most times, in order to be licensed that person must have a particular degree. For example, I am working on becoming an Associate Licensed Professional Counselor, in hopes of becoming a Licensed Professional Counselor. The state of North Carolina, and most other states, stipulate that before I can obtain said license I need a degree in counseling or a related field. Why? That degree is somewhat of a measure of my capabilities as a counselor.
Now with this being said, I do not think those without a degree do not possess these qualities. Of course someone without a degree can be knowledgeable, capable, determined, etc. One does not need a piece of paper to determine that. I am just trying to say that before someone goes around saying that a college degree doesn't mean anything to think for a minute. That degree might not mean anything to you, but for those of us who have sacrificed time, money, and effort into attaining the goal of earning a degree, that expensive piece of paper means so much more.
