Degree doesn't equal success

Go to college, get a degree and get a job.

All of these actions are required to be successful in life. Or are they?

The traditional student path is not the only way to be successful. Jane Austen, Woody Allen, Richard Avedon and Jennifer Aniston are a few examples of people without a college degree who achieved success in their career paths.

Other options besides a formal education exist.

It’s no secret that a college education is not cheap, and some people are not willing to put themselves into what can sometimes be massive debt to pay for a diploma. After all, in the end it’s really just a piece of paper that says you’ve put in the work of studying and passing required classes to get it.

One popular alternative to college is the military.

For the commitment of their time, enlistees receive job training, room and board, meals and medical treatment. They also have the opportunity to move up in rank.

A roof over your head, food on the table and medical care when in poor health sound pretty successful.

Also, enlistees receive nonmaterial perks, such as the pride of serving your country and the honor of becoming a veteran.

If for some reason the military does not work out, those who have completed their commitment can utilize the GI Bill and the government will pay for the college education that was not affordable before enlistment.

Another option is to get a job.

The American dream says that anyone can achieve his or her dreams by working hard.

A friend once told me about a conversation she had with one of her photography professors. She wanted to become a fashion photographer and was going the college route to get there. Her professor told her that she just needed to get out there and shoot.

This is a viable option. Why not move to New York and study under one of the great fashion photographers? Ansel Adams dropped out of high school and today is considered a phenomenal photographer. His passion for and commitment to his work rather than a formal education enabled his success.

Another option is an apprenticeship. Do you love to build furniture or fiddle with wires? Learn a trade by apprenticing yourself to a furniture maker or an electrician.

College is not for everybody, but it’s not the end of the world. Your options don’t dry up because you don’t complete a formal education. Create your own self-worth.

Published in The Collegian April 22, 2009.