High school is coming to a rapid end, which means college is right around the corner for many seniors. However, for some students, graduation is a temporary, or permanent, end of their academic journey.

Earlier this month, many students declared where they’d be spending the next four years, however, there are others who do not have the intention of going to college. In today’s society, the value, and necessity, of education is considered extremely critical, which brings to question: What are the benefits of not going college, or taking a gap year?

The first obvious reason for not attending college is finance. Collegeraptor.com states that “Studies show that attendance of a private four-year college could cost up to $46,000, and the cost of attendance for a public four year could potentially cost up to 36 thousand.” It is no secret that college is expensive, and student debt can have a greater negative impact on your future then not having a degree. Also, “student debt is at an all-time high, higher than credit card debt” according to pbs.org. The financial burden and potential harm to your future finances, in terms of student debt, is a risk that students attending college must face. In addition to debt, the chances of finding a job post-graduation have decreased. According to an article on the University of Washington’s website, “approximately 50% of college students are unemployed or working in a position which does not require a degree.”

The college system seem to have become a system built to cheat students out of money: requiring young adults to take out large loans, that they are then later not able to pay off. The financial burden of college needs to be carefully examined, however, students who aren’t attending college, are relieved of this burden, which is a primary and major reason as to why to not attend college.

Another reason why students aren’t attending college is preparation. The lack of preparation, within the current education system, for the future evident. For Abdullaziz Munye, a current senior at Highland, preparation is a key factor in his decision to join the workforce. “The problem is that students are taught to work with their hands in school.”

Abdulaziz plans on working as an apprentice carpenter this fall. “I do plan on going to school in the future, however, as of right now, I want to chase my passion in carpentering.”

Abdullaziz continues to discuss the reason in which he came to his decision, along with the stigma that is placed on students who choose not to attend college. The argument is that college does not prepare us any more than high school does, although college provides us with a lot more spare time than high school. The majority of this spare time will be spent in libraries studying.

The constraints that college puts on building ourselves rather than becoming “corporate clones” are obvious. Students are going to college just to be able to add something on to their resume and find a job, but where is the passion? Why are we told that we will find ourselves during our college years if there isn’t any real chance of growth and development, and instead a rather high chance of having more student loans than job offers.

In an article for the Huffington Post, Michael Price writes “Spending 4+ years pursuing a college education in this day and age when the world is changing at the speed of light is not only silly, it’s absolute insanity! Since I dropped out of college and started my career half a decade before my peers, I’m 5 years ahead of the game, plus I have zero debt. No student loans for me.”

College has always been pressured as a necessity, however, it’s obvious in our day and age, that many people can be successful without a degree. Along with the fact that the college environment isn’t built for everyone. The concept of college is particular to each person, and some people want or need to go to college in order to pursue their dream. However, college shouldn’t be viewed as the only way to achieve success.

By Piper Gallivan, Alivia Arredondo, and Alani Bayon

Summer is right around the corner, and if you want money to spend you’re going to need a job because you can’t rely on your parent’s money forever. A summer job is a great thing to have to teach responsibility, and to get money. Many people have the problem of finding where to work, or what to do, or finding a place that will hire them, so we hope to help you on your search for summer jobs with our ideas.

Lifeguard

Lifeguarding is a great summer job to have for many reasons. For example, your employers understand that you are (in most cases) also a student, so you are not required to work during the school year if you don’t want to, and you won’t be penalized for deciding not to work during the school year. Also, unlike some jobs, where you are required to be 16 or older, you can apply to be a lifeguard at only 15, however, you must be certified and have completed the lifeguard training class.

Lifeguarding is a serious job and you must be prepared to take on the responsibilities of being a lifeguard, but along with that comes the fun of being a lifeguard. Working for the city of St. Paul, lifeguards make between $11-$12 an hour, and depending on how many hours you work, you get a raise after a certain period of time.

Also, the lifeguard community is a good group because most everyone are friends, making it more likely you will enjoy the people you work with.

You are not only required to be a lifeguard, in fact you don’t even have to patrol the pool, being a lifeguard gives you other options for a job. For example, you can teach swim lessons, or a water aerobics class, and many more! Not only are these things fun, but they also pay better and require less hours. If you’re looking for an outside job where you can get a tan and go in the water lifeguarding is the way to go.

Nanny/Babysitter

Being a nanny (fancy way to say baby sitter) for the summer is a great and easy way to earn some money. During the summer, many parents don’t want to have to pay the fee to send their kids to daycare or summer camps while they are at work, so nannies are in high demand during the summer. Not only do you get paid well (especially if the family lives on Summit), but it can be a fun and easy job.

Often, you will make a connection with the kids, and get to do fun things with them as well. Although being a nanny is a big responsibility, it does have its perks. There is no age requirement and no taxes like with other jobs. Also, if you have access to a car, or a city bus, you can take the kids and yourself to do fun things like going to the mall, or zoo, or water park, etc. Becoming a nanny would be a great, easy, flexible job for any teen to have this summer.

Camp Counselor

Being a camp counselor is one of the many ways to earn money while having fun. Many kids go to camp every year and depending on the amount of kids they will need a counselor. There are many camps for many activities; for example, if you are into being out in the water Camp St. Croix is perfect, and if you enjoy farming and gardening Youth Farm is a perfect fit for you.

For this job, you must be very patient. Depending on your age group, little kids may take some time to do things, or understand things. You will also need to be responsible; you’re with a lot of kids and you must keep them safe. This is a great job for people who need money while having fun and improving their communication abilities.

Sports Coach

Being a coach over the summer is a great experience. If you are really involved in a sport this job is perfect for you. It’s even possible that you can get a workout at the same time. During the summer, a lot of people slack on their workout, or don’t even do one, but with this job it has you covered. You could teach any sport, it could be: baseball, soccer, basketball, gymnastics, or dance. Typically, if you’re a teen getting this job you will be working with little kids. Just like with the camp counseling job, you will need to be patient; not all people are born with a natural talent. A lot of people find this job very enjoyable because you get to do something you love.

Ice Cream Shop

There are many ice cream places around St. Paul that hire year round, and summer only, for teens. Many have the minimum age limit of 14, so they are one of the most accessible jobs for teens. Some of the most popular ones near the Highland area are Nelson’s, Grand Ole Creamery, Izzy’s, and Cold Front. They are all currently hiring St. Paul teens for May-September, and in some cases you can continue into the school year.

For these jobs, you will need to be available 7 days a week, morning through night, and not have any extended time periods off. They are looking for people with good customer service skills, the ability to work with all kinds of people, and the ability to handle money. Everyone loves ice cream, so why not work with it and get some for free? If you are interested, check their website or stop in and ask for an application.

State Fair

The Minnesota State Fair is a great way to spend your summer at Minnesota’s greatest event of the year. The technical age for working is 16, but if you apply individually with a vendor, they may hire younger people too. To apply, you have to complete a cover letter and resume, and then have a meeting in the registration office where you will be interviewed and led in the direction of jobs suitable for you.

You need to be available to work all 12 days of the fair, and during consistent times available. The specific skills required depend on the job, and there are many options. There are hundreds of food vendors, some in full restaurants, and some in just stands on the street. Some of the most recognizable vendors that hire teens are Sweet Martha’s and the Pronto Pup stand. The fair will start taking applications on June 16th, so get your resumes ready!!

Summer is a great time to get money before the stress of school comes back. The Twin Cities’ have a lot of great opportunities for jobs that are designated for teenagers, and many of them are really fun! Most places are hiring right now, so go get to applying!!