<p>I didn’t want to go to college in high school, I hated school. After 5 years in the Navy, some good, some bad, I felt a real desire to do something mentally challenging and fulfilling. I suppose it’s odd I’m a business major but I’d like to go on for a masters and do much more anylitic work in securities. It can be a really interesting field, a lot of elite math and computer science guys find their way there too. </p>
<p>I love school now, blue collar work for 5 years gave me that perspective. Nothing wrong with honest blue collar work but learning about the world is something that makes me feel like my life has meaning, I really dig all my breadth prereqs. If I end up making a lot of money, fine, but I’ll just go back to college in the sciences or whatever strikes my fancy, not roll around in it.</p>
<p>I am afraid you are generalizing a little too much Harvard. Yes, many people graduate from high school and throw their lives away, and many people go straight to college. But there are many others who don’t fall into either of those categories. They are good people with ambition. Maybe they can’t afford college, maybe they have other, better opportunities. Maybe they are above going to college. </p>
<p>Basically what I am trying to say is that college is not the only path to success. It can be one, but what we should all remember is that just because we are going to college doesn’t make us better or smarter or more qualified than anyone else. We get a piece of paper that some employers put a lot of importance on. But what does that really mean? It means we graduated from college. Big deal. Its one of many means to an end, not an end in an of itself.</p>
<p>It’s nice to idealistically think that college is a time for intellectual growth and self-development, but more often than not… it all comes down to $$$. And I don’t mean that in a materialistic, moneymongering way, but just the practicalities of paying rent, utilities, etc. to live a reasonably comfortable life. It’s about landing the job. If I wanted an education, I could just go to the local library or buy the textbooks and read them at my own time.</p>
<p>the feel of accomplishing something and having something to look back at when i’m older. and, of course, financial security so i can live a relatively comfortable life without having to worry about debts or not being able to buy something because i can’t afford it.</p>
<p>have mind wushu; karate chops of knowledge. no seriously though, if my mind could chop someone in half I could die a happy man. Kind of like Sylar from Heroes…</p>
<p>on a serious note:
Perpetual growth of a person’s intellectual being.
Meeting people with the same ideas and philosophies as you but come from all walks of life.
To figure out how much potential I have, and my ability to learn and do well with what I am good at.</p>
<p>PS: those people that tend to have fear, need to grow some Nuts!!! live a life where you have nothing, and any micro improvement will substantially change your outlook on life. from a person that has nothing to lose and everything to gain :)~</p>
<p>What motivates me to do well is the knowledge that I have the potential to change the circumstances in my life. Because I come from a poor family, I am determined to work hard, both in academics and in the workplace, to get out of my financial situation. I can envision a day when my family will be financially stable and will not have to worry as much about deadlines, debts, etc.</p>
<p>I’m also in college because I want to develop my intellectual capacity. I’m not sure if I can accurately convey this feeling with words, but as you learn more and more about something, you feel more alive.</p>
<p>Going to a CC, it has also been pleasant to acquaint with single mothers, middle-aged adults who work very hard, and people from all around the globe who have been through unbelievable hardships. These people give me the strength to carry on during hard times.</p>