From a young age we are conditioned to believe in a linear education system. You start with elementary school, continue onto middle, then high school, and end it all off with college. My thoughts on this were provoked even more as I was volunteering at my old elementary school and noticed a billboard titled “Oh The Places You’ll Go” with each teacher’s university on it. Before these kids can even read, the objective of college is instilled in them. 

Following COVID, the number of college applicants significantly decreased by approximately 6.8%. This decrease is dramatic, and it begs the question of why exactly it happened. Of course financial instability plays a huge role in this fact due to the economic crisis the pandemic sent America into within the past year and a half. But I believe that another large part of it is that Americans are pushing back against the imposed belief that college is a necessary part of someone’s life path.

After the pandemic hit, the amount of self-employed people in America increased from 10.4% in 2019 to 10.9% in 2020 and continues to steadily rise. This is a direct result of the increasing number of people finding alternatives to jobs that require a college degree. This innovation begins as the scheme of a minority of people, but eventually inspires others to follow suit and creates a beautiful diversity in our economy. 

I believe that these observed trends are incredibly important and progressive. I find there to be a level of classism within the initiation of the linear education system, because it’s no secret that not everyone has the means to obtain a degree. Any resistance to this system will not only influence positive change, but normalize alternatives to college without imposing the stigma or implicit biases often associated with those who don’t graduate from college.

Although I do plan to attend college, I am aware and understanding of those who make the decision not to. Many people aren’t aware that success can be found without a degree, and that people shouldn’t pass judgement onto those who choose to pursue said success.