Ariana Capel

Messenger Staff Writer

Attending college is a personal decision, but different factors and influences can change your mind and prevent you from deciding in your best interest.

After high school, everyone has the option of whether or not to attend college.  Different influences affect the choices of individuals.  Some people decide not to go to college because of financial reasons, others feel it’s unnecessary.    Most people who attend college have planned and looked forward to it for most of their lives, but what made them want to make that decision?

“If their parents attend college, than it would motivate their kids to go to college as well, but if their parents didn’t go to college and didn’t care, then one would be more inclined to not care, not have a motivation and not go to college,”  said Placer freshman Sage Watson

Even though it is technically up to the student to decide whether or not to attend college, parents will sometimes “force” the student into it.

“Honestly, I really don’t want to go to college, I’ve never wanted to.  I think it’s not important to the life I want to have when I’m out of the house.  But my parents are pressuring me into it, forcing me to do everything I can to get a scholarship, and I know I’m not the only person in this situation,” Anonymous for personal reasons.

Other people have hoped to go to college for a long time but suddenly something comes up, a major life change, and things get in the way of their educational goals.  It is common for people to wait for a long time before getting a college education, some not starting until their forties and fifties.=

“A lot of people choose not to go to college because they can’t afford it.  Some people are just lazy and think it’s too much work, they don’t want to go through the trouble of even more school,” said Placer student Shailey Trejo.

A lot of people want to go to college just get away from everyone.   They don’t really care where as long as it’s away from home.

“Personally, I don’t really mind the location of my college.  If I get into a school that offers the program I’m interested in, I really don’t have a preference of where it is.  I know a lot of people care about the environment or how far away from home they are, but I’m more focused on the programs the college offers.” said Abigail Vaughan, a freshman at Placer

Whether or not you choose to attend college, it’s your choice.  Remember the amount of preparations that take place before you apply.  Consider your options and think hard before deciding.