Deciding If Higher Education Is Right: A Personal And Complex Decision

Over the years, the phrase "Education is a scam" has become increasingly common in many African countries. This is because many people are unable to find employment after completing all levels of schooling- primary, secondary, and tertiary levels. There is a growing sense of frustration, disappointment, and disillusionment among citizens. What's the point of enrolling in primary school, and spending a lot in secondary and tertiary institutions? At the end of everything, the child roams around the street aimlessly, seeking job employment. Here in my country, there are lots of jobless first-class students. Who is to blame? The students who fulfilled all righteousness came out with flying colors of the government who are supposed to provide them with employment opportunities. Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying people shouldn't go to school at all. The importance of being educated- completing all levels of education cannot be overemphasized. However, my point is: that in a country like mine, one shouldn’t be too dependent on school. Having a backup plan isn't so bad.

AT WHAT LEVEL OF EDUCATION ARE YOU CURRENTLY

I'm currently in my third year of university, studying Literature in English. Taking a short trip down the memory lane, I remember how my expectations for university life were different from the reality I now face. During my secondary secondary school, I initially planned to pursue a career in healthcare like my mother and sister. The plan was to become a nurse or a medical doctor. However, due to reasons best known to me, I decided to follow a different path and crossed to the arts department during my second year of secondary school.

When I switched from science department to art department, I wasn't sure what path I wanted to pursue. After a while, I decided I'd be going for law. Sometimes, I imagined myself in a suit. However, things did not go as planned. Life has an interesting way of pulling its strings (my favorite quote). I found myself in the department of literature in English. I don’t regret choosing this course. In fact, it is one of the best decisions I've ever made.

IF YOU HAD THE OPPORTUNITY, WOULD YOU GO FURTHER, AND WHAT FIELD DO YOU PLAN TO GO FURTHER IN?

As I mentioned above, I'm in my third year in the university. Meaning, I have one more year to go. At this point, nothing would please me more than to graduate from this school. It's a lot! Being a student can sometimes be stressful and demanding, and at this point, I could use a really long break. If I had the opportunity to go further in my education, I'm not sure I would take it. I understand that going further (pursuing a master’s degree and a Ph.D. degree) would be a really good idea- bring in more career opportunities and open one’s mindset to different things. I'm not sure I'd be pursuing these paths after graduating from the university. Who knows, maybe I haven't thought of it well.

Yes, I'm aware that it is good to go to the next level. However, not pursuing further education doesn't mean that one's life is any less fulfilling or successful. There are lots of great people out there without a Master’s or PhD degree.

ALL IMAGES IN THIS POST ARE MINE

Thanks for reading.

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