College is something that our families emphasize. It is seen as the only way to success, but this is simply untrue.
 After college, your wages and chances of employment are higher, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. However, other jobs, such as construction workers, mail carriers and septic line workers can make an average of $45,000 a year to almost $55,000, which is more than some college degree-based jobs give people. Teachers make an average of about $52,000 a year, showing that you don’t have to go to college and get a degree to be successful and get ahead. With that being said, a degree is not the only thing that will make you successful.
  College debt is a growing epidemic and is affecting every incoming class at a higher, more accelerated rate. Mike Rowe, creator of the show “Dirty Jobs,” has the belief that college isn’t the way to go if you’re not wanting debt later on in life. He has also stated that just because he adores the hard working labor jobs doesn’t mean he disagrees with people who want to go to college, because for high-achieving and hard-working students, scholarships and federal Pell Grants are great alternatives to avoiding crippling debt.
  However, if you are indecisive as to whether you want to go to college or not, a gap-year could be a great option. This year-long break will allow you to not only save up money, but will give you the chance to find a career in the workforce you would pursue in place of a post-secondary education. Some people take the route of technical and community colleges, which are cheaper than four-year universities and offer transferable degrees.
  In the end, pursuing college should not seem mandatory. If you have no desire to pursue a career that requires post-secondary education, then take a route that won’t result in years of paying back a useless debt. Don’t let your parents, friends, and family members get in the way of making one of the biggest decisions of your life; follow your dreams, and it will all pay off on its own.