Was College Worth It? A Personal Reflection
The question of whether college was “worth it” has been an ongoing contemplation for me — and to be honest, I still haven’t arrived at a definitive answer. What I can speak to, however, is what college meant to me personally.
For four years, college felt more like a vacation than a stepping stone to a career. I entered without a clear idea of what I wanted to study or pursue professionally, attending largely because it was expected of me. Coming from a private high school where nearly all of my classmates went on to college, it seemed like the natural next step. Fortunately, I had family members who could help cover the cost, which allowed me to explore freely — albeit without much direction.
I did participate in various extracurricular activities, such as joining a running club, Greek life, and even walking onto the track team. But when it comes to academics, I don’t recall much from the actual lectures and coursework. Looking back, I’m honestly shocked at how unoriginal some of my projects were at times.
I took this photo during my campus tour, and I pretty much knew right then that Oregon was where I belonged.
I sometimes wish I had done things differently: taken more credits each semester, finished in three years instead of four, and cared less about maintaining a high GPA. Ironically, that GPA never factored into my job search — something I didn’t realize until after graduation. If I could do it again, I might trade some of that academic stress for broader experiences or more challenging classes.
That said, I don’t regret choosing the University of Oregon. It was my dream school, and it gave me an enjoyable college experience. The campus was beautiful, my mental health stayed strong, and I made good use of resources like the rec center. Most importantly, I made friendships that continue to mean a lot to me today.
In the end, college was, for me, a four-year vacation — not necessarily a career-defining chapter, but a meaningful one nonetheless. I’m proud to have earned my degree, especially for my parents’ sake, and I’m grateful I was able to do so with relatively little debt.