If you decide that you want to choose your own career and learn how to be an expert in that field you will almost certainly have to have a college education. A college degree is a prerequisite for many professions and without one you may not even get in the door at many corporations. But there are many good reasons to get a college education. Here are a few to think about.

College will give you a better understanding of the world in which you live and all that has come before you: art, history, culture, language, science. Knowledge is power and the things you learn in college will help you to pass that knowledge on to your family and to your community.

College will teach you not only how to become an expert in your chosen field of study but it will help keep you up to date on all the latest trends and developments in that area. That will make you a valuable employee, a great addition to any team, and a source of information for all your new co-workers.

College will help you deal with the changes that are happening in our country and the world. You will learn and listen to different points of view, and better understand your role as a citizen in a great and vibrant democracy.

College will open your eyes to new possibilities that you have never even dreamed of before. This may allow you to bring positive changes to your life and your community. It may even inspire you to research and create cures for incurable diseases and different ways to reduce community conflicts.

College will help you contribute more to the American way of life, to freedom and democratic ideals. You may choose to follow a political path or run for elected office. Even if you don't you will be an informed and educated voter,

College will help you earn more money and proceed rapidly in your chosen career. On average college graduates make more than double the annual salary of high school graduates and over a lifetime often make a million more total dollars.

But perhaps most importantly of all your college degree will be an inspiration to your family and friends. They will see that you have succeeded in achieving your dream and they will believe that their dreams are possible too. Maybe that by itself is a good enough reason to get a college education.