University. Is It Worth It?

Is higher education the secret ingredient to your fabulous life?

All throughout year 11 and 12 it was constantly drilled into me. Study hard during the HSC, receive a decent ATAR, attend university and then become astoundingly successful. I'll get a high paying job which will enable me to afford the lifestyle you see on high-end TV shows with luxurious travel, shopping and a large open plan mansion with a marble staircase.

Coming from a small mining town, without a nearby university or college to complete year 11 and 12 in meant that many of my peers left school in year 10 in order to begin full-time work. It was the norm. When I moved at the beginning of 2012 for year 11, I was suddenly surrounded by teachers who would shun those who decided not to follow a university pathway. I feared for my older brothers who had only recently left school for work.

For years I have wanted to be a psychologist, which obviously requires me to go to university. I enjoy helping others and it's something that I'm passionate about. In 2014 I was accepted into Macquarie University in Sydney and began my studies, eager to share my graduation and soon-to-be riches with my family. However, I now understand that is not necessarily the case. To become a psychologist requires years of study which unfortunately translates into years of debt and hard work. Think textbooks, HECs, student loans and 2 minute noodles.

My brothers and many of my friends back home are now buying their first cars and homes. This is certainly not going to happen for me in the near future. I have quite a few years to go until I catch up with their lifestyles; many even have an income greater than what I can expect upon completion of my degree. I think now I was definitely wrong when I assumed a university degree was the only measure of success. In order to achieve my dreams, higher education is a necessity. However becoming a psychologist is MY dream. Some of my peers see travel and home ownership whilst young as the key to a fabulous, fulfilling life. I now understand that university is not the be all and end all. It entirely depends on what YOU classify as a fabulous life.

Congratulations to Annalise for winning this writing challenge. Annalise wins a $50 Westfield gift card. For your chance to win, check out our latest writing challenges in our Comps section.