In our society, college seems to be a hot topic amongst parents even before children are born. Parents begin to save for their children’s college very early on, knowing that college has become a requirement in the job market. Others decide that it will be a topic that can be addressed later in life.

Here at the Connection, our opinion for this topic is college talk is never too early. The general consensus is that finding a way to make sure our college education is funded must be a priority. In the current job market, a degree is a must have. Though, finding the ability to have access to obtain said degree can be difficult. After the college education is done; there could be a large debt to pay off. The discussion of making college education more accessible to all is a topic that needs to be addressed. Having a large debt can be overwhelming. How can society expect students to have a degree if they are forced then to pay off large amounts of debt, for a degree that is required to work in our society in the first place. 

Many parents begin to talk about college early on with their children and discuss the many possibilities a child may have. You can be anything that you dream to be, was a sentence that was heard from early elementary thru high school. 

However, the topic of how we can pay for it does not seem to come up for most until it is time to apply. Some students are blessed with parents with the opportunity of having college covered by their parents. Others have no choice but to take out loans and work full or part time jobs. It is never too soon for students to begin working and saving for college, however with the economy continuing its fluctuation. Students are finding it difficult to transition to having to pay for college on their own or burden their families financially. 

Despite finances, another aspect that is important to address, those who fall under the umbrella of neurodivergency. Students who had support in earlier education, find that college is a difficult transition. Though an increase in independence is good, it also can be challenging. Those with learning disabilities, find the entire new world of college to be a struggle. It is important to have a discussion of what college will look like, to prepare for the new independence that students with neurodivergency will have. Schoolcraft does have a large support system for students including the learning center and many professors who are understanding and want to help students. Schoolcraft offers other support as well for students, including accommodations. 

A higher education for some is a learning experience that encourages self reflection and a tremendous amount of growth. College can help students learn vital skills that are highly desirable in the job market. It is important that parents and students start planning and talking about college as soon as possible. To set students up for the highest success it is the most responsible discussion for students and parents to have.