Why I Chose College Before A Career

Too often, I see so many people try to talk others out of going to college. I'm not going to sit here and tell you that it is the best choice for everyone, but for many the chance to go to college will open up so many doors. Many of the opportunities I have had in my career this far have come from my experience in college.

I was one of those people that was discouraged from going to college. Family was definitely one of the groups that said it wouldn't be worth it, especially for the career field I wanted to go into, which was horses. My whole life I knew that they were something I was passionate about, and I definitely beat around the bush when it came to finally choosing what I was going to do once high school was over.

My senior year finally came around and it was time to make a decision. My mom dragged me by my toes to visit a college, Lake Erie College. Once I arrived, I was sold. The equestrian center was beautiful and the best of all, I would be able to bring my horse with me. I went from not wanting to go to college at all to doing a complete 180. Suddenly, it felt like the right thing to do.

This was the only college I applied for, and I was accepted. Despite what everyone had to say, I finally had decided that I was going to go to college and pursue the thing I really had a true passion for, horses. That was the first step into what has become the best decision I have ever made. The next step was to graduate high school, and move two states away.

I made the move that next fall, and I began to not only meet new people, but meeting horses who would soon start teaching me so many new things. They would teach me in the barn while we were there for a class, or when we would saddle up and head into the arena. Either way, each time I would step foot into the barn, I would walk away with a new experience, skill or funny story to share.

Whether it be an anatomy class, a pasture class, or riding class, there was always something to learn. Of course there were times that I thought that maybe I didn't belong, or that I wasn't cut out for that life, but the next day I would get up and try again. That's part of the beauty in having the college experience. You find out what you are truly made of, and that is something that you don't always get when jumping straight into a career.

Since graduating this year, I have since continued working where I interned at and have also began a job working in an equine insurance company. Both were opportunities that were granted to me because of being at school. Without the opportunity to go to college, I do not think I would be where I am today. College was a stepping stone for me to move to bigger and better opportunities.

The next time that someone tries to tell you that what you want to do in life is not worth it, no matter what it is, do it anyways. You will look back and thank yourself for following your heart and doing what you truly love. There is no greater feeling, I promise you that.