Vitaminwater; curing hangovers everywhere?

Pro: 'I will be free to do whatever my heart desires with a degree and diploma to back it up, all at the age of 21.'

By Erin Whittingham

whit0495@algonquincollege.com

There is prom to plan for, applications to schools due, tuition payments to think about and childhood to say goodbye to. Grade 12 is a busy time with your whole life ahead of you and ready to be figured out. As intimidating as this was to the 17-year-old version of me, the thought of having to work until the age of 65 was not the most comforting either.

According to Statistics Canada, four in 10 high school graduates postpone their post-secondary studies by at least one year. Furthermore, of those four in 10, by the age of 20, two were still not going to school. Therefore, taking a year off can also translate into never going back.

The idea of going straight into retirement out of high school was a little unrealistic, so I settled for the idea of freedom 55, and I plan on achieving it. So I figured, the quicker I got started on my degree, the quicker I would be done.

My parents just retired this past year at the age of 57. They were lucky enough to be able to stop working while they still have the energy and youthfulness to do all sorts of sports and activities. However, they both went straight into the workforce after receiving their degrees. So I ask you, is it easier to put up with the stress and anxiety to make some big decisions at the age of 17 or pay for it later on when you want to enjoy your grandchildren but have to go to work?

Taking a year off between high school and university is not wise. For 13 years, from kindergarten to our last year of high school, we are training our brains how to learn. We are constantly feeding our minds with knowledge and expanding our skills. So why break that pattern?

Shannon Blake found the return to Algonquin to be a little tough after her year off. She found herself nervous and studying much more than the younger students in class because she had fallen out of the test taking regime.

This is my fourth and final year of my post-secondary education. I will be free to travel, start my career, or run away and join the circus. I will be free to do whatever my heart desires with a degree and diploma to back it up, all at the age of 21.

Con: 'Too many students these days are in school with no drive, no motivation, no sense of direction'- and wasting their money.

By Chris Geminiano

gemi0001@algonquincollege.com

It’s that time of year when colleges and universities travel to high schools around the province and convince young adults that they should think about their future, and in turn, empty their pockets on their university’s respective tuition.

But before you break the bank, think to yourself: do you really want to rush off to college or university?

How about taking time off school and mulling your options over?

Taking a year off doesn’t mean finding a dead-end job and blowing your paycheck on road trips and keggers. That’s being lazy. This isn’t the 60s where a high school diploma could get you the job of a lifetime. Simply finishing high school does not cut it in many job sectors of this country and I happen to value post-secondary education. Whether it’s law school or trades school, there’s a difference between a job and a career, and careers often come from taking some form of post-secondary education.

I’m not saying it’s an absolute must to take a year off, but far too many students these days are in school with no drive, no motivation, and absolutely no sense of direction. It’s much easier to reach a goal if you know what you’re aiming for. And if you have a passion for something and know exactly what you want to do with the rest of your life, then more power to you.

For some, taking time off after high school is necessary to save up for post-secondary tuition. In fact, this option has its benefits. With the economy the way it is now, saving money makes perfect sense, because who wants to pay student loans with continually rising interest rates? Nothing would be worse than rushing to finish a four-year bachelor’s program, only to discover that you might be working several years before you’ve cleared your name of all debts. For many, this is a certainty.

Another reason why someone would want to take time off high school would be to “discover” themselves. If you don’t have the funds to travel do some extra-curricular activities when you’re not working - take part-time classes, do volunteer work, take a local art class, join a community recreation league, or start a new hobby. Whatever it is, do something with yourself that will allow you to explore your interests and discover your purpose in life.

So if you can’t decide what to take in school, take some time off and think about it. I mean really think about it. It could be the best decision you’ll ever make.