A Bachelor's Degree...What is it Worth?

There are many responses, beliefs, and opinions when it comes to this question. Some vehemently argue that a college degree is an absolute in order to provide for a family. Others easily disagree that a degree is not needed, and go even farther by saying that it doesn't really mean much at all. There are also many in between the two extremes and this is where I find myself. One of the best Christmas presents I received was this on my student account. Check it out and see if you can tell what has just happened...




After looking at my online account at least 300 times and always seeing it say "incomplete." It now reads "complete" and though it feels great, overall it is quite anti climatic. After hours and hours of lectures, homework, papers, and group work this simple change--incomplete to complete--is what I am left with.

Yeah a paper declaring the same thing will come in the mail in a couple of weeks but I doubt it will do much to change my present attitude. For a long time I wondered what it would feel like to be a college graduate and as I cleaned the floors of a retail store I thought...is this really what it means to be a college grad. Though my current job is far from permanent ( tomorrow is my last day) it was still an eerie thought: How much is my degree really worth?

My retail store manager has a master's degree in graphic design, another one a degree in electrical engineering, and even another in biology. All these college educated people working the day after Christmas in a retail store is a bit bewildering to me. How bout you?

Yet I know that a college degree really does mean so much more than cleaning floors, a piece of paper, and the proud feelings I will have every time I mention, "Yeah, I have my degree." To me a college degree primarily means a lot of intangible skills and qualities that only a formal education can give. It also means more money. Though there are numerous exceptions, the numbers just do not lie. Take a look at this:




The bottom line is that on average a degree means a lot of things including more money in the bank, at least if you are intelligent enough to save some of it. Consequently, I am proud of this accomplishment and I know it is just the beginning of much more to come. Around the corner is law school, the professional degree which I will pursue, along with all the future professional opportunities that await me. There are numerous ways to make a living, and for me a formal education is a superb avenue to take.

I AM Legend

My brother in law, a big Samoan brotha, and I went and saw one of the most thrilling movies, from start to finish, that I have ever seen. Not only was my mind entrenched in the storyline but my body clinched over and over during the fantastic action packed scenes. The movie was thought provoking and also emotionally compelling. At a time when I really haven't been highly impressed by too many movies, this one was a perfect way to start a holiday vacation.

As we left the theater we discussed how we would have enjoyed learning more of the background of how the world got to be the way it was when it started with Will Smith all alone with his dog hunting some deer in a Mustang. There were also times during the movie when I thought to myself that I am watching one of the greatest actors that my generation will know and not only that but he is African American. I think about a time not long ago when there were no colored people on the big screen and how men of previous years through their courage have opened the doors for Smith, Gooding Jr, and Denzel. I am grateful that I didn't live in the era of extreme racism and misunderstanding due to a lack of knowledge and ignorance. Although we still see, feel, and are reminded of the cruelty which was once as common as a minor cold. Hopefully it will never be as bad as it was for the first slaves of our country.

Consequently, this movie not only entertained me but it reminded me of how far our country has come and how much farther we still need to go. No fence will help the progress of this country much more is needed: more people, more kindness, more forgiveness, more tolerance, and more love. I recommend this movie which impressed me with flying colors.

Join the Cause--Money for Law School

Take a second to donate a couple dollars to the Law School Tuition fund. Every single donated penny will go towards the paying of law school tuition. The cost of graduate school has risen 40% over the last 5 years. Many students have to take on thousands of dollars of debt in order to receive a quality education.

SUPPORT the cause. Help a fellow blogger PAY for law school tuition. Again every penny will go towards the cost of tuition.

There are 2 ways you can help out...The FIRST is through simply DONATING to the fund. Click here to do that. There is no minimum amount that you can donate. Just a little bit will go a long way! Law School Tuition Fund

The SECOND way is through MY TOP SPOTS...By a small donation of $3 not only will you help pay for law school, you will have a LINK to your website or blog. Such a small amount can HELP out SO MUCH! ScratchBack

HELP EDUCATE the Rising GENERATION. DONATE TODAY!

Win an iPhone

Sara on her blog, i make money on facebook, is having a contest and giving to one lucky blogger their very own iphone. It really is quite the deal. There are a couple of ways you can get added into the drawing and none of them require any money and to make it even better you can be entered into the drawing through a combination of ways. Just go check out her blog by clicking here to read all about it. Happy Holidays and good luck with the drawing. Let me know when you have entered so we can place our bets.