Reasons for College Drop-Outs - Essay Example

Racism and bullying are commonly experienced factors in colleges. While there are certain behaviors that are overtly recognizable as racism and bullying and are hence forbidden by the colleges, many more behaviors qualify as racism and bullying and are yet not easily recognizable as such. These days, immigrants make up a significant proportion of students in colleges. They are subject to racism and bullying because of their cultural, religious, and ethnic differences from the native students. Native students also expose outsiders to racism and bullying because of their xenophobia. Different students deal with racism and bullying in different ways depending upon their previous life experiences, personality, and behavior in general. Some are too weak to take it and hence, consider dropping out of college. This not only displays a lack of strength on the part of such students but also reveals their short-sightedness as they tend to compromise upon something that would benefit them in the long run because of such menial challenges.

Fees of highly reputable colleges and universities these days are sky-high. Many students have to work in order to finance their education. This is typically observed in the case of foreign students. They work along with studying to be able to afford their residence, and other expenses in addition to education in the host country. This definitely requires a lot of time and effort on the part of such students. Even if they find time to study in a part-time course, the physically and emotionally demanding jobs drain all energy out of them, thus leaving them very unmotivated to study. Many students eventually drop out of college to be able to give more time to their jobs and earn money, what matters to them.

Many young people these days draw inspiration from computer giants and billionaire entrepreneurs. Education is required the most when an individual seeks employment, but to establish a business, higher education is not necessarily required. Such young people consider dropping out of universities in an attempt to get on a fast track to a successful business. Names like Dell, Gates, and Jobs give star power to the myth of successful dropouts. “One recent New York Times homage to the phenomenon compared dropping out to "lighting out for the territories to strike gold," with one young executive describing it as "almost a badge of honor" among startup entrepreneurs” (Zimmer). This story, like all myths, has a kernel of truth. Sometimes, the determination, intelligence, and hard work of an individual fill the void created by the lack of a college degree. But such cases are, more often than not, a matter of chance and fortune. Such successful entrepreneurs know the way to self-education in the required field, acquire bank loans, and manage their resources effectively. Besides, a network of family, acquaintances, and friends is there for help and support. It is insane to drop out of college out of such inspiration because, by dropping out, the students are putting too much at stake.

Students drop out of college because of different reasons, three of which namely, racism and bullying, work-life imbalance, and inspiration from entrepreneurs have been discussed in this paper. Racism and bullying are experienced by students in colleges in general and by foreign students in particular. Some students drop out of college to stay away from racism and bullying. Some students drop out of college to be able to give more time and attention to their jobs. Such jobs might fulfill their financial needs for some time, but eventually, these students do not qualify for higher-paying jobs because of a lack of college degrees. Others drop out of college inspired by business tycoons that achieved success without higher education. Is it sane to drop out of college to become a successful entrepreneur? Is it the urge to become a millionaire that draws people out of education? Or is it self-deception; lack of interest in education translating education as a hurdle in the way of successful entrepreneurship?