OPINION: Finding the motivation to complete my USF degree
I’m sure everybody in college has felt a rut in their academic journey. But I’ve been feeling it tenfold these past few months.
It could be the infamous “sophomore slump” or just general end-of-semester burnout.
But it could also be the fact that it’s a tough time to be a young adult right now – especially those who are on the cusp of entering the workforce.
I have been thinking about discussions between college degrees versus experience and which is valued more in today’s age.
Related: OPINION: You don’t have to endure your USF spring semester alone
Between student loan debt and the current job market, there are times I feel unsure about the direction I’m headed.
That and the 12.3% unemployment rate for those with bachelor’s degrees between the ages of 20 to 29, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Because of all of this, it has been difficult to stay motivated while finishing my degree.
College used to be an investment young adults could see pay off in the future. Now, it feels like finishing college has you winding up working the same minimum wage job as a high school student.
According to a 2024 Pew Research Center survey of 5,203 U.S. adults, nearly half said a college degree isn’t as important to land a good job as it was 20 years ago.
And 29% of respondents said college is not worth the cost. Isn’t that reassuring?
All this considered, there are also the unrealistic expectations of employers.
Related: USF students share setbacks, successes in internship hunt
Even after graduating college, employers want as many years of experience as you’ve been alive. It seems like the only way to land a good job nowadays is if you have connections or began building your resume as an infant.
College students are expected to juggle unpaid internships, classes and social relationships, all while already feeling behind.
Panic sets in when I see those with a better resume or more experience than me getting turned down by jobs.
College can be overwhelming to think about, and it is good to keep in mind the other options beyond school.
Related: OPINION: Commuting to USF can be lonely, but it has its upsides
But ultimately, I believe I should finish my bachelor’s degree. I have my whole life to work.
My time at USF has shown me the valuable aspects of the college experience, beyond earning a diploma.
During the time I’ve spent here, I’ve made memories and friends whom I would not have met otherwise. I have built up grit and developed good time management skills, too.
Of course, I could gain all this without going to college — but I also love to learn.
I know I can get excited about my education again. A summer recharge is just what I need from my six-course semester, and it could not arrive faster.
More Stories
OPINION: Empowering USF’s young women beyond motherhood
It’s difficult to want to study hard as a woman in college when the government makes me feel like I should put down the textbook and instead pick up the pacifier. Gov. Ron DeSantis appointed Scott Yenor, a professor at Boise State University, to the Board of Trustees at the University of West Florida in […]
OPINION: Leaving USF for home? Here’s how to survive the move back
You’ve traded in your dorm key for your childhood bedroom and suddenly your “independent adult” badge doesn’t work at home. One day you’re out till 3 a.m. at Ivy Rose and then sobering up at Waffle House. The next thing you know your mom’s blowing up your phone at 10:31 p.m. asking where you are […]
OPINION: USF Library renovations are much needed, but inconvenient
Gone are the days when I could walk effortlessly to the USF Library from Muma College of Business. For this semester, at least. This walk used to be seamless for me, fun even, now it’s just an inconvenience. Green scaffolding surrounds an eighth of the Library at the moment, making me walk all that of […]
OPINION: A survival guide for USF’s Bullstock
The semester is coming to a close which means it is time for another USF week. As excitement buzzes around campus for the upcoming festivities, there is one I personally cannot wait for – Bullstock. Not many people can say their university has their own music festival. Especially a free one, right on campus. Related: […]
OPINION: USF’s multicultural student orgs need to be celebrated
USF’s multicultural organizations help preserve the culture of our diverse student body. Over 3,000 international undergraduate students attended USF as of the drop/add period in fall 2024, according to the 2024-25 factbook. But while we have a melting pot of cultures at USF, our celebration of such diversity is under threat. Per President Donald Trump’s […]
OPINION: Why USF students should pay attention to the Student Government
Student Government is essential to the operation of student organizations and student life on campus, but it often goes ignored by most students. The last SG election gathered around 3,000 votes out of the 50,000 students who were eligible to vote, making the voter turnout less than 10%. SG controls a large budget of $18 […]