I found this article very interesting because I think that most
people (including myself), when given the opportunity to study at an Ivy League
College, would not forgo the experience and education to find a shortcut to “success”.
While there have been a few well known college drop outs like Bill Gates, Steve
Jobs and Mark Zuckerberg, I do not think that everybody who receives a Thiel
Fellowship and skips college education can attain that kind of world-changing success.
They are taking a huge risk by dropping out of college and the odds are stacked
against them. Statistics have shown that those who attend college are more
likely to have a better, high-paying job than those who drop out or do not
attend. While I do think it is good to follow one’s dreams, I think it would be
better to get a college education first. That way, if their plan does not work
out they will have a much easier time finding a job because of their college
degree. College education is a
worthwhile investment and rewarding experience.
Do you think these “experiments” will work? What will happen if
the students do not become successful and Mr. Thiel will have wasted all that
money? Do you think that if many of the students are successful more people
will try to apply for the fellowship?
This article caught my attention as well. I would not say that dropping out of college and doing something you love is a "shortcut" to success. It might seem that way to us, but if that student is wildly passionate about it and worked hard for it, I'd say they deserve that kind of success. I feel as if it'd provide another kind of experience, where one could genuinely do something for the sake of others, not a feeling an obligated project or homework would provide. It would also allow the student to make decisions in the face of reality, enabling them to become more independent and mature. However, I think that the importance of college is increasing these days because of the increased competitiveness between the people. More people are battling for jobs these days, and especially in our economy today, many people strive to stand out among the crowd with good college application. Many of the top paid jobs often require a college education. Going to college opens up new opportunities for many individuals, and while it is not necessary, it is certainly helpful. Eden Full, Conner Zwick, and a few others mentioned in the article dropped out of college for what they are passionate about and I think that is fine too. If they believe in something so much, it is only right to let them decide what they want to do and let them achieve success by their own standards. For the majority of the population, I think it’s very important to go to college because students become more experienced and knowledgeable in their field while interacting with others with the same interest. Although it is not necessary, it is very important.
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