The way I see the world and problem solve was enhanced by the skills, philosophies, and analytical skills learned in college
Going to college teaches you to navigate all kinds of systems and challenges. Registering for classes, scheduling appointments with counselors, and navigating the financial aid system all have helped me in dealing with systems at jobs I have had. There are protocols to follow at any job or even when dealing with government offices like the Department of Motor Vehicles, and college helps you learn to navigate them.
The learning environment in the college classroom also helps you learn to problem solve. You have to tackle big class projects, work with others on teams, and even find new places to get your textbooks if the book store is sold out. You learn to be resourceful, ask for help, and compare notes with peers (fellow classmates). Within the classroom, you learn new ways of looking at situations that help you figure out multiple solutions to a problem, consider multiple perspectives, and help you be more objective in your decision making. Whenever I talk to people who have gone to college, they often remarked that it changed HOW they think of the world.
Going through college made me learn time management skills
College taught me how to manage my time better. When I went through college, I already had a baby and I had to work to support myself through school. As a Latino, maybe you are feeling the pressure to get working and start making money right out of high school or even before you graduate. Maybe you HAVE to get a job to make ends meet. Juggling a work schedule with the demands of college classes and coursework makes you prioritize your life real quick. Making those decisions is part of what makes college great but it also helps you to hunker down and get the work done so you can still have time available for relaxing or having fun with friends. I got really good at scheduling my day using a paper calendar but these days you can use tools like Evernote or the calendar on your phone to help you organize your day and get all your tasks done. College makes you learn how to manage your time and subsequently, your life, better!
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