There are many things I am thankful for when it comes to being parented. One of them was the fact that college was never an option for any of us 8 kids. It was never, "if you go...", it was always, "when you go...", or "where will you go..".

I really don't get the "college isn't for everyone..." type of reasoning. What is the disadvantage of obtaining more education past high school? It buys you 4 [I]constructive[I] years of maturity, has the potential of opening up ones eyes to things beyond what the local high school might have taught, and still, from a statistical perspective, offers you much more in career options (including, but, not limited to, income potential).

Sure, there ARE jobs out there for the high school educated individual. And, there are people that luck out, or through ones connections, land the J.O.B. But, it just doesn't seem that secure, IMO, to rely on those things.

Having an education does not grant you anything other than a college diploma, there still must be work on your end to make things happen. In my experience, having that degree makes it easier to make things happen. I look at my friends, their education, and their career options. I prefer my degree.

Genny, how old are you? When did you graduate? Are there local community colleges in your area? Did you take the SAT/ACT? Do you even have to take those anymore? LOL. And, can you get into a community college without either test? Will your parents pay for your education (a huge bonus, IMO, LOL).

Which member of your family actually disuades you from persuing an education? It sounds a bit like you are flip-flopping, which is so normal, presuming you are as young as I think you are. You can still flip-flop, just do it while taking classes.