Since before we can remember, we are told to go to school and get good grades so we can get into a good college, get a good job, and support a family.  However, for some, college may not be the answer.  After thirteen required years of homework, lectures, and report cards, some people can’t even imagine going back voluntarily.  Although college is an excellent way to get an education, it is not the only way.  Some people learn best through other experiences including, work, travel, and instructive programs. 

     The first thing you have to do to survive life on your own is get a job to support yourself.  That is, unless you are rich already or plan on living with mom and dad for the rest of your life.  Working is a good alternative to college because you earn money, gain work experience, and learn how to perform specific duties.  For example, a retail job would give you experience with people, product knowledge, and marketing techniques.  A construction job can give you building knowledge, architectural design, tool use, and a good workout.  By trying different types of jobs, you can determine what you like and don’t like, giving you a better direction to start heading.

     Another form of work is an apprenticeship.  In an apprenticeship, you study under an expert or qualified person of a certain skill and learn all there is to know about that skill through a mentor.  Normally, it is not a paid job because they teach you a valuable skill and in return you help them with little things.  If you are a good helper or show a lot potential, they might hire you to work for them eventually.  As a surfboard making apprentice, I started out just cleaning the shop and watching how my mentor did things.  That way I could see how things were supposed to be done and he could explain how things worked.  Eventually, I got upgraded to practicing with ding repair and sanding boards and finally the shaping and glassing stage.  Although I don’t work as a surfboard shaper, it was a worthwhile skill for me to learn and I continue to do it as a hobby and may even turn it into a business of my own someday.

     Trade school is another option similar to an apprenticeship where you learn a skill or trade that you can use as a business or to make a living.  These are trades like being an electrician, a plumber, or a massage therapist.  They are not credited so you can’t get a degree or diploma however; it is a good way to get a decent career started without years of college.

     Travel is another alternative to college.  By visiting or living in other places, you can learn a lot about how others live.  You will see how other people dress, what they eat, where they live, how they make a living, and how their society works.  Experiencing other cultures can give you perspective on how you live your own life.  There are many different ways to see the world such as working for an international cruise ship or airline or even joining the peace core.  If none of those options work for you then you could always join a branch of the army.

     If work and travel isn’t your thing and you have a passion or talent that you might want to pursue, then follow it!  If you love to play music then start a band.  If you love to paint, then paint.  If you love to dance, then dance.  These are things that you enjoy and have learned on your own and don’t need a degree for.  And if you are good enough at what you do then why not do it for a living.  The trick to this is making yourself marketable and your product unique, but still enjoying yourself. 

      So although college can give you a degree, a good education, and possibly a nice paying job, it is not the only way to learn and get through life.  There is more to life than sitting in a classroom…  So go out and live!  See the world, experience new things, and follow your dreams.  Open your mind and remember anything can be a learning experience in one way or another.