Does CMHS focus too much on sending kids to college?

By Isaiah Lovett 

Opinions Editor 

Crete-Monee offers multiple college courses and appears to focus on sending students to college more than anything. For the juniors, teachers work hard on ACT prep to prepare students to do well on the ACT in April so they can get into a good college. They even have career programs where colleges present themselves at the school.

Information about different types of colleges can be found at the Guidance Office. However, some students believe not enough time is spent talking about other possibilities outside of high school such as the trades, working, or the military. Photo by Cayla Gist.

“I think there should be more classes and presentations focused around other avenues besides college, people to reach out to, or events specifically for them,” Mya Franklin said. 

In addition, students state their own opinions on going and committing to college after high school on whether college is important or not and whether one can be successful without it.

“For me, it completely depends on what you choose to do in life. Sometimes it’s very important to go to college, and sometimes it’s not needed depending on your profession,” Jaylen Blakes said. 

Equally as important, students have a say in what the parents and the community play in pushing the college aspect in schools.

“I think parents push college more than the community does. Most parents want their kids to be better than them in life, so most push for higher education after high school,” Jaden Mullings said. 

College preparation is the biggest ‘push’ factor in helping students prepare for the next level and ensure they get what they need to be successful in college.

“It’s better to be prepared than go in blind. They don’t want us to make a mistake and get caught off guard, but the reality and real issues college students face are like loan debt, depression, and stress,” Isaac Lovett said. 

In today’s world, many people question whether or not college is essentially necessary for students and if it’s worth going to, especially with all the debt that comes with the college experience if you’re not on a scholarship.

“It’s only necessary if you don’t know what you want to do. It all depends on what career you want to be in. It’s unnecessary if you plan on working a regular job,” Walter Johnson said.