I am a zer gene and attended college for almost 3 years before I arrived at the School of Commerce was suitable for me

I always loved education, but after six semesters in college and thousands of dollars in student loans, I had three accomplishments that changed my idea of ​​what makes it a “worthy” education.

First, despite my love to learn, I could say that I had made a mistake following a title in philosophy, as it is unlikely to take a career that would win enough to quickly pay for the debt of my student loan. Secondly, I found that what I love even more than learning in whether it is to have a practical way of turning all this knowledge into action. And third, I discovered a new professional career that resonated strongly with my growing desire for manual learning, and did not even require a four -year degree. However, that made You need -you choose that a lot of people can look down: I left my college and enrolled in the School of Commerce.

Specifically, I chose to attend the Pittsburgh Aeronautics Institute, with the aim of converting to aviation maintenance technician (AMT). While my experience in a traditional four -year institution often lacked the application of learned skills, which was frustrating me, Pia was exactly the opposite. On my first visit, I saw that there was nothing to teach in the classroom that it could not be applied also during laboratory projects or to be proven in a different and tangible way. And for me, and one Growing number of gene -zers like me—The manual school component and work is really important.

Where the traditional university channeling goes wrong

The truth is, even if I had been aware of Pia while in high school, I’m not sure I would have chosen to attend a commercial school for a four -year university. But it is not because the school trade is more expensive (because it is not), or it takes more (no), or leads to career options that pay less (According to salary.comAMT average salary ranges from $ 78,000 to $ 101,000).

No, the reason I did not choose to learn a specialized trade after high school is because all aspects of high school experience are designed to guide students towards enrollment at a four -year university and all student loan debt. And for some students, this traditional path is absolutely the best option, especially if their passion is in a field of study or in a professional career that requires a particular title to begin with. But for millions of students who think differently, they learn differently and find value in the type of manual work in which colleges do not normally focus, the commercial school is a much more affordable, attractive and rewarding option.

Unfortunately, specialized trades are rarely part of post-high school discussion. Instead, most students are recommended to pursue a university who coincides with their academic aptitude. For example, if students show interest in skills such as electronics, carpentry or car repair, teachers, guidance counselors and parents can suggest a career in engineering. But for someone who likes to apply their skills to the creation or repair of something functional, spending four years or more studying spreadsheets, formulas and computer programs, they could feel very complicated in comparison with studying manuals, connect circuits and turn the keys.

Why do we have to talk differently from shops

Personally, I find it a service service not only for high school students, but also throughout the country that does not pay enough attention to shops. With such Specialized drastic scarcity In the United States, it is time for our schools and media to begin to become aware of the people of all the range of career possibilities they have to choose. It is also time for teachers and parents to recognize that a student who chooses to attend a commercial school is not a “smaller” result than attending the university. Many things we enjoy in life are built and maintained by the few people who have put in the work to understand the impact and responsibility of their roles. Just as a computer programmer has to fully understand the skills and limits of the languages ​​they work in, a specialized merchant must have a deep and complete understanding of work at hand and branches if this job is done inappropriately.

I consider to come to Pia one of the best decisions I have ever made. After my first week or two, I found myself enjoying both the curriculum and the experience of coming to school every day, which was not the case in my previous school. As I passed every quarter, I only found myself more involved -in all aspects of the school. The knowledge and skills I have achieved in my time in Pia are irreplaceable. I also find that the ability to have smart thinking and conversations and processes about the nature of the work we do, while being able to apply these skills is almost lost art.

Facingly, as I evaluate my options in my hometown of Pittsburgh and beyond, I also have the lucky opportunity to be recruited by some incredible companies outside the region.

Knowing that leading entrepreneurs respect my skills, work ethics and passion for learning enough to discuss job opportunities, even before completing my education is incredibly rewarding. It is also the type of validation of the professional career that many other genes, sometimes known as “generation of tool tape”, are actively looking for.

We stop guiding all young students towards the same university -focused future and begin to encourage people to apply their knowledge to the most fulfilling work.

More reading:

• Z Zneed exposure to manufacturing racesBecause white -neck jobs seem more likely to disrupt the AI, and student debt accumulates
• I connect the manufacturers with their workforce. A Career in manufacture Provides a purpose, a connection and a labor and work balance
• My solution to Trump’s rates: I’m Starting a United States factory to save my small business
• I am a gene gene starting a race in the construction of housing. Jumping college was the best decision I have ever made

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