Thursday, December 12, 2013

Research Blog 10

Abstract

My paper explores the choices one can make in college, and how they can affect post- graduation life. The three that I found most important were choice in finances, choice in socialization, and choice of major. I found that there are problems and solutions with each topic. Students who take out loans must choose wisely how they wish to deal with it during college, such as work a part time job, which proves successful. Students should find a equilibrium in their social lives, balancing between socialization and academics. Finally, choice of major can be crucial in success. One should find a major that interests you, which proves success. Some jobs pay out more than others, and it should be taken into consideration before choosing it.

Bibliography
Scholarly Sources:
1.Armstrong, Hamilton, Elizabeth A., Laura T. "Paying for the Party." Harvard University Press. (2013): n. page. Print.
2.Dietz, Janis. "The myth that college and major choice decides Johnny’s future." n. page. Print.
3.Kalil, Wightman, Ariel, Patrick. "Parental Job Loss and Children's Educational Attainment in Black and White Middle-Class Families.." Social Science Quarterly. (2011): n. page. Print.
4.The Institute for College Access and Success, . "Paving the Way: How Financial Aid Awareness Affects College Access and Success." (2008): n. page. Print.
5.Goldrick-Rab, Sara. "Following Their Every Move: An Investigation of Social-Class Differences in College Pathways." Sociology of Education. (2006): n. page. Print.
6.Holland, Eisenhart, Dorothy C., Margaret A. Educated in Romance. Chicago: The University of Chicago Press, 1990. Print.
Secondary Sources:
1."Balancing College School Work and Social Life." College Advice. n. page. Web. 12 Dec. 2013. <http://www.collegeconfidential.com/dean/archives/000241.htm>.   


2.Elizabeth Baylor and Sarah Audelo, . "What Do You Wish You Had Known About Student-Loan Debt and College Choice?." Center for American Progress. n. page. Web. 12 Dec. 2013. <http://www.americanprogress.org/issues/higher-education/news/2013/12/12/80908/what-do-you-wish-you-had-known-about-student-loan-debt-and-college-choice/>.



3.Fairbanks, Amanda M. "College Major More Important Than Degree Itself." Huffington Post. (December 12.2013): n. page. Print. <http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/05/24/college-major_n_866359.html>.



4.Ilgunas, Ken. Walden on Wheels: On the Open Road from Debt to Freedom. Boston, New York: Houghton Mifflin, 2013. Print.
5..Jonathan M. Orszag, Peter R. Orszag, and Diane M. Whitmore, . "LEARNING AND EARNING: WORKING IN COLLEGE ." UPromise, Inc.. n. page. Web. 12 Dec. 2013. <http://www.brockport.edu/career01/upromise.htm>.
6..Kingkade, Tyler. "Student Debt Is Making All Your Life Choices Worse." Huffington Post. (2013): n. page. Print.


7..Jake Levy, . "The Smartest Party Schools In The Country."Buzzfeed.com. n. page. Print. <http://www.buzzfeed.com/jakel11/the-smartest-party-schools-in-the-country>.
8..Linda Emma, Demand Media, . "Why Is it Important to Have a Social Life in College?." Global Post. n. page. Web. 12 Dec. 2013. <http://everydaylife.globalpost.com/important-social-life-college-6425.html>.
9."Living at Home During College: Is It A Good Idea?."Campus Explorer. n. page. Web. 12 Dec. 2013. <http://www.campusexplorer.com/college-advice-tips/48E30BE4/Living-at-Home-During-College-Is-It-A-Good-Idea/>.
10. PHILIP A. BEAN, . "Choosing a Practical Major." New York Times. n. page. Web. 12 Dec. 2013. <http://thechoice.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/04/16/choosing-a-practical-major/?_r=0>.


11.Serrano, Ken. "Massive college debt can burden graduates for decades." Asbury Park (N.J.) Press. (2012): n. page. Print.
12.Szalavitz, Sara. "Why College Binge Drinkers Are Happier, Have High Status." (2012): n. page. Print.


13.Scholarships.com, LLC, Publisher, . Choosing A Major. (1998-2013): n. page. Print. <scholarships.com>.



Literature Review 5

Research Blog 9

For each topic, I have a counterargument for each. 

Financial-Students should know their financial situation, yet some make bad decisions and think they are good.

From a source listed on my paper-Some students think that by working full time and not taking out loans, they will cut costs. However this is not true. They may extend their undergraduate career by trying to juggle work and academics. 

Social- A social life can be harmful, or helpful.

From a source listed on my paper-A social life can be harmful in that it distracts you form your studies. But it can also be helpful-by providing time away from academics and work for relaxation, opening social circles, offering diversity, and opening networks. 

Major-Choosing a major can directly impact your future, or it wont, depending on which major you choose. The outcomes can be different. 

-From a source listed on my paper-Your major may not be important in that it depends on how you work, your gender, ethnicity, and race. There are so many factors that contribute to success in your major that it may not be the type of major that affects success, rather the individual person.

These counterarguments have been kept in mind as I write my paper.

Research Blog 8

I have interviewed a family member, as accepted by Professor Goeller, about choices made in college. I interviewed my grandfather about college, because I knew he handled college, being in the service, a family, and a full time job. I knew he had many choices to make, and decided I wanted to interview someone personal so that I could form conclusions about choices in college. I learned that choices are very important in achieving success, in that students must stay focused, even if they are juggling many things. Although it is a busy time in every student's life, the right choices can lead you on the path to success.

What were the hardest choices made in college?

-It was an easy choice to go to college, but the hardest choice was the subject load. I had to go at night and I had a full time job. I had to make choices of things I could and couldn't do throughout the year.

Did you socialize in college?

-No. I went to night school and had a family.

What was your major?

-Business Administration

Did you get a job pertaining to your major? If so, what?

-Yes-Corporate Auditor for a major utility company

Did your social life affect your academics?

-No.

How did you finance college?

-G.I. Bill of Rights

Did your financial choices prove successful? Why?

-I did not have financial choices in college, my GI Bill covered the costs. I just had to be responsible and go to my classes and manage a home life as well.

Do you feel you made the right choices in college to ultimate success? Why?

-Yes. From high school and being in the service, I was always focused that one day I would probably be working in the accounting and financial disciplines at some future time. I stayed focused and went regularly to my classes, did homework, and managed my social life and family. I proved successful because I made a comfortable living for myself and my family.