By Jessie Schirrick Posted February 18, 2015
Approximately 200 students will graduate from Lowry High School this year. How many graduates will enroll at Great Basin Community College(GBC)? How many of the people that fall into this category will be ridiculed for their decision?
It is so common that seniors in high school feel pressured to do something different from the norm like moving far away or attending an out-of-state college. While trying new things is definitely beneficial, it tends to be ridiculously expensive. Out-of-state tuition is usually almost twice as much as in-state tuition, which can mean colossal student loan debt for those who choose this option, and out-of-state schools offer about the same education as in-state schools, of course, I am omitting private colleges in this statement.
It is unfair that people are made to feel ashamed for staying in Winnemucca after they graduate, not necessarily by adults, but by their peers. Yes, I am aware that teenagers are notorious for having extremely stupid and illogical opinions and if I were to try and write articles about all of them I’d be here for thousands of years, but this one is especially unfair and needs to be rectified immediately.
The reasons that people choose to stay in Winnemucca are almost always valid. Reasons like money and the fact that they grew up in a tiny town and the idea of moving to a much larger city can be very intimidating. Winnemucca natives grow up in an isolated environment, where the biggest city is two hours away and then if they don’t instantly feel ready to leave right after graduation they are written off as nobodies with zero potential.
Contrary to popular belief it is possible to lead a successful and satisfying life in Winnemucca. There are several different careers that are very relevant in this community- mining, business ownership, medicine, government work, agriculture, tourism, to name a few. Winnemucca, though very small, is a land of opportunity. Not to mention that the degrees required to do these jobs are more affordable and no less valuable when received at GBC than at a university.
Further, just because someone stays here after high school doesn’t mean that they will be here forever. Maybe after they have saved up some money or perhaps when they are more sure of what they want to do with their lives they will be ready to leave the nest.
Moral of the story: do not base your decisions on what people think. Trust your instincts, and do what feels right at the time, a rewarding life will most likely fall into place.
