Students delay going to college

Some high school students have been postponing attending college.

There is a lot of pressure put on students as they near graduation to make a career choice. It all stems from the fear of unemployment and cost of tuition.

Avery Sherk, a fifth year student at Essex District High School, said for many students the thought of persuing a career they have chosen in high school becomes frightening.

“Honestly, I stayed for a fifth year to up my grades for bio and chemistry. I think a lot of people stay behind because they are afraid or unsure of what they want to become. It’s a lot of stress now that I do have to apply and it’s scary but I am more excited than anything,” said Sherk, who plans to take nursing in the future.

Although a large majority of students move on to college there are some students who stay behind each year. Many make this choice to better their grades or make a decision on what they will do with the rest of their lives.

Katie Phelps, a former student at Essex High School, has stopped attending school as a fifth year student.

“I really only went back because I needed another math credit. I didn’t finish the semester I was taking, let alone the year. It costs so much money for tuition, I guess now I realize I’ll still have to go through OSAP (Ontario Student Assistance Program) because I don’t make enough money. But in good time I’ll be going to college,” said Phelps. “I do believe in the stereotype that if you take a year off, you don’t go back. But I am going to. I know a lot of people who didn’t.”

According to Stats Canada there was a 2.7 per cent increase of students enrolled in Canadian public post-secondary institutions during the academic year of 2010-2011. This shows within the last few years as more and more students are beginning to attend university or college directly out of high school.

“There probably are more students within the past few years to attend college right after high school. I mean the pressure is really on by their parents to better themselves. I know it is by mine,” said Sherk.

St. Clair College nursing student Victoria Lester said she has mixed feelings about students who do not attend college directly after high school.

“I think it is pure laziness. If you aren’t taking the year off to work for the money and just hanging around high school then you definitely need to grow up. This is life, it’s happening now. At least that’s how I feel. There are so many good programs, so many choices, I know it was hard for me but I made that decision and now I am here,” said Lester.

Lester said she feels if you try hard enough than you can achieve anything.

“The problem is the employment rate. I see it, you see it. It’s in all of our faces every day, part-time, full-time, bartending or rocket scientist. The likelihood of me getting a job out of college isn’t very high if I want to stay in this city,” said Phelps.

According to Stats Canada, Ontario is at about 8 per cent unemployment. This doesn’t state those who are going into constant layoffs or not working sufficient hours to pay for their basic needs. Many students fear they must move away to have a decent job with a well-paying salary.

Deanna Boose, a paramedic graduate from St. Clair College, has recently moved to British Columbia.

“I moved to get a job, there are none in this area currently for me. So I packed up and left after I called to set up my new job. To be honest, I love it out there,” said Boose.

As the rate of students enrolling in college continues to grow students are hopeful the employment rate will as well.