Argumentative Essay: College degree is not just a paper

“What sculpture is to a block of marble, education is to the human soul -Joseph Addison” Every person is challenged in the race of life. Many have succeeded and finished the race, but what really is at the end of every obstacle course? Just as clothing is a person’s first impression, so as college degree is to a person’s success. In the world we live in, it is inevitable that college education degree is the basis of survival, assurance and success. Let’s say for instance, would you send your child to school if the teachers have no learning about the subject? Would you send your ill grandmother to a hospital with uncertified doctors who are not confident with the prescriptions and diagnosis they are giving? Would you entrust the financial stability of your company to an accountant who has not attained his college degree? Well, most of you would not. That piece of paper, that degree will hone you who will you be in the next ten years, in the next twenty years, in the remaining years of your lifetime. That piece of paper will guarantee one’s success. College degree is an important role in the success of a person. However come to think of it, what really is success? Success is defined by an individual. Success can be defined as the financial stability of a person, his happiness, or perhaps self- fulfillment. In whatever case it may be defined, attaining college degree serves as a milestone to success. Although people who did not finish college have been successful for some, have been socializing in broader environment and have been learning through self-discovery, I believe that a college degree is relevant for success because it provides job opportunities and maintains financial stability, encounter with people of different walks of life, and enhances maturity and growth.

                Students and other people have been debating over this argument many decades already. People then point out that some very successful people did not finish college. They say that these people, though they did not attain any college education, poured out their hearts, souls, dedication, sweat and blood in their passion for their career. Having knowledge about the course is not just everything. People like Steve Jobs have been very successful in life without attaining a college degree. In the speech he delivered in Stanford University, he dropped out from college after six months and dropped in to Calligraphy class. If he did not drop in to Calligraphy class, Macintosh would not have multiple font faces. Debaters say that he loved what he did and put his whole heart into it that’s why he is a success. A list of dropouts including Henry Ford, Benjamin Franklin, Walt Disney, Albert Einstein and many others gave the idea that a college degree is not necessary to be successful in life as long as one must put dedication and patience in everything he does. However, what is the likelihood that it will happen to everyone? Not all people will have the same fate as the aforementioned successful people. Sometimes no matter how hard a person strives, circumstances won’t just allow things to flow according to a person’s will. That is why college degree is important in a person’s career and success. It plays an important role in job opportunities, whereby any college degree holder will be offered with a variety of positions in an occupation without being rejected, unlike those who did not finish college. Degree holders can also put their hearts in the things they love doing. They can prove anybody that they have what it takes to be accepted in any company or institution. They will also have very limited problems in finding employment. Have you ever heard of an unemployed doctor, CPA, engineer, or lawyer? Having a college degree ensures economic and financial stability. Successful persons who have not attained college degree may be very wealthy, but it is not permanent. It may founder in time, unlike those professionals who can adapt from their works and transfer to other companies. Degree holders have a place in economy wherein their roles are held important. They contribute to the economy and benefit from it. College degree holders are secured of their future and their time and effort spent in college are worth it.

                Socialization is essential in determining success. As the saying goes, “No man is an island.” A successful person is never alone. There are always people who stand by his side that keeps him going in the race. Opposing views of this debate tackles that a person who did not attain a college degree has been exposed to a wider and broader environment at a young age. Society needs people to fill all kinds of roles. People who might not afford of going to college nor has no interest in going to college do the things they love even without an aid of education. They have been perhaps to places interacting with different people of the same interest. By interacting with these people, they share knowledge about their interests and this becomes their medium of knowing things. They establish connections and sometimes, these established friendships are the reason behind their success. This idea is not far to those people with college degree. When one enters college, he meets people from different walks of life. Not just because people are confined in only one university means that there is no variety of people interacting. These people may come from different sectors and levels in society. College is a perfect place and timing to establish connections with other students and professors. One will also meet his life-long partners or rivals in the business world or in medical fields. Who knows? Your classmate may just be your employee, partner or even your boss in the future. By just socializing, one is already preparing his future.

                Some people believe one can acquire knowledge through self-learning and self-discovery. Being a good father is not taught within the four corners of one’s classroom. He does not need a college degree to be called a good father. One will eventually learn it by himself and through experience. It is the same insight with the opposing side of this argument. Some jobs are learned from apprenticeships when formal schooling opportunities are not available. Some learn knowledge in technical schools wherein knowledge is transform into output such as plumbing, constructing and many more. A few would discover things by reading a book, newspaper or a magazine. Some would just opt to observe professionals and familiarize themselves with their work to apply it in their jobs. Others apply mostly for service-related jobs such as bartending, delivering, etc., rather than intellectual-related ones. Degree holders are not just more to being knowledgeable about a specific course or job. It’s a whole lot more than that. In the case for Degree Holders, they not only learn knowledge but through excelling, they are given the chance to mature and go after they want. One can also find a lot about himself and figure out things he want to change.  Degree holders mature not because they learn new things. It’s because they yearn to learn for more. They value college degree not because they have been informed, but because they have been fulfilled. Attaining a college degree is a fruit of a hard work and self-fulfillment. It is not only a sign of pride for college graduates but also a sign of forbearance through patience and time.

                Although many still believe that it is not necessary for success, it definitely would not hurt to have a degree. College degree would help a person attain success in a short and easier step. Successful people believe in impossible things. Eleanor Roosevelt said, "You must do the very thing you think you cannot do." Degree holders choose to live their dreams by preparing for what lies ahead of them and utilizing the gifts given to them by enhancing them through the years in college. A piece of paper will change one’s life. This is not yet the end of the race, but a new beginning to start over with. College degree is an important role in the success story of a person.

References

Axman, Lani. (2007). No- Is a college degree necessary for success. Is a college degree necessary for success.  Retrieved August 11, 2012, from http://www.helium.com/items/719170-is-a-college-degree-necessary-for-success.

Peterson, Quinn. (2008). No- Is a college degree necessary for success. Is a college degree necessary for success.  Retrieved August 11, 2012, from http://www.helium.com/items/1255252-is-a-college-degree-neccessary-for-success.

Trae, Lucius. (2010). No- Is a college degree necessary for success. Is a college degree necessary for success.  Retrieved August 11, 2012, from http://www.helium.com/items/1787526-do-you-need-a-college-degree-to-succeed.

Zhu, Abigail. (2011). Yes- Is a college degree necessary for success. Is a college degree necessary for success.  Retrieved August 11, 2012, from http://www.helium.com/items/960416-is-a-college-degree-necessary-for-success.

Argumentative Essay Outline:College degree is not just a paper

 Outline

Topic: Is a college degree relevant for Success?    
Thesis Statement: Although people who did not finish college have been successful for some, have been socializing in broader environment and have been learning through self-discovery, I believe that a college degree is relevant for success because it provides job opportunities and maintains financial stability, establishes encounter with people of different walks of life, and enhances maturity and growth.

I.                    Introduction

A.      Personal knowledge about college education

B.      Definition of Success

C.      Thesis statement

II.                  Body

A.      Con-argument #1- Refutation of Pro-argument #1

B.      Con-argument #2- Refutation of Pro-argument #2

C.      Con-argument #3- Refutation of Pro-argument #3

Pro-arguments

a.       Job Opportunities and Financial Stability

b.      Social networking

c.       Maturity and growth (self -satisfaction/fulfillment

Con-arguments

a.       Some successful persons who did not go to college

b.      Socializing in broader environment

c.       Self -learning and discovery of knowledge

III.                Conclusion

A.      Personal reaction

B.      Conclusion

Extended Definition Essay Outline: Crying: The Language of the Unspoken Words

Outline

Title: Crying: The Language of the Unspoken Words 

Thesis Statement: Crying is a way of expression.

I. Introduction

            A. Attention grabber: Question, Quote

B.  Insights about Crying

C. Thesis Statement

II. Body

            A. Misconceptions for Crying

            B. Psychology of Crying

            C. Reasons for Crying

            E. Effects of Crying

           

III. Conclusion

            A. Insights

            B. Quote

Extended Definition Essay: Crying: The Language of the Unspoken Words

Have you ever felt the emotion of wanting to scream at the top of your lungs but no voice has uttered the exact words you wanted to express? Instead you just let your tears do the talking.  Perhaps, have you also ever wanted to tell someone the greatest experience of your life but had no idea of how to describe it? Again, tears have fallen down from your face. All of us have brought out are tears in different ways. Well if you haven’t, then you’re not human. From the moment a person is conceived from birth, he cries as he starts his new life. From the time he learned his first lessons on biking with his father, he cries for the succeeding times he falls off from his bicycle. From the moment he enters a new chapter in life in transition from high school to college, he cries for reminiscing the moments he has been throughout his life in school. At the time he had his heart broken, he cries again for the pain he feels inside. He also cries upon seeing his wife walking on the aisle of the most important day of his life and once more at the moment he sees his ill father lying on a bed and uttering his last words. From the different stages of a person’s life, he cannot escape the fact that he will cry. As one of the quotation says, “Do not apologize for crying. Without this emotion, we are only robots.” (Elizabeth Gilbert, Eat, Pray, Love). This is basically the main reason why we are called humans. We are the only creatures who can cry and express ourselves. Crying made us distinct and unique from all other God’s Creation. Crying is a person’s way of expression.

Most people are afraid to cry and. Many friends of mine actually do not want to express themselves by crying. Like them, many people think that crying is a way of surrendering in the battle by means of weakness. This is the misconception that has been instilled into the minds of society. It leads them to think that they are giving up- in mind, in heart, in body and in soul. They have this feeling that crying is a form of weakness and negativity. Once they cry, they think of themselves as the lowest people, somehow like positioned at the bottom of society’s hierarchy. They even apologize for crying- which is a wrong manifestation for expressing oneself because it is more of hindering what they feel inside. This is against people’s optimism and positivity of heading life with a face chin up. People should stop this insane misconception and should be secured. People should not be lowered with self-esteem and should always the confidence to express their feelings. “Without tears, we cannot feel our sorrow, and if that is blocked, so is our joy.” (Simons, J. (n.d.) http://www.mindbodytherapy.net/Crying%20Article.htm)

Crying is defined as the shedding of tears as a response or a stimuli to an emotional state in humans. Studies show that only humans have the emotion or capability of crying, while there are also some others who disagree. But what basically is the scientific reason or the psychology why people cry? Well, a person has tear ducts that prevents and protects his eyes from dirt and dust. “The ducts are under the upper eyelids and produce a salty liquid—a tear-–-that gets spread throughout the eye after each blink.” There are three types of tears that are generated by the human eye. The first type is what we call as the ‘Basal Tear’ that protects the eyes and keeps it moist. This tear serves as a lubricant to prevent the eyes from getting harmed. The second type of tear is known as the ‘Reflex tears’. When the eyes get irritated, the eyes releases or flushes out these reflex tears. And the third type of tear is named ‘emotional tear’ which responds to the feeling of being in distress, pain, emotional, physical and spiritual pain. Emotional tear is the most common type of tear known to people, especially to teenagers. Emotional tear is a form of communication. This serves as the medium of language for people who cannot express themselves or for those who have difficulties in expressing their inner emotions. This is what I define as the language of the unspoken. (Driscoll, E. (2006). http://scienceline.org/2006/10/ask-driscoll-tears/)

 What basically are the reasons why people cry and shed tears? Crying is caused by common factors to a person’s life- such as extreme happiness, despair, fear, and freedom. First reason why a person cries is because of pain, whether by being sad or when hurt. A person cries because he experiences physical, psychological, mental or spiritual pain. Let us say for example, when one experiences heartbreaks, injuries, mental illness and feeling of being alone with no God. Emotion and pain are expressed and generated by the body at the same response. The body cannot really distinguish what is emotional from physical pain. So, both are being responded by the same stimulus: by crying. Second, Crying is the body’s pressure valve. “The presence of hormones seems to indicate that shedding emotional tears is a way for our bodies to restore equilibrium.” When we experience sudden burst up or heightened emotions: such as nirvana or extreme happiness, jubilee, relief, anger or pain, our body hormones rise and swell. The body needs to maintain its equilibrium and maintain it stabilized. Crying therefore is one of the forms to equalize that sudden rise of hormones. Such example is like when a person is experiencing stress and anxiety. Crying is one form of the body to alleviate itself from stress. Research shows that those people who cry in response to stress, anger, pain and anxiety are healthier than those who don’t. Those people who keep themselves their problems and remain stoned about it will have a higher percentage of heartaches, heart ailments, depression, hair loss and the like. Lastly, Crying is a reason for nature versus nurture. Studies show that by the time we reach adulthood, women cry sixty four times a year, while men only cry seventeen times a year. It is caused by a hormone named Prolactin which affects puberty, childhood, childbirth and breastfeeding. Not long before the period when youngsters start schooling, it is still recognizable that boys and girls cry at equal rates or amounts. After a long period of time, boys started crying less, and girls exceeding the latter. Studies show that it is caused by social pressure forces in society whereby boys try to hold their tears more. At the same time, girls when they hit puberty become vulnerable and cry more. It is very interesting though that when both subgroups reach the old age, the men and women’s hormones equalize again, whereby men started to cry more and women cry less. (Ford, A. (2009). http://www.divinecaroline.com/22189/68792-let-out-reasons-cry)

Crying has numerous effects to human. This phenomenon supports the Recovery Theory: a positive effect. Crying can make a person feel better, whether physically or emotionally. Crying is a way of getting the body back in balance after its stressful and overwhelming activities. Chemicals, toxins and other waste products that are built when experiencing such activities are removed through crying. William Frey, professor of pharmaceutics at the University of Minnesota, says that "Because unalleviated stress can increase our risk for heart attack and damage certain areas of our brain, the human ability to cry has survival value.'' American researches suggest some beneficial effects that crying is a useful therapy: it may be suitable for people who are having a hard time expressing themselves. (Dobson, R. (2008). http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/features/how-crying-can-make-you-healthier-1009169.html) A counter theory: a negative effect is also proposed about crying. Some studies show that skin sensitivity increased during and after crying. “Criers do show calming effects such as slower breathing, but they also experience a lot of unpleasant stress and arousal, including increased heart rate and sweating.” ( Isanski, B. (n.d.).  http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/releases/133552.php)

 Crying is a way of life, an art of expression. It is the language of the unspoken words- a medium of communication in the hearts of those who cannot express verbally. It is never a sign of weakness, but rather a conqueror of the unspoken reality. Crying indeed serves as an expression of human in today’s modern society. Those who do not cry and express themselves, do not foresee what life is awaiting ahead of them. “Those who do not weep, do not see.” -― Victor Hugo, Les Misérables.

References: 

Dobson, R. (2008). How crying can make you healthier. How crying can make you healthier-Features-Health & Families- The Independent . Retrieved  July 18, 2012, from  http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/features/how-crying-can-make-you-healthier-1009169.html.

Driscoll, E. (2006). Why Do People Cry. Why do people cry (Scienceline). Retrieved  July 18, 2012, from http://scienceline.org/2006/10/ask-driscoll-tears/.

Ford, A. (2009). Title of article. Let It Out: The Reasons We Cry- DivineCaroline. Retrieved  July 18, 2012, from  http://www.divinecaroline.com/22189/68792-let-out-reasons-cry.

Isanski, B. (n.d.). The Psychology of Crying. The Psychology of Crying. Retrieved  July 18, 2012, from http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/releases/133552.php.

Simons, J. (n.d.). Crying For Your Life. Crying Article. Retrieved July 18, 2012, from  http://www.mindbodytherapy.net/Crying%20Article.htm. 

Setting goals is like a ship set to sail to its destination.

“Aim for success, not perfection. Never give up your right to be wrong, because then you will lose the ability to learn new things and move forward with your life.” -Dr. David M. Burns. Studying is not only acquiring knowledge but also opening one’s heart and mind to a particular field or subject. Studying is grasping things and living life. When one studies, one lives the unspoken word of the literal world. One of the key in studying is setting goals. Let’s say, for Englcom. Setting goals in Englcom is the initial step in studying the course. When one sets goal for this course, then one starts the studying process. Besides, setting goals in Englcom will serve as a checklist for students on the flow to follow and the guidelines to remember. Not only it is preparation for studying, but also a boundary line on how well a person has reached and set his goals. Setting goals in ENGLCOM aids students to be effective in widening knowledge, communication and comprehension in English. 

So why set goals in Englcom? Why not just go through the course not systematized and just be part of the flow like everybody? Setting goals in Englcom is not only a strategic way for me in studying. It is more on the foundation of discipline to be instilled in my skills and ability. Once I have a sturdy foundation, then I can achieve whatever I want to achieve. Setting goals in Englcom is an initial step for me so I can study diligently to become a “Dean’s Lister” here at De La Salle University.

Setting goals is easy once you know what goals to have an eye on. So, to be a Dean’s Lister one day, I have many goals set in mind. First, I want to develop a wider sense and understanding in English. Having a wider comprehension in English will be an asset in developing my goals since English is a major component in Englcom. Having a wider comprehension not only develops wider vocabulary, but also promoting communication with others. Next is to be an effective and convincing writer. When one is an effective writer, everything else follows. He will know how to socialize with other people and express his thoughts. Another goal I have in mind is to be an effective speaker and to develop self confidence. Being an effective speaker and developing self confidence are interdependent. I should be confident in order to be an effective speaker. Being an effective speaker entails application in learning the knowledge taught in Englcom. Gaining confidence builds me up to be an aspiring person. And lastly is to have good grades. Having good grades is the fruitful result of setting goals in Englcom plus studying. That’s the aim when one wants to be a Dean’s Lister.  

Having introduced my goals, there should be steps and processes in achieving these goals. I should study very hard and keep my eyes on the goal. Read, read and read! One learns to be effective if one applies it in daily life. Hence, read and read all the time.  This also enhances and widens vocabulary. I should have a good and balance time management. I should be systematic in time keeping to allow the fulfillment of my goals. I should be confident in class. When I am confident, everything else follows. I should be reciting everyday and be participative in class. I should change my bad habits and improve my old self because the only way to change and set new perspective is to change my own self.

Therefore, setting goals in englcom is an initial step in achieving one’s goals in this course. It is the key to success in a more systematic and more stabilized study habit. Set goals and keep one’s eyes on the goal. Having goals will help one reach his own destination or better yet, farther than anyone can sail. Set goals, and one will see that he can go beyond his limits! So, it is my uttermost gratitude to share this essay to all the readers so you can also achieve your own personal dreams as well through your goals. Remember, as what Fitzhugh Dodson said, "Without goals, and plans to reach them, you are like a ship that has set sail with no destination."

Outline (Englcom)

Title: Setting goals in my Writing Course (Englcom)
Thesis Statement: Setting goals in ENGLCOM aids students to be effective in widening knowledge, communication and comprehension in English. 

Outline

I.                    Introduction

A.      Quotation

B.      Thesis Statement

II.                  Body

A.      Objective/Purpose of achieving goals

B.      Goals

1.       To have good grades

2.       To be an effective and convincing writer

3.       To develop a wider sense and understanding in English

4.       To be an effective speaker and to develop self confidence

C.      Steps in achieving goals

1.       Studying hard

2.       Setting time management

3.       Striving to be an aspiring person

4.       Reading all the time

5.       Reciting and being confident in class

6.       Widening vocabulary and being participative

D.      Improvements/ changes on daily living

III.                Conclusion

A.      Summary

B.      Quotation

C.      Recommendation

I know, this is also my Home.

Welcome Home

Main Idea: Transition from high school to college

Time indeed flies so fast, but all the memories will surely last in a person's heart -- all the happiness, pain, hard work and sorrow.  I remembered everything as if it all just happened yesterday. Four years seemed like forty winks for me. No, even faster than one could ever imagine. Actually, in just a blink of an eye, everything changed. How I wish I could turn back time. How I wish I could spend every moment even longer. But I could not, I cannot. Everything was not the way it used to be. 

Oh high school, I really miss you so much. Everything's different in college. New faces, new environment; new voices of unfamiliar people laughing along the corridor. I missed the faces I used to see everyday, the loud sound of voices that fills my ear, the happy people who play and giggle until they laugh and hardly breathe, the busy ones that always study to get the highest mark for the coming examination. I miss the part when I just glimpse on one corner of the classroom, and I can tell the whole identity and background of the person I see. I miss my home. The home which I met my "true friends until the end". I really wish I could bring back time to where I used to be.  It's really new in this place. All I can see are blank people who perhaps also feel what I feel. But I should not bury myself in the past. Instead, I should unravel these unfamiliar faces and discover the treasure within. Somehow, somewhere, I know this is also home. 

According to the lyrics of one of the song in High School Musical 3, "High school was not meant to last forever." Well. that I cannot agree. Yes, it may end on the fourth year, but it does not necessarily mean that it is not meant to remain in our hearts forever. The flame is still burning. The spirit of high school still not perishes. Yes indeed, high school is the best four years of my life. Though, no matter how hard it is to move on, be strong enough to let go of the past. Focus and head out to what lies ahead. Keep the flame fire burning. College is also a manifestation of high school; only bigger. But those people around me who I used to be unfamiliar, one day they'll be strangers no more. Everything will sound like high school again. There will come a time that no one else will become awkward. It will be comfortable and very warm, the way things turn out to be. College isn't so bad, There will come a time that everyone will graduate and become the persons they promise themselves to be. Although everything seems different, at the end it will also be my home. Once again, I will feel that I am part of a bigger but one family. Someday, I will say it in my heart that "I know, this is also my home"