PHILADELPHIA –  The “real world” is a scary place for people who are just getting a handle on their lives. After attending school, the test is just the beginning of the whirlwind of experiences that are to come. 

 

James Scott III, a graduate from University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown, has informed me about life prior graduation. Young adults growing up during this time are convinced that college is the paved roadway to success, and from Mr. Scott we learn the benefits and fears of the recent college graduate.

 

What were your expectations for yourself upon graduation this past December? 

My expectations were to gain knowledge that would put me in the best possible situation for success. I was hoping to learn as much about myself that I could. I hoped to meet people that could help me experience life in a new light. 

 

In what aspect do you feel as though college has prepared you for life outside of the University? 

Being in college has helped me learn how important decision making is, and how to actually think things through before I make decisions of any sort. Through this, decision making has helped me with learning different characteristics of people that I have encountered. 

 

What trade or skill do you think is vital for students who have dreams upon graduating from college?

Focus and time management is the most important skill anyone could have. The sooner you learn how to manage time and prioritize the better off you will be. For me, my Father was in the military, so time management was significant for him. He instilled those same beliefs into my lifestyle and I have benefited greatly because of it. 

 

How do you personally define success?

Success to me is when you are happy about life and doing what you want to do. 

 

Do you think that college has put you in the best possible position for success? 

College has helped me figure out the things about the world, as far as career paths and people. I have not yet planned out my life, but college has created opportunities that I possibly couldn’t have made on my own. 

 

Would you recommend the college route to a sibling or mentee who looks up to you? 

That’s tough. I would say yes because in our society it seems as though we need education to be prosperous. Education as well as the experience of college helps individuals learn who they are and the purpose they may serve. College helps mold you into the person you really are after being surrounded by so many people who are not like you. I would say it creates major opportunities depending on the career one seeks, but then again I could also say no. I would say no because college isn’t quite for everyone. I personally think that college was not for me. Although I did graduate with a Bachelor’s, not everyone who is successful needed college, and not everyone who attended college is successful. 

 

Why did you choose to continue your college plans?

I wanted to create an opportunity for myself and accomplish a huge goal that myself and my family could be proud of. 

 

Thank you for your time, James Scott.

Of course.