TAMIU student dilemma

May is almost here, and millions of students across the country are about to graduate venture into today’s chaotic job market. In the midst of an economic crisis, millions of Americans are losing their jobs. Each day that passes, people are finding it difficult to make a better life for them as well as their families. Many Americans have either enrolled in colleges or universities throughout the U.S. to better themselves in hopes of one day living a better life. “It’s hard to tell students who are about to graduate this coming May that perhaps they should continue on with their education because the harsh reality of it all is that they won’t be guaranteed jobs straight out of college,” said Alicia Valdez, a former educator and administrator for over thirty years. “I’m going back to school to get my master’s degree in education. I’ve realized that a bachelor’s degree is looking more and more like an associate’s degree,” said Sandra Castillo, an elementary school teacher in M.S. Ryan Elementary Many people are either going to college for the first time, or are going back to enter graduate school. Danny Valdez, a front desk clerk at La Posada Hotel/Suites, is going to attend TAMIU this coming fall of 2009 to obtain a bachelor’s degree in marketing. “I need to go to school to make something out of my life. I can’t live on an $8.50 an hour wage. I have a 5-year-old daughter, and I’m trying to look for a second job, so I may be able to pay off some bills,” Danny Valdez said. When Christina Rodriguez, a native of Orange County, California was asked about the importance of an education, she said, “It’s really important to get that piece of paper, but at the same time, if you further yourself even beyond undergraduate school work, the better. Here in California, it’s hard to compete in the job market where most Californians have a bachelor’s degree.”Some students in TAMIU feel they will pursue further studies beyond graduating this May like Lauro Lopez, who plans on going to Graduate School this coming fall. “It’s a crazy world out there, and I feel I need to push myself further with a higher education. The competition is fierce, and gone are the days of job security when our parents worked for companies for years and years, and ended up retiring with the company in the end. Those days are gone,” said Lopez.It’s safe to say that while a college education is important, especially in these dire times, it boils down to how you really sell yourself. Peter Palacios, former General Manager of La Posada Hotel/Suites had this to say.”I only have a bachelor’s degree in business, and I make six figures in Houston, Texas operating a country club because of how I approach others in what I can do. You really have to be passionate and creative in your field. If you can sell yourself and prove to your boss that you are determined and focused in your respective field, you’ve won the battle.” It’s easier said than done for most people, but when it comes down to it, what will you do after May?