{"id":23,"date":"2023-09-24T22:20:55","date_gmt":"2023-09-24T22:20:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/dvc.mycareerfocus.org\/winter-2023-volume-6-issue-2\/more-education-more-opportunity\/"},"modified":"2023-11-15T18:56:10","modified_gmt":"2023-11-15T18:56:10","slug":"is-college-worth-it-these-dvc-students-say-yes-and-heres-why","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/dvc.mycareerfocus.org\/winter-2023-volume-6-issue-2\/is-college-worth-it-these-dvc-students-say-yes-and-heres-why\/","title":{"rendered":"Is College Worth it? These DVC Students Say Yes, and Here’s Why"},"content":{"rendered":"

When Cullen Guydon-Off arrived at DVC, he felt he really didn\u2019t understand what it meant to be a student. \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI didn\u2019t have a positive experience in high school and my environment felt like a dead end. I\u2019m glad I was able to find DVC and follow a path to what would be best for my future,\u201d said Guydon-Off.<\/span><\/p>\n

Guydon-Off was interested not only in academics, but also his overall college experience. \u201cCounseling and academic advising became an entryway to see the options you have to get involved on campus. It also helped me plan my transfer path,\u201d said Guydon-Off. <\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Cullen<\/p>\n

The support Guydon-Off received inspired him to help other students have a more positive experience, leading him to become a student ambassador for DVC. \u201cI helped students apply and register for classes. In addition to working with students who recently completed high school, I also helped adults who were returning to college or starting college for the first time. I assisted students who spoke a language other than English. I helped mothers with children, adults wanting a career change, and unhoused people seeking opportunity. I experienced the diversity of the student body, as well as the sacrifices people made to be able to enroll in college,\u201d said Guydon-Off.<\/span><\/p>\n

Guydon-Off is aware that the cost of college can be daunting for students and families, but he feels that DVC offers an affordable solution that can really make a difference.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDVC saved me money, especially at the beginning when I was unsure of my future career. DVC has really been worthwhile for my personal growth and education. I had to go through a lot to get to the point where college finally clicked for me and that was all thanks to my professors and mentors at DVC,\u201d said Guydon-Off.<\/span><\/p>\n

After graduating from DVC with an associate in arts in sociology, Guydon-Off transferred to UC Davis, where he earned his bachelor\u2019s degree in 2022.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhen I transferred, I felt more prepared and ready to take-on a university-level curriculum. DVC\u2019s value really shined in that respect, and I credit the relationships I built at DVC for helping me find my love for knowledge as well as my intellectual curiosity,\u201d said Guydon-Off.<\/span><\/p>\n

Guydon-Off currently works for a litigation support company while studying for the Law School Admission Test (LSAT). He is excited to get closer to his goal of becoming a lawyer.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI loved my time at DVC and couldn\u2019t have asked for a better school to start my journey. I developed better communication skills as well as built empathy for others. This helped set the foundation for the values I hold strong as I look toward my career in law,\u201d said Guydon-Off.\u00a0 <\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Guydon-Off is grateful that he chose a more affordable path to college by starting at DVC. But like many students today, he wondered if the cost of higher education would be worthwhile. \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

I<\/b>s a college education worth <\/b>the cost?<\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n

Recent media reports have shown that many Americans wonder if a college degree provides a significant return on the cost of investment. Despite the headlines, a 2022 study conducted by New America<\/a> found that most Americans (75 percent) feel a college degree is worthwhile. <\/span><\/p>\n