A respectable college education gives people the edge in whatever direction they want to proceed in life. College is a time when students can truly become individuals. They have the opportunity to become more independent and take on new responsibilities. The benefits of a college education include greater self-confidence, greater economic stability and security, and it makes you a major contributor to the greatest nation on earth. Higher education is useful for many things in today's world. College experiences help people truly find themselves through personal growth. Higher education will expose you to people, ideas, and topics that you would never encounter in high school. Each year of college helps build the student's character higher and higher, which tends to promote self-confidence. Having a college degree helps people feel advantaged over others in many fields. Education prepares you to deal with the outcomes of the general public, and you can't do that effectively without self-confidence. College can be expensive, but the only thing more expensive than getting a college education is not getting it. It is nearly impossible to survive in today's job market without a college education of some kind. Nowadays, it is very competitive to get a job because money is so demanding in today's society. Most employers, when choosing between a graduate and a diploma holder, usually choose the graduate without hesitation. People who earn a college degree tend to be more reliable than those who don't, due to their work ethic. If you take your college experience seriously, you will achieve success, which will lead you to a more esteemed position… middle of the road… in the environment in which you grew up. I quite agree with the arguments that Walker represents in Everyday Use. I believe that no matter where you come from or grew up, you should still take the opportunity, if it presents itself, to become fully educated. My family background has undoubtedly influenced the person I will eventually become. Growing up in a financially unsuccessful family inspired me to set a goal to live in a financially successful environment in the future. Nowadays, knowledge is essential in American society. A college education is one of the most important gifts you could ever give yourself. If you value your education, you can thrive in whatever you want to become. College is a turning point in life and if you take it very seriously, you will gain self-confidence, independence, prosperity and success.