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Part 1: Reflection
Leslie Bautista Reyes
3200 W Alexander Rd
North Las Vegas, NV 89032
Feb 3, 2025
Dear Mr Hahn:
As I researched my topic, I learned a lot about education and even about myself. I
realized that education is more important to me than I thought. I’ve never been the best at school,
and that has always been clear, but I still see college as a great opportunity. Just like high school,
college isn’t just about learning, it helps build connections, teaches important life skills, and
pushes me to grow. Even when it’s hard, it’s still worth it. Through this research project, I
wanted to show that even though I’ve struggled, I still see college as my first choice because of
everything it offers.
I also noticed that Project 1 and Project 2 had similar ideas, which made researching easier.
Project 1 focused on what colleges should teach in English classes, and it gave me a better
understanding of education. Since Project 2 looked at education as a whole, I was able to use
what I had already learned to help me. Seeing how these projects connected made me realize
how each assignment builds on the last one and helps me improve my thinking and writing.
One of the hardest parts of this project was keeping my opinions separate from facts. Sometimes,
I struggled to balance my personal thoughts with the research. But this project also gave me
more creative freedom than past assignments. While creativity hasn’t always been a barrier on
the previous projects, I could tell we had more control over the direction the project was headed.
That gave me a chance to try new ways of making my argument while still following the rules of
research writing.
Just like previous Projects, knowing your audience is a big part of writing well. When sharing
ideas, it is important to think about things like age, background, and education level because they
affect how people understand information. A good paper should be clear so that readers can
easily follow along. If my writing helps keep the conversation going, then I know I did a good
job.
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Besides knowing the audience, understanding the purpose of writing is just as important. Writers
need to ask themselves why their topic matters and why people should care. Without a clear
purpose, a paper won’t have much impact. I kept this in mind while working on my research
argument. In my Project 1 reflection, I mentioned that I tend to over explain things, and I
struggled with that again in Project 2. I tried to be more careful with my word choices and the
facts I used, but I know I still need to work on making my writing clearer and more to the point.
College level English projects really test how well we understand a topic. One thing that stood
out to me in this project was how important good research is. A strong paper needs solid
evidence, and I realized that good research makes an argument more convincing. Looking back
at my earlier projects, I had more freedom in how I expressed myself. While I could still share
my thoughts in this project, I had to make sure my writing was clear and professional. I wanted
my paper to be taken seriously, so I worked on making it formal without over-explaining my
points.
This project was a chance to show how much I’ve learned from past assignments. My views on
education haven’t changed, I still think a college degree is valuable, and I still believe that
English classes should teach students Standard American English. While I think it’s great to use
my own way of speaking, I also see the benefits of learning a standard way of communicating,
especially for school and work. Each project helps me get better at writing, from thinking about
my audience to making sure my sources are trustworthy. This research argument was another
step in that process, helping me improve my writing and learn more about education.
Sincerely,
Leslie Bautista Reyes
Part 2: Researched Argument
When Brian Chesky, co-founder of Airbnb, graduated from the Rhode Island School of
Design, he never imagined he would one day disrupt the hospitality industry. With a background
in design and critical thinking skills developed during college, Chesky identified a unique market
gap and transformed a small idea into a multi-billion-dollar company. His story highlights how a
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college education not only provides specialized knowledge but also fosters creativity and
problem-solving skills essential for success in today’s global economy.
While alternative education paths like vocational training and online certifications offer practical
skills and accessibility, Chesky’s experience underscores a broader trend: a college degree
remains a valuable asset in today’s job market. It equips students with a well-rounded education,
critical thinking abilities, and long-term career opportunities. In my research, I want you to see
college from a different perspective and consider whether you’re using all the resources available
to help you succeed, whether your concerns are financial or academic.
When I used to think about college, all I thought was, “How am I going to pay for it?” and “Does
it even guarantee me a decent future?” I’m sure that’s a common thought for many of you
considering college or feeling pressured to choose a career path. Some of us still don’t have it all
figured out, and that’s okay. If you do, kudos to you, you’re one step closer to a bright future.
Although some believe that colleges aren’t doing enough to support their students, which may
discourage you, there are resources and opportunities out there if you seek them. Yes, there are
challenges, and you might question if college is worth your time and money, but that’s exactly
the question I want to explore with you.
College graduates typically earn more over their lifetimes, enjoy better health, and are more
engaged in their communities. Peter Cappelli, author of ‘The Return on a College Degree: The
US Experience,’ states, "Higher education in the US... is a private investment, undertaken at
considerable cost by students and their families... with substantial financial risk given uncertainty
in the job market and rising student loan debt." Pursuing a college degree is a risk, but it’s also an
investment in your future. Employers seek candidates with degrees not just for their specialized
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knowledge but also for the discipline, dedication, and critical thinking skills that a college
education fosters. While not all jobs require a degree, having one provides a competitive
advantage, increasing job security and career prospects.
Higher education isn’t just about securing a job immediately after graduation; it also provides
long term benefits that alternative education paths may not offer. It helps individuals adapt to
changes in the job market, reinforcing its importance for career success. College fosters
collaboration with diverse individuals, strengthening critical thinking and communication skills.
Maria Lopez, a college graduate, shared her experience: “College taught me how to think on my
feet, adapt to new challenges, and work with people from all walks of life. Those lessons have
been crucial in my career as a business manager.” Her testimony reinforces the idea that higher
education provides more than technical expertise; it builds resilience, adaptability, and
problem-solving abilities essential for professional growth.
One common argument against college is its high cost and the burden of student debt. Many
prospective students worry about the financial strain, leading them to question whether higher
education is worth the investment. Some skeptics may look at Brian Chesky’s story and wonder
whether he would have succeeded without a degree. While it’s possible, his education played a
key role in shaping his perspective and problem-solving skills, contributing to his success.
College is not just about obtaining a diploma; it’s about gaining knowledge, developing a strong
network, and fostering personal growth.
Many students assume that pursuing a traditional four-year degree is their only option. However,
alternative paths such as community college and associate degrees can also lead to significant
success. These options provide valuable skills and qualifications at a lower cost, setting students
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up for promising careers without excessive debt. Cappelli even notes that “A two-year
community college degree can pay far more than the average wage for a four-year degree when
the former are in a technical field that is in demand.” So, for those still questioning, explore your
options. Technical programs might be the right path, but don’t dismiss the value of a college
experience.
In their article, “Student Debt Effects on Financial Well-Being: Research and Policy
Implications,” William Elliott and Melinda Lewis from the University of Kansas examine how
student debt makes it harder for graduates to build wealth, buy homes, and save money
compared to those without loans. This can lead to long-term financial struggles and widen
economic gaps across generations, emphasizing the need for better ways to finance higher
education. Rising tuition costs and declining state funding have made college increasingly
expensive, and it’s valid to question whether it’s worth it. But we also need to recognize that
resources are available, and accessing them starts early in high school. Schools should take more
responsibility for informing students about scholarship opportunities from the start of their high
school journey, not just in the months before graduation.
Colleges can improve how they promote available resources. Many scholarships go unclaimed,
yet they are available for students who seek them out. Institutions should do more to inform
students about these opportunities and provide guidance on accessing financial aid. Libraries and
academic centers offer invaluable resources, from historical books on business and success to
networking opportunities, but students need encouragement and direction to take advantage of
them.
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After considering all perspectives, it’s clear that while non-traditional education paths offer
valuable alternatives, a college degree remains one of the strongest routes to success. And I hope
you see this from the perspective of a high school senior. While I have yet to officially attend
college, I recognize its many benefits and believe this information can be valuable to you. It
offers a different perspective that may challenge or expand what you previously thought about
college.
Brian Chesky’s journey with Airbnb is just one example of how higher education fosters
creativity, critical thinking, and adaptability, skills crucial for long-term career growth. This
insight should encourage students, educators, and policymakers to recognize the lasting value of
a college degree. Moving forward, educational institutions should bridge traditional education
with modern workforce demands. Integrating both soft and technical skills into curricula can
make college even more relevant in an evolving job market. Hands-on learning experiences,
internships, and employer partnerships can ensure students gain practical skills before
graduation. Additionally, colleges should focus on making higher education more affordable and
accessible for students from all backgrounds.
While I recognize the value of vocational paths, I encourage you to consider college as your
primary option. The education and experience you gain in college are important. It doesn’t stop
you from considering other options, but don’t overlook the positives of higher education.
Part 3: Analysis
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In past projects, we’ve looked at different parts of education. So I wanted to expand on it.
It was important to make sure the target audience was clear from the beginning. While the piece
was aimed at a specific audience, it wasn’t meant to say that others couldn’t read it, which I hope
was made clear.
High school seniors or recent graduates, They’ve all probably wondered if going to college is
really important. For me, the big question is: Did the argument help someone decide whether to
go to college? In the end, the choice is up to the person. The question for my readers was: What
makes college worth it? But being an argument it was necessary to include the question, “why go
to college?”. This question helps us think about why some people decide not to go to college.
Thus, helping me to discuss why the positives outweigh the negatives. Looking at the
counterargument by William Elliott and Melinda Lewis adds to the discussion because it gives
the reader both sides to think about and make a more informed decision. The authors offer clear
points that readers can consider if they decide to look into the article themselves.
The argument also talked about Brian Chesky’s success and his business, using his story to show
that college is worth it. His success is a strong example, especially since he’s well-known, which
grabs the reader’s attention. This is something that younger people would relate to, as they tend
to be interested in stories of successful individuals.
When asked the question, "Is college worth it?" I wanted readers to4 understand that it's not just
one answer. There are a variety of answers and pathways to college. By including that there are
not just four-year colleges, which is what people often think of when hearing the word "college,"
it becomes clear that there is also the option of community college. Community college is much
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cheaper and doesn't necessarily mean you have to spend a long time in college, especially for
those who aren't sure where they want to go or what they want to do yet.
I also used personal connection in my argument. While it’s not always used because it can feel
informal, it was important here. It helped build trust with the reader, as it wasn’t just an expert’s
opinion but also the point of view of a student. This makes it feel more relatable. Instead of
reading an article from a professor, the reader gets to see it from someone like them, which can
make the content less intimidating. This approach is something we’ve practiced in past projects,
where we try to write for a general audience, making it easier to understand and more likely to be
read.
Using terms like “higher education” instead of just “college” was another change that helped. It’s
not a phrase people use all the time, but it made the argument a little more interesting without
being too hard to understand. I think these kinds of word choices can expand the reader's
vocabulary without making things too complicated. At first, I didn’t use the term much, but over
time, it became more natural to use.
In previous projects, we were already talking about college, so I chose this topic to open up a
bigger discussion about it. It’s often assumed that college is the way to go, but how does that
decision really happen? What is the process for choosing it? This argument is really the start of
the college journey, and it opens up many other conversations about higher education.
Work Cited
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Elliott, William, and Melinda Lewis. “STUDENT DEBT EFFECTS ON FINANCIAL
WELL-BEING: RESEARCH AND POLICY IMPLICATIONS.” Journal of Economic Surveys,
vol. 29, no. 4, 2015, pp. 614–36, https://doi.org/10.1111/joes.12124.
Thompson, Aaron. "A letter to graduates: College is still worth it." Community College Daily,
May 29, 2019. ProQuest,
https://unr.idm.oclc.org/login?url=https://www.proquest.com/newspapers/letter-graduates-college
-is-still-worth/docview/2231621145/se-2.
Cappelli, P. (2020). The return on a college degree: the US experience. Oxford Review of
Education, 46(1), 30–43. https://doi-org.unr.idm.oclc.org/10.1080/03054985.2019.1689939
Horowitz, Jonathan. “Relative Education and the Advantage of a College Degree.” American
Sociological Review, vol. 83, no. 4, 2018, pp. 771–801,
https://doi.org/10.1177/0003122418785371.
