As the school year comes to a close, I noticed three of my peers have dropped out of college. Another two are taking a break. One moved to Los Angeles to become an actress.

Initially, I was disappointed as I wondered what type of career someone without a college degree can pursue. I thought to myself that there was no way a person can be successful without a degree.

At early ages we have the idea that you must go to college to become successful in your adult life. This idea is embedded in our heads as early as grammar and elementary school. As I think about the situation more, I pondered: Is college the right choice for everyone?

After constantly being told that college is the one and only way to make something of yourself, I started to stereotype people without degrees. The first images that come to mind are garbage workers, fast food employees and bus drivers. However, as I have grown older, I began to realize that these are honorable occupations and that not having a college degree does not reflect a person’s intellect in any way.

To me, college is important, but not the one-size-fits-all path to success. It is true that in college, students are able to learn about subjects that probably were not discussed at the high school level. With that said, it is not hard to see why so many parents push college after high school.

“College is the right choice for everyone,” said Robert Huffstutler, career counselor at NIU and parent. “It helps [students] gain a higher level of thinking.”

The debate over attending college comes down to “becoming successful” or not. Generally, success is measured by income, not by happiness, health or even education. It is disappointing to see most people don’t believe an artist may or may not be just as successful as a wealthy investment banker. It is assumed that the artist, because of the typically low income, is not. Our society does not put these careers on the same ground as doctors and lawyers.

It depends on your own personal definition of success. To some, it is measured by a person’s bank account. For others, it depends on healthy relations and having a happy family. I would agree with the second definition.

People without college degrees can be just as successful as those who do hold degrees. Furthermore, it is unfair to judge someone’s intellectual level based on their degree or lack of it.

I felt bad for believing in these preconceived notions and stereotypes. As a journalism student and an aspiring novelist, I probably will not live in a penthouse apartment or own a yacht. Does that make me less successful than someone who does?

I plan to continue my education at NIU, but this is not the best decision for everyone.

As we grow older, our peers will decide to follow their own paths. Some of them do not involve receiving a college degree, and there is nothing wrong with that.