Nick

In the 21st century, college is presented less as a choice to students and more as an absolute necessity. After all, what are all those standardized tests and ranking systems for if not to market students to universities? 

But for many, this system does not work. People change. Maybe something that seemed like a good idea one year is a terrible idea the next. In college this natural personality evolution can cost thousands of dollars and untold numbers of hours. And as the changes keep coming and the debt keeps racking up, it can take all of one's strength simply to stay afloat.

Nick graduated high school in the spring of 2006. He won the history department achievement award and decided that he wanted to be a history teacher. Nick began his higher education journey at Temple University that same year.

Unfortunately after one grueling semester he decided that perhaps he didn't want to be in front of a classroom for the rest of his life. He finished out the year in spite of it all, and chose a new direction for the next school year. Nick invested in a trade school instead, deciding that becoming a plumber would mean he could do something fulfilling and earn a steady income.

But by the time he was ready to get a job, the economy had spiraled out of control. Although the school attempted to find him employment to get experience in the field, no one was hiring. Why would they, when there were a whole army of plumbers with experience who had just been laid off and needed a job at any price? Any of new graduates that were hired were friends or relatives of those with already established businesses.

“I never understood how much nepotism there was in the industry."

Nick worked to pay off his debts. He washed dishes and served tables at a local cafe at night and worked on lawn sprinkler installation during the day. He decided to go back to school for psychology, attending a local community college to keep costs down.

After earning his associates with honors, Nick was accepted to one of the most competitive state schools in New York. This school was nothing like the local community college he had just finished.

"Let's just say it wasn't a great fit.”

 Between difficulties in the classroom and with a challenging roommate, Nick moved back home to Long Island once the year was through. He enrolled in another, more local state school, still pursuing his degree in general psychology.

Throughout all of this, Nick was working. He washed dishes and served tables at a cafe, worked in the stock room in a retail store, and installed lawn sprinkler systems. He describes how hard he pushed himself in the summer before his final year in college.

“It was insane. I was working two jobs, working like 60 hours a week and that was just for food, gas, and insurance. I wasn't getting anywhere with my loans, just barely paying the minimum on them.”

By the time he was completing his internship, his schedule had become even more hectic. The internship, working at a facility that used rescued horses as a therapy for those with physical and mental disabilities, was both educational and enjoyable. But he was still working and still taking classes at a college that was 40 minutes away from were he worked and lived.

“Working early in the morning, then getting to school and staying up late for class, plus all the driving, it all really starts to add up.”

All of his hard work finally paid off, and he graduated with a degree in general psychology in the spring of 2014. He had taken time to find himself and discover what he truly wanted to do. Now the only question was how to find a job.

Nick did not wait around Long Island for a job to burst from the ether. He and his girlfriend moved just about as far away from New York as they could get while still being in the United States.

They went to Alaska.

Nick now lives among the same beauty that has captured artists and writers for generations, and his situation has vastly improved.

While his girlfriend manages a pet supplies store and pursues her degree in environmental ecology, Nick works as a mental health specialist for adolescent boys.

“I love it up here,” he says of the culture. “Everyone is more independent, I think they're a bit nicer. Plus I'm actually doing what I went to school for!”

Does he still work long hours? Of course. But going to a job where he feels fulfilled every day doesn't feel so much like work. After so many years of searching, Nick has found the place where he belongs.