The Idea of an Essay, Volume 3

Research Writing 149 for traditional students. I wasn’t worried about the way my peers treated me, but how it would affect my daughter’s life has always been my primary concern. I began my college education very concerned about how my daughter would adjust to living in a university environment. I wanted her to feel accepted and comfortable, so I was particularly sensitive to how the student body and faculty members received her. Because I wasn’t well received I refused to accept anything less than their utmost respect and appreciation for my daughter. I needed to ensure that this process would not be injurious to her personal development and interaction with the world. Single parent students should not be treated with hostility by traditional students (especially in religious universities). This behavior is harmful to nontraditional students and their families, and it affects their ability to earn a degree just as much as financial challenges do. Sara Goldrick-Rab and Kia Sorenson, authors of “Unmarried Parents in College” and researchers on the financial challenges of single parents in college, offer an objective look into this world that seems easily bypassed by traditional college students. They demonstrate the low completion rate of unmarried college students and those who chose community college over “for-profit” schools because of the cost of attendance. Although I understand why many nontraditional students choose to earn an associate’s certificate rather than pursuing a bachelor’s degree, I do not believe that it is the better educational decision. There are many nontraditional students who attend community college because the programs are shorter, less expensive, and may be less vigorous. The outcome can also be less satisfying. Having an associate’s degree is not as substantial for the welfare of a family as having a bachelor’s degree because most professional employment requires at least a full undergraduate degree for consideration. The dedication required to fulfill a four- year program is, most often, more notable to an employer because it shows dedication to hard work as well as an ability to commit. The problem with an Associate’s degree is that in the workforce, you’ll be competing with other applicants who have Bachelor’s degrees. Most people who hold Associate’s degrees are interested in white-collar jobs