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ugust and September are the holy months of the freshmen. The ex-high school students are now taking off their grey skirts and trousers and replacing them with casual clothes. For the last few months, many final-year high school students have competed against rivals to secure a place in a public or private university. They were college-hunters for a few months.

In this fight, they have confronted a few realities. First, college education is expensive, even at the public colleges. And especially for a family with a not-so-high income and many kids to take care of. Second, going to college means choosing a major for the four years ahead. Third, some of the hunters might have to leave their nest and struggle in a new environment.

It is common to see almost 100 percent of freshmen enthusiastic to attend their college after being accepted. They have prepared everything for their studies. In light of that fact, a pressing question comes to my mind. Do they really know what they want from college? Do they go to college because they like the major they have chosen and want to explore and find out more?

Or do they go to college to fill the education part on their CV when they apply for work once they are finished? What is the point of going to an educational institution just for a certificate to ensure that one will get a great job after graduation? Where is the valuing of science and knowledge itself?

Many college students choose a certain major not because they like it, but because they see the potential of a certain job that requires that major, although there is still a big possibility that in the future they will not get the job they want.

Is it wrong or not? The question remains open.

Liliana
Yogyakarta