[Letters] Decent living without a college diploma

Korea’s college enrollment rate ranks among the highest in the world. Sadly, this culture is not entirely based on passion for higher education. In fact, behind the phenomenon is the long-held trend of thought that sees college diploma as a prerequisite for landing on a job.

Despite all the hardship, however, we’re seeing slow but noticeable change in the workforce as more and more high school graduates find their places in companies and prove their credibility with outstanding performance once employed. Positive feedback from the central government and from private companies seem likely to open up an increasing number of opportunities for high school graduates. More private companies should take heed and participate in the nation’s efforts to reduce unemployment by recruiting more high school graduates. It will not only act as a helping hand to many unemployed youngsters but also begin an aspired change where college becomes optional in getting a job, and decent living is maintainable even without a college diploma.

Woo Hyo-eun, a student at Seoul Global High School