I Want To Go Straight To College Essay

I responded to an incentive when I decided to join the Army instead of going straight to college. If I had gone straight to college, I would be responsible for paying my tuition, room and board, and medical expenses. By joining the Army, I can attend college free of charge, all medical costs covered, and I get paid a good salary to perform my job. Whereas, if I had gone to college I still would have to get a job to take care of myself while going to school. Joining the Army gave me the opportunity to learn a trade while getting my education and I was getting paid all at the same time. Consumers have unlimited wants, but limited resources, so satisfying one want means not fulfilling another which is known as the opportunity cost (Spiller, 2011). Some of the opportunity costs I experienced for my decision was I had to attend college online instead of in a classroom due to the hours I was required to work.

Also, during these deployments, I was in harm's way a lot of the times. Overall I think the benefits I received from joining the military out weight the costs. The military enabled me to gain an outstanding work ethic while pursuing my education. I learned a valuable skill in food service while in the Army that I can use in the civilian sector. I believe the benefits I obtained in the Army are more valuable than the knowledge I would have received from just attending college. Whether personal or for business, an opportunity cost exists because you choose one option over another believing that option has better benefits compared to the option you do not choose (Spiller,