The Path to Success: Best College Majors for Lower Class Backgrounds

It is commonly believed that a person's social and economic background can significantly impact their path to success. However, college majors play a pivotal role in determining one's trajectory. This journey is particularly fascinating when considering individuals from a lower class background, and how various choices and opportunities can lead to diverse career paths and achievements. Let's explore some real-life examples of students from lower class families who pursued different college majors and the impact it had on their careers.

Understanding Lower Class in the U.S.

In the United States, the term 'lower class' specifically refers to socio/economic populations with household incomes below $25,000. This group typically includes individuals who work in menial jobs such as janitors, waitstaff, and grocery workers. While this description may evoke a sense of societal inferiority in some contexts, it is important to recognize the diverse backgrounds and aspirations of those who fall under this category.

For many, higher education can be the key to breaking the cycle of poverty and achieving a better life. This article will delve into the diverse experiences of college students from lower class backgrounds, who, through their choices in college majors, have secured successful and fulfilling careers in a variety of industries.

A College Journey to Shake Off Stereotypes

Let's take a closer look at the experiences of a group of friends who graduated from college in the early 1980s in Boston. They all came from South Korea, immigrated to the U.S. in their teens, and studied at different universities. Despite their lower class backgrounds, all of them managed to receive scholarships and work part-time to finance their education. Below are the paths they took after college:

Success Stories

Harvard Graduate: He pursued a law degree at UC Davis and is currently a partner at a law firm in Shanghai, earning $500,000 per year. MIT Graduates: Two of them received PhDs and became professors in Seoul, South Korea. Another is a chief engineer at a data storage company in Silicon Valley, earning $300,000 per year. Boston University Graduates: One is a chief scientist at Boeing with a salary of $250,000 and plans to retire in 3 years with a $150,000 pension. Another runs two wireless phone stores in Texas, earning $200,000 per year. A final graduate is a senior director in a Fortune 500 telecommunication company, earning $500,000. The last BU graduate opened a successful branch office of a chip manufacturing company in Korea, becoming a president and retiring with $10,000,000 worth of stocks.

The Self

My own journey was a bit unique. I studied engineering for two years but switched to economics and business. I spent five years working in Seoul, Los Angeles, Boston, and Silicon Valley, before settling down in Ventura, California. I am currently married to a fellow Korean who has become a medical doctor. We own two companies and live a fulfilling life.

The Moral of the Story: The American Dream Endures

The success stories of these individuals highlight the power of education and the individual choices made during college. From law, engineering, and business, to history and economics, each major provided a platform for these students to achieve significant success. This journey underscores the resilience and determination of individuals from lower class backgrounds and how they can rise to prominence through education and hard work.

Conclusion

The fate of individuals from lower class backgrounds is not predetermined by their economic status. Rather, it is shaped by the choices they make, the opportunities they seize, and the paths they forge. By selecting the appropriate college major, individuals can open doors to a world of possibilities and achieve their dreams. The American Dream is alive and well, and with the right education and determination, anyone can succeed.

Keywords: college majors, lower class, American Dream