Hmm, well, im certainly the one with the least 'life experience' in this thread (being 19, haha), but I might add my point of view:
Obviously, having an education really 'keeps your options open'. Even if you dont do something with the degree, you've proven to the world that you can accomplish such a thing. Also, most university courses will apply to other areas of study as well, particularly the earlier courses, as previously mentioned. The skills you learn in university can and do apply to everyday life as well. Im only in my first year of study (for a bachelor of science with a General Biology major, environmental studies minor), and I think the life lessons, intellectual devices, 'workplace habits', and all other skills i've learned, are almost exactly on par with the amount of 'book knowledge' I have gained. Im sure none of what i said is new to you, and is probably a repeat from the thread, but its my 2 cents worth.
Another advantage i've found really fun - the application of 4 out of my 5 current courses TO my fishkeeping hobby, and the application of my fishkeeping hobby, directly back into 2 of those courses. Im in the middle of a biology report based on my freshwater fish behavior, and have been able to use my hobby enthusiam and experiences for ALL of my personal responses in my environmental studies course. My teachers LOVE to hear about it. I think this aspect is pretty darn cool. Today even, my bio prof and I had chat about the evolution of diatoms and cyanobacteria(course is about evolutionary biology - so species, behavioral, cellular, molecular evolution). When 'work' turns into your hobby, everything becomes fun. I want to get a master's degree in marine biology. My job opportunities have turned into a playground (no I am not dissalusioned, because I truely am interested in (and willing to) doing/studying just about anything related to biology, aside from humans, lol).
The prospect of concepts related to biology are imense, and I knew there were LOTS of things I could do... now that im in school, I realise there is even more than I ever thought possible to choose from.
Cheers,
Chris
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No more tanks  - Laying off the ReefCrack for awhile!
Cheers,
Chris
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