My four-year degree was the expectation. My trade school training actually got me my job.

Both of my parents have college degrees – and my father even worked at a local college – so when I was growing up, going to a four-year college to start my career was always the unspoken expectation.

I am one of nine children in my immediate family. My mother was a stay-at-home mom for almost 20 years while my father worked hard to provide for his family. They have always fostered the individuality of each of my siblings, but a four-year degree was always a pillar of success no matter the career choice.

What I didn't know then that I wish I had: There were other options. 

Read the full op-ed here.