October 6th, 2009

There has been a heightened amount of attention paid to celebrities who have found their way into the academic world recently.  So often, we consider actors and actresses as “beyond” a college degree since they are seemingly “set for life” in their particular field, and the fact that they are willing to take time off to participate in a normal part of everyday life seems almost honorable. Celebrities in college play a far bigger role for kids around the country by allowing them to witness that many of these celebrities are attending universities solely because they want to further their education.  They are not necessarily attending in order to make a career choice, but simply want a new level of education which high school and real life does not provide.

One of the newest and youngest celebrities to attend school is Emma Watson, better known for her role as Hermione Granger in the Harry Potter movies.  The fact that she is continuing her education at the same time as most students would is a feat in itself, not to mention the fact that she was accepted and is attending Brown University, the prestigious Ivy League University.  Witnessing this type of dedication to her education is humbling for many of us who think of celebrities as people concerned only with the superficial aspects in life.  Additionally, her enrollment in college serves as an incentive for many younger students around the country who look up to celebrities such as her.  The fact that one of their idols is carrying on in a seemingly normal fashion of life is one factor that may make some children more willing to consider the college aspect of life. 

Other celebrities have equal impressive educational backgrounds which only serve to provide them with an optional background career choice should they decide that Hollywood is no longer for them.  Julia Stiles attended Columbia University amidst her work in many movies, graduating with an English degree in 2005.  She is one actress who could have simply decided that she did not want to continue her education, especially after the success of 10 Things I Hate About You, but nevertheless wanted to increase her knowledge of the world, and college is the perfect place to experience this.

There are a slew of other celebrities in college or who have attended college who have equal influence around the country.  This fact has let us respect them much more than we do those celebrities who are simply out “partying” every other night.  Furthering your education is a never-ending process of life, and the reality that these celebrities serve as role models for our children is one fact that aids us in persuading them to continue their education.  Having a normal life is not what celebrities make it to be: life is not full of never-ending parties and appearances, but is instead about finding a job and furthering our knowledge in our specific field.  College is only one road in this direction but the fact that many celebrities are pursuing a college degree is one fact that makes it a little more appealing for many high school students. 

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