University is a chaotic time. A heady mix of expensive tuition, a pressure to binge drink and sub-par accommodation has made many Gen Z students wonder whether it’s even worth it. Having potentially asked the same question while juggling her coursework with the small task of being a world renowned rapper, 2020 saw Megan Thee Stallion return to her studies in Health Administration at Texas Southern University. Last week, she graduated, posting to Instagram a pic of her looking chic as always, clutching her degree and a bouquet of flowers. Now, according to a professor at her alma mater, it seems she’s inspiring other college dropouts to do the same.
Speaking to TMZ, Dr Monica Rasmus, program director for Megan’s course at TSU, shared that there’s been an influx of interest in her department from ex-students looking to re-enroll and current students looking to switch courses, ever since Megan publicly shared details of her studies last year. Although she didn’t provide specific numbers, she argued that Megan was inspiring a genuine desire in many to pursue a career in Health Administration. She also noted that Megan’s donation of $25k to the course, and Thee Megan Fund set up by the rapper, helped students financially struggling to continue in higher education.
Megan’s trend-setting comes as university enrolment is quickly declining in the US, with rates currently on track to drop by half a million applications this year. Although the pandemic has played a major role in the anti-college sentiment, applications have been on a downward trajectory since 2012. All the while, videos on TikTok are exposing the reality of university culture as students – unsure whether the benefits outweigh the costs – share their stories of dropping out within a matter of weeks, sometimes days.
Whether Megan’s impact on Health Admin re-enrolment is a lasting one remains to be seen, but for many young people it seems as though colleges need to work harder to ensure dedicating at least three years of your life to the experience is actually worthwhile — not just a financial burden.
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