Thinking about why I’m in college, I realize so many things influenced me. My parents always said school was important. Teachers pushed me to think critically. Friends talked about their experiences, and media often made college feel like the “right” path. All of this combined made college feel like both a personal choice and an expectation. Reading about groups and authority reminded me how much social pressure can affect what people do. Even in normal life, we make decisions based on what others expect or want, sometimes without realizing it.

Looking at work, low wages, and minimum wage really hit me. Jobs often don’t pay enough to cover basic living expenses. I believe everyone working full-time should be able to make enough to survive and live with dignity. People’s hard work deserves real value, not just survival-level pay.

Overall, these readings and observations made me see how society shapes everyday life—from coffee shops to schools to workplaces. Even small interactions are part of bigger social rules and pressures, and noticing them makes me think about my own choices and experiences in a new way.