This will be a fun topic and I have been putting it off for a while.   In summary, I think public educations ruins the mind, college education is not what it used to be, and you should heavily invest in your personal education.   Learning a trade like welding has major advantages and I would say a trade school is the perfect fit for most people. Especially if you don't want to waste two to four years of your life going to a bullshit college and a worthless associates degree.   Always make sure you take the time to learn a new skill on your own and take your personal education seriously.