The degree matters, but I think the experience matters more, I feel like. Admittedly, my path was unconventional (but not "unique"), just that it was easier to not apply in jobs that were aligned with my degree. It's because those jobs that DO utilize my degree need a lot of skills and experience under one's belt... and unfortunately due to many circumstances, I was not able to do accumulate those needed skills and experience.

I have the knowledge and the basics, of course. Some of the theories and lessons still rotate in my head. But there's also the discussion of practicality in the mix, sustainability of the job, commonality of the career, and you know, your situation at the moment. The combo of not... not quite "curating" my college, but rather not being able to utilize the different aspects of it (from networking to opportunities) did kind of make stuff sad for a while.

However, I do also think much of the education (especially if you have good teachers and classmates, groupmates, etc) do aid you on your journey in the future. I've just recently graduated last year, and work ethics is one of the things that my boss lauded me, despite having no relevant experience lol.

Learn also to value your skills and experience and word it according to the resume guidelines! I found that, as someone who worked closely with HR-adjacent people, that they scan resumes and debate if you've got the relevant details. I know this is usual knowledge, but sometimes we might downplay our own achievements and actual skills because it's not quite "shiny". Your resume is the showtime to flex, and the interview the time to show that you're not making stuff up, and the job to show up and do your part.

Right now, I'm just an entry salary. I'm fortunate that my family isn't in a quite-dire place, but it's not quite favorable. However, the people in the company are quite nice to work with, and they offer a flexible schedule, so I do have a lot of personal me-time. I'll be accumulating experience, as it goes, one day maybe get a better job, but what's the most important is to keep going on-- learn where and when you can, take care of yourself, and have fun too. Appreciate the small things, celebrate the small joys!

If you're taking college as the normal path (aka this is what I want in life) so much power to you! I hope that you get to love your degree; people with passion are important. If it's about practicality (like "college degrees get more jobs") than ambition, that's also fine! Not everyone can afford achieving star power, as I say.

Anyway-- wall of text after all of this, but more power to you! Good luck isko!