I concede that my thesis is vague.
This is still vague to me. What are these "essential life skills"? If you list some (and make them specific), I'll help you work them in.
• Re-write:
Through their difficult times in college, students will be armed with perseverance and determination which allow them to cope with other plights.
REWRITE:
Through their academic struggle, college students will develop work effort that is indispensable in their future careers.
I think you mean "work ethic."
I don't find this debatable, though. What's a strong stance you can take on this very broad topic?