I can't stop thinking about the idea that our public schools are pushing for students to go to college. I can think of numerous people who have led successful, healthy lives without going to college... I would also consider them to be very intelligent people. So why do we push students to go to college? How did this become the be-all-end-all of education?
I am in no way against getting a college education (clearly). I simply cannot understand why we adopted this idea that it is absolutely crucial. There are a million ways to learn and be mindful outside the classroom. I think it's almost sad that we tend to associate a lack of college education with failure. Some people just do not thrive in the classroom setting. I do not necessarily think this means they are less intelligent, mindful, or capable of success.
I also believe it is possible we are moving away from this idea of college as a requirement. As education becomes more expensive, I think college educations will become less common. Employers who require a bachelor's today may have to "settle" for employees without a college education. And they may learn that it's not the end of the world.
Chrissy, I agree with you that not all individuals either desire or are "wired" for college. There are many intelligent people with talents, interests, or special skills that don't go to college. Some venture off into special vocations such as electricians, plumbers, construction landscapers, auto mechanics, cosmetologists, modeling, machinists and many more. Electricians and plumbers, generally do very well financially. A cosmetologist with the right team can earn six figures
ReplyDeleteRealistically, not everyone is meant for college, nor will everyone go to college. What is vital to our maintaining a healthy society are the economic, social, moral and ethical contributions of all workers (college educated or not).