I remember when a young woman in my life married her high school sweetheart, and they began working and having kids without pursuing college. Some of us were unsure if they were doing the right thing. Shouldn’t they get their degrees just to have them? Just in case??? Now, about five years later, they are happy and thriving. They have a rich spiritual life, a full family life. They are focusing on the things that matter most and we are all so happy for them. They have great jobs that provide very well for their growing family. Our fears were totally unfounded in this case.
Everyone who was concerned was well-meaning. But this young couple simply knew what they wanted from life at an early age, and it didn't include college or waiting forever to start a family. Thankfully, they're hard workers and have become extremely valuable to their employers, and they are enjoying the unfancy, small-town life they've chosen.
I love this. My experience was in reverse. I was doing the job before I was educated. It was an interesting experience to pursue education after having the experience. How many people go to college and what they're actually doing in life has nothing to do with their degree? Let God lead you. He'll take care of the rest.
I worked at an elementary school as a para-educator for a few years after my kids were all in school. While I was there, the school district changed the hiring guidelines to require some college (an associates degree, I think). Fortunately they allowed current employees to complete an online para-educator course in order to qualify. I can't say it taught me anything new. LOL
What is odd about my path. I probably did not need college for my particular skill (photography), but would probably not have secured my various jobs without the degree. They alled used a four year degree as a prerequisite.
I love this story and your reflections about college and I think you really nailed it on the head. College is great for certain things or for certain people who really want that experience or need a particular degree to reach their goals. But it's not for everyone. I know so many people who did not go to college and are thriving--running their own businesses, raising families, living full, rich lives. Especially today, where college is so expensive, I do not think it should be the default position. There are so many excellent choices to be made--and that should be the key, that each young adult gets to make the decision that is right for them.
I’m a public school teacher. I’m going into my 9th year teaching. t’s such a hard balance to find. But, I’m learning to spot the students who desire to go or would do good in college, and encourage them and push them in that direction. And then those who are into working after high school or doing vocational school or doing something else, pushing them in that direction. College isn’t for everyone. It’s so true.
Yes! I think I would have done well in college if I actually knew what I wanted to do. But it took living life for a while after high school to figure it out!
Me too! I worked and pursued Christ for 4 years after high school. Then one day, I just felt I needed to go to college. And so I did. I also got married and started having kids within that time. There are different paths for everyone in life.
I remember when a young woman in my life married her high school sweetheart, and they began working and having kids without pursuing college. Some of us were unsure if they were doing the right thing. Shouldn’t they get their degrees just to have them? Just in case??? Now, about five years later, they are happy and thriving. They have a rich spiritual life, a full family life. They are focusing on the things that matter most and we are all so happy for them. They have great jobs that provide very well for their growing family. Our fears were totally unfounded in this case.
Yeah, plenty of people had similar concerns about me and my hubby 30 years ago!
Everyone who was concerned was well-meaning. But this young couple simply knew what they wanted from life at an early age, and it didn't include college or waiting forever to start a family. Thankfully, they're hard workers and have become extremely valuable to their employers, and they are enjoying the unfancy, small-town life they've chosen.
I love this. My experience was in reverse. I was doing the job before I was educated. It was an interesting experience to pursue education after having the experience. How many people go to college and what they're actually doing in life has nothing to do with their degree? Let God lead you. He'll take care of the rest.
I worked at an elementary school as a para-educator for a few years after my kids were all in school. While I was there, the school district changed the hiring guidelines to require some college (an associates degree, I think). Fortunately they allowed current employees to complete an online para-educator course in order to qualify. I can't say it taught me anything new. LOL
What is odd about my path. I probably did not need college for my particular skill (photography), but would probably not have secured my various jobs without the degree. They alled used a four year degree as a prerequisite.
A degree can definitely open some doors for you.
Love this! Well written and well said. One need not go to college, specially the ivy's today.
I love this story and your reflections about college and I think you really nailed it on the head. College is great for certain things or for certain people who really want that experience or need a particular degree to reach their goals. But it's not for everyone. I know so many people who did not go to college and are thriving--running their own businesses, raising families, living full, rich lives. Especially today, where college is so expensive, I do not think it should be the default position. There are so many excellent choices to be made--and that should be the key, that each young adult gets to make the decision that is right for them.
I’m a public school teacher. I’m going into my 9th year teaching. t’s such a hard balance to find. But, I’m learning to spot the students who desire to go or would do good in college, and encourage them and push them in that direction. And then those who are into working after high school or doing vocational school or doing something else, pushing them in that direction. College isn’t for everyone. It’s so true.
Yes! I think I would have done well in college if I actually knew what I wanted to do. But it took living life for a while after high school to figure it out!
Me too! I worked and pursued Christ for 4 years after high school. Then one day, I just felt I needed to go to college. And so I did. I also got married and started having kids within that time. There are different paths for everyone in life.