College Not For You?

[Lucas]

I seem to be getting questions concerning if college isn't for a certain individual, based on he/she thinks, what else can they do? So I can only come up with this explanation for them if they're seeking advice from me:

"If you feel that college isn't for you than hopefully you have a niche or have some an extraordinary skill in the trade to compete with those who are coming out of college with degrees in that certain field; especially in the current economy right now. Maybe, your good looks would also place you in a category for modeling or something, but I'd say your best bet is to decide what you want to do in your life while attending college. This would seem to make better use of your time."

But what else would be a reasonable explanation for those who feel they cannot excel in college? I feel that my stance on college is not a strong enough argument or persuasion for younger kids to pursue education as a means to a job with higher paid salaries and setting themselves up in life later on down the road.

[LaoGuy]

Sometimes it's not why they think they can't excel in college, it's a matter of our livelihood, our survival, our compassion to help our family out. I didn't go to a four year college because I have five siblings and a single mom. I am the oldest son so I know my duties growing up. I don't regret nothing, I did what I had to for my family.

[k82562131]

I think every college or university should have a class dedicated to motivation, assertiveness, perseverance, and empowerment as a GE requirement.

Better yet, high schools should better prepare their students with tools to be successful in college, and i'm talking about mental support, not just solely on academics. I think this is where schools, in especially, California fail.

[gaykhmerguy]

My belief is that college is becoming the next high school where you'll need it in order to compete for jobs. Most people wouldn't argue if having a high school is required....the same with college. Can't excel in college? You don't have to go to the best or hardest colleges. Colleges now are jokes as well because they're just graduating anybody that makes them a profit. Dumb kids figured this out, graduate college, and get jobs over smart people! Most companies won't care about your gpa or where you graduated from. Once you have that piece of paper, it just opens doors.

If somebody don't believe it's for them, then have a job or specific goals on what they want to do and a time limit. Otherwise, if you're lost, the best place to be lost is in college...at least you'll get a degree while you're lost. Then when you find yourself, you'll at least have that degree that help you get that job you never thought about a few years back.

[Toast]

For me, I started working right after high school since my family was struggling and we needed money. But, I failed at working for minimal wage and couldn't stand a prejudice, uneducated bosses. One of a white bosses openly making fun of my Khmer names in front of other empolyees; I didnt think it was professional of him...then again, then, I wasnt working in a professional settings. I told him that wasn't appropriate of him to do that. The next day I quit. I always used that moment to motivate and better myself. I wanted to rise above anyone who slighted me. I've learnt that I can't control what other said or feel about me...only I could control what type of person I could be. I always know that I am a capable person and through trials and errors and may mini personal accomplishments along the way, I developed enough confident enough to give college a try. I started inquired about student loans and Pell Grants so I could get funds for college. When I was in high school, I always had good grades. There wasn't a question about not having grades to get in to college. the rest was history. college education wasn't easy but it was the greatest investments I did. Now college is paid of for me. I'm very well compensate for my acquired skills.

[DoungJan]

best thing i can do for my single mother right now is to go college and get a good paying job so my mom can retires early. I don't like seeing her looking so tired everyday. I'm going to take care of her. If she wants to go back to Cambodia then i'll send money to her. Best thing I can do as a filial daughter at the moment is to do well in school. Though I'm going to be in school for a while, I know it will pays off in the future.

[Mizz_Luv3r]

I think school is for everyone, but it just depends on the person. I think everyone should go through college and get some type of degree or trade. Even if you end up not doing anything with what you've learned, you always have something to fall back on when needed.

Some people, particularly young parents, need to think about their children's future. I mean, the least you can do is think about your children and better yourself for them. Don't give up before you even had a chance to start yet.

[DoungJan]

I think every college or university should have a class dedicated to motivation, assertiveness, perseverance, and empowerment as a GE requirement.

Better yet, high schools should better prepare their students with tools to be successful in college, and i'm talking about mental support, not just solely on academics. I think this is where schools, in especially, California fail.

I totally know what you mean. I'm the first one in my family to attend college and it's so hard when I don't have support at home. Sometimes it's so hard that i want to quit but thinking about my mom i keep on going. Alot of first generation college students drop out of college because they don't have any support especially from family. Family just don't understand what's it's like to be in college.

[Toast]

I was the first in my family to go to college too. 75% of my Khmer college classmates dropped out due to various reasons. Those who made it and eventual graduated are the one who actively involve with activities on campus. Our things was basketball pick up games. we would meet friday evening when we know everyone would be free. Just among Khmer/asian groups, we had on campus basketball pick up games. The ladies would come to join us from time to time. Some of those ladies are our wives now. although, not all of us were great basketball player but through basketball help bonded us and eventually pushed us through college. I'd say find something other than study groups to belong to. activities could help you take your mind away from stressful courses and in turn help you refocus on your work when u get back to study..

Alot of first generation college students drop out of college because they don't have any support especially from family. Family just don't understand what's it's like to be in college.

[Sary]

Going to college was my top priority after finishing high school. I was excited the moment I entered and I was determined to get good grades in each course I enrolled in. Also, I wanted to transfer to a university to my liking. A few semesters passed by and I thought to myself, what should I be majoring in since I was only taking general ed courses. I jumped to numerous fields such as music, then computer application specialist, and then business management. I really didn't know what I wanted to be in the future. I just knew that college wasn't for me.

Somewhere, in 2009, I began my research in the medical field and came upon several schools in my area. I've always had this passion in caring for other people and on top of that, the field was in high demand. So, I gave it a shot and I called the school for more info in Medical Assisting. I was ecstatic in telling my family that I was going back to school and for once, it felt like this was the field I was meant to be in. I enjoyed learning about diseases and injections and taking vital signs. Not far behind, I enrolled at a different school; this time my focus was on phlebotomy. I invested my time and money into this because I believed that learning more than one skill would give me a better chance of being hired.

College might have given me the drive in the beginning but it didn't keep me motivated as it did with a vocational school. It all depends on the individual if he/she wants to get a degree, certificate, or a license.

[Lucas]

Going to college was my top priority after finishing high school. I was excited the moment I entered and I was determined to get good grades in each course I enrolled in. Also, I wanted to transfer to a university to my liking. A few semesters passed by and I thought to myself, what should I be majoring in since I was only taking general ed courses. I jumped to numerous fields such as music, then computer application specialist, and then business management. I really didn't know what I wanted to be in the future. I just knew that college wasn't for me.

Somewhere, in 2009, I began my research in the medical field and came upon several schools in my area. I've always had this passion in caring for other people and on top of that, the field was in high demand. So, I gave it a shot and I called the school for more info in Medical Assisting. I was ecstatic in telling my family that I was going back to school and for once, it felt like this was the field I was meant to be in. I enjoyed learning about diseases and injections and taking vital signs. Not far behind, I enrolled at a different school; this time my focus was on phlebotomy. I invested my time and money into this because I believed that learning more than one skill would give me a better chance of being hired.

College might have given me the drive in the beginning but it didn't keep me motivated as it did with a vocational school. It all depends on the individual if he/she wants to get a degree, certificate, or a license.

Well said, Sary. Hello!

I believe that college is for everyone, regardless of their situation. Life is a long time and the further we trek along our journey in life; the more we seek: wisdom, knowledge, happiness.

College provides you the education only what you choose to get out of it and the skills these courses build on, such as english, math and science courses will teach you besides the particular subjects itself, are critical thinking, critical analyzing, speech comprehension, etc etc. What this entails is that even if there is nothing that interests you, but if you motivate yourself and are determined to become a more skilled and intelligent person--college is the best route. People don't come out of their mother's womb with the knowledge of a college graduate, but of course they come with the intelligence of a college graduate to surpass a graduate and become a doctor, lawyer, or scientist.

I really think that people underestimate themselves and put the nocebo effect on themselves with claims and assumptions such as, "I'm too dumb" or "I'm not that smart". The truth is: EVERYONE is as intelligent as the next person. It's the level of determination and motivation that varies. I'm not going to say that it's "throwing your life away" but I'll say this: you're really missing an opportunity of a lifetime to build yourself a solid foundation for the future.

[Tawnchan]

I agree with most of you, someone who is debating whether or not to pursue a college education should consider very clearly...

1) What do they like to do? If you have a passion for something.. pursue it.. figure out how you can make a living doing it.. I strongly believe... "Success is not the key to Happiness, Happiness is the key to Success" - The Buddha.

2) Financial Goal.. We all want to make more money.. but we have to understand.. we all have different financial goals.. How much is enough? How much are you happy with... can live a happy life with? Not everyone dreams in dollar signs.

3) Consider your day to day life in the route you choose. Are you going to be able to balance school/work to sustain your lifestyle? Can you sit in class for hours on end.. studying subjects you have absolute no interest in?

4) Other alternatives... Military Duty.. Work Study programs.. Vocational Colleges..

5) And yourself... no one knows you better than.. you.. so ask yourself whats realistic for you.. and how much effort are you willing to invest in yourself?


There are always multiple ways to the same destination... College is a good choice after high school, but I disagree that it's the best choice for just anyone. Remember, having a college degree doesn't guarantee a job after completion... and not all college graduates end up working in their field of study. In this current economy.. I believe most people are going after what they can get and not much people have the luxury of choosing their first pick. And most people accumulate large sums of debt in going to college as well... only to switch back and forth between deciding majors.... and drop out.

I've been very happy in my decision to not go to college... mainly because I hate school. The mere thought of having to commute a certain distance.. at a messed up time.. trying to find parking... sitting in a tiny desk with 30 other people in their tiny little desk... staring at someone I have no interest in... teaching something that bores the living shit out of me.. is... eRrghHh... I joined the Navy.. stationed in Japan.. traveled a little bit... learned a lot more about myself... got out.. some how got myself involved with business... and management.. and utilizing what I've experienced so far... the exposure to different people.. different cultures.. environments.. industries.. both in the United States and Overseas.. has enabled me to gain the confidence in myself... a lot of people my age don't have.. professional and/or personal. As a Veteran.. I can utilize my Post 9/11 GI Bill... but.. They can't pay me enough to go to school... that's how much school doesn't work for me and how much I don't like school.

I guess that's not entirely true. I use it to take certain classes that I am interested in.. like learning how to use the new DSLR camera I bought... a cooking class.. or how to use Google Apps in Small Business... things like that where you can learn a specific skills.. I guess I am against the idea that ***A College Degree*** (whOOo look at those stars shine) is my greatest tool for success... but I am all for taking specific classes tailored to your own personal interest without the pull into the whole college degree idea... and I don't think people should promote it as such.

I think most the people that are promoting college or university.. are probably still in college or university themselves... what's the worth of that piece of paper if everyone else around you have it too? What sets you apart? What makes you an individual worth investing into? What have you done compared to the rest? Who are you and what have you accomplished?

[Lucas]

I agree with most of you, someone who is debating whether or not to pursue a college education should consider very clearly...

1) What do they like to do? If you have a passion for something.. pursue it.. figure out how you can make a living doing it.. I strongly believe... "Success is not the key to Happiness, Happiness is the key to Success" - The Buddha.

2) Financial Goal.. We all want to make more money.. but we have to understand.. we all have different financial goals.. How much is enough? How much are you happy with... can live a happy life with? Not everyone dreams in dollar signs.

3) Consider your day to day life in the route you choose. Are you going to be able to balance school/work to sustain your lifestyle? Can you sit in class for hours on end.. studying subjects you have absolute no interest in?

4) Other alternatives... Military Duty.. Work Study programs.. Vocational Colleges..

5) And yourself... no one knows you better than.. you.. so ask yourself whats realistic for you.. and how much effort are you willing to invest in yourself?


There are always multiple ways to the same destination... College is a good choice after high school, but I disagree that it's the best choice for just anyone. Remember, having a college degree doesn't guarantee a job after completion... and not all college graduates end up working in their field of study. In this current economy.. I believe most people are going after what they can get and not much people have the luxury of choosing their first pick. And most people accumulate large sums of debt in going to college as well... only to switch back and forth between deciding majors.... and drop out.

I've been very happy in my decision to not go to college... mainly because I hate school. The mere thought of having to commute a certain distance.. at a messed up time.. trying to find parking... sitting in a tiny desk with 30 other people in their tiny little desk... staring at someone I have no interest in... teaching something that bores the living shit out of me.. is... eRrghHh... I joined the Navy.. stationed in Japan.. traveled a little bit... learned a lot more about myself... got out.. some how got myself involved with business... and management.. and utilizing what I've experienced so far... the exposure to different people.. different cultures.. environments.. industries.. both in the United States and Overseas.. has enabled me to gain the confidence in myself... a lot of people my age don't have.. professional and/or personal. As a Veteran.. I can utilize my Post 9/11 GI Bill... but.. They can't pay me enough to go to school... that's how much school doesn't work for me and how much I don't like school.

I guess that's not entirely true. I use it to take certain classes that I am interested in.. like learning how to use the new DSLR camera I bought... a cooking class.. or how to use Google Apps in Small Business... things like that where you can learn a specific skills.. I guess I am against the idea that ***A College Degree*** (whOOo look at those stars shine) is my greatest tool for success... but I am all for taking specific classes tailored to your own personal interest without the pull into the whole college degree idea... and I don't think people should promote it as such.

I think most the people that are promoting college or university.. are probably still in college or university themselves... what's the worth of that piece of paper if everyone else around you have it too? What sets you apart? What makes you an individual worth investing into? What have you done compared to the rest? Who are you and what have you accomplished?

You're right about "those who 'promote' college are in college" but I was in the military for 6 years and I, too, traveled the world. I came back to school because I was still figuring what I wanted to do with my life afterwards. School helps build another character or intelligence in you that you didn't think you possessed. The motivation, determination and experience I got from the military helped me excel in college as well, but whose to say I wouldn't have if I didn't join? I was in college taking courses before I joined as well and it's still the same learning process as it's always been.

It shouldn't be about a college degree, getting a job or money. Why? Because financial aid covers most of college and books (hell, people use it for other shit), getting a job is tough any damn way, but why waste your time pondering or searching for something that's not going to be there without a degree, and like I said before in my previous post: you lay a foundation for yourself mentally. It's about learning and to improve the cognition process in your brain to learn ever more efficiently. Learn about the world, get educated on upper levels of skills and most importantly: discover yourself.

For those who are in situations that doesn't warrant attending college: I understand. But is one class at the college too much? One or two online courses at home too much? People aren't using the resources that's available these days to answer their own questions.

[k82562131]

Some people simply can't sit down in class and have a notebook and pen ready to write while listening to a professor lecture for 45 minutes nonstop. You may have the urgency to learn and the patience to withstand the amount of time sitting down in one place, but there are people who just can't do it.

I went to college. As a first generation student, I personally felt like I needed to complete it to meet my parents expectation. This idea went through my head while I was there, but let me tell ya, I struggled to wake up for every school day. I dreaded going to class because of the classroom environment. Especially for 4 years? Man, it just wasn't for me but I dribbled through it.

With that said, I just think college is not for everyone regardless of their situation. I'm a pro-education person, but if you tell me that you just can't do it, then go for another route. I met some very brilliant people who have never gone to a university. They present themselves very well and actually know what the fuck they're saying. The thing is, these people aren't rare either....I'm just saying. If you can't hit the books, it doesn't mean you're doomed. You just have to have the extra "umph" every day to handle your shit and move your way up.

[Lucas]

Some people simply can't sit down in class and have a notebook and pen ready to write while listening to a professor lecture for 45 minutes nonstop. You may have the urgency to learn and the patience to withstand the amount of time sitting down in one place, but there are people who just can't do it.

I went to college. As a first generation student, I personally felt like I needed to complete it to meet my parents expectation. This idea went through my head while I was there, but let me tell ya, I struggled to wake up for every school day. I dreaded going to class because of the classroom environment. Especially for 4 years? Man, it just wasn't for me but I dribbled through it.

With that said, I just think college is not for everyone regardless of their situation. I'm a pro-education person, but if you tell me that you just can't do it, then go for another route. I met some very brilliant people who have never gone to a university. They present themselves very well and actually know what the fuck they're saying. The thing is, these people aren't rare either....I'm just saying. If you can't hit the books, it doesn't mean you're doomed. You just have to have the extra "umph" every day to handle your shit and move your way up.

And in discovering after trying to only quit going, you discover what you really want. Of course this doesn't go for a lot of people who still ponder on the fact--whether or not they should be in school again because they can't find shit to do but work at some dead end ass jobs or just stuck being unemployed wishing someone would come over and give them a job or money or SOMETHING. It's not all about "brilliance". I'm trying paint a bigger picture here but I guess I'm no Picasso. I have to admit; school is boring and lectures are long but to endure some pain to make the big bucks ex: medical school = doctor = 120k a year forever until you die or can't work anymore?? All worth it to me, but of course like I said: it doesn't have to be about the money or the smarts. Think bigger and out of the box guys.

[Tawnchan]

That's the kind of promotion I am talking about... you speak of a college education as a whole.. yet you feed people the same old dream... medical school.. doctor.. set for life.. medical school doesn't represent the whole... and financial aid isn't going to cover your expenses for all that I'm afraid.. but luckily for you in particular.. you are afforded a gi bill which might cover a good majority of it. But what about the other... individuals out there. What's the current drop out rate for your college? Find that out.. then find out from one of those people if they think they should've spent a little more time doing something else instead...

Again.. schools fine and dandy... I just don't think you should be painting a certain pictures for people.. especially before getting your pH.D.. get that first then promote it. We'll figure out a way to charge VA and I'll sign myself up under your care.

And in discovering after trying to only quit going, you discover what you really want. Of course this doesn't go for a lot of people who still ponder on the fact--whether or not they should be in school again because they can't find shit to do but work at some dead end ass jobs or just stuck being unemployed wishing someone would come over and give them a job or money or SOMETHING. It's not all about "brilliance". I'm trying paint a bigger picture here but I guess I'm no Picasso. I have to admit; school is boring and lectures are long but to endure some pain to make the big bucks ex: medical school = doctor = 120k a year forever until you die or can't work anymore?? All worth it to me, but of course like I said: it doesn't have to be about the money or the smarts. Think bigger and out of the box guys.

[Mizz_Luv3r]

I agree with most of you, someone who is debating whether or not to pursue a college education should consider very clearly...

1) What do they like to do? If you have a passion for something.. pursue it.. figure out how you can make a living doing it.. I strongly believe... "Success is not the key to Happiness, Happiness is the key to Success" - The Buddha.

2) Financial Goal.. We all want to make more money.. but we have to understand.. we all have different financial goals.. How much is enough? How much are you happy with... can live a happy life with? Not everyone dreams in dollar signs.

3) Consider your day to day life in the route you choose. Are you going to be able to balance school/work to sustain your lifestyle? Can you sit in class for hours on end.. studying subjects you have absolute no interest in?

4) Other alternatives... Military Duty.. Work Study programs.. Vocational Colleges..

5) And yourself... no one knows you better than.. you.. so ask yourself whats realistic for you.. and how much effort are you willing to invest in yourself?

..........

I think most the people that are promoting college or university.. are probably still in college or university themselves... what's the worth of that piece of paper if everyone else around you have it too? What sets you apart? What makes you an individual worth investing into? What have you done compared to the rest? Who are you and what have you accomplished?

Actually, I'm promoting college and have long graduated already. I'm glad that you've found your niche in life. But I wouldn't feel comfortable telling highschoolers all of what you've said. I wouldn't feel comfortable telling that to my children, that school is not for everyone. Though, I do agree with some of what you said. It's your attitude about it that bothers me.

Even if the "degree/paper" doesn't get me a job right away or at all, I'm still very proud of my educational accomplishments. Fortunately, I have a steady career in the field I went to school for. The whole message is to just better yourself period. I wouldn't want my child working at the factory all day and night and making nothing just because he thought "school is not for me". I'm not knocking anyone down that does work in factories right now, but at least give school a try first.

If anyone is selling a dream, maybe you are. What would have happened if you never joined the Navy? Take that away and all the other things you experienced away 'cause you never joined. Would you still come out the same with the same outcome? Also, sometimes people get cheated money-wise in the field that they love simply 'cause they lack the "degree". Think about that also. It's always a good thing to try and reach for bigger and better things in life.

[gaykhmerguy]

I agree with you. That's why I paint a different picture. I believe college is the next high school where it will be extremely hard to get a job without a college degree. Right now, as we speak, other countries are pushing kids through college in order to complete in the global job market. How can you expect to compete against them with only a high school diploma? Just within the last 10 years, indians have flooded the US job market. Many of those jobs taken away from people who could have gotten degrees but didn't.

It's wrong that many people are painting a false positive image of college, but I also think it's wrong to act like it's okay if kids don't go to college. It's not okay when a kid could have gotten a job if they got a degree, but didn't!

Studies across the board show that college graduates have lowest unemployment rates and do better. We can argue all day about what kind of jobs they got, but they are still better off. College is the new high school. You wouldn't want to send your kids into the world without a high school education...so why would you send them without college, which is the new high school. If you look at many parents who didn't go to college, they send their kids to college. They do this because they foresee the new reality.

That's the kind of promotion I am talking about... you speak of a college education as a whole.. yet you feed people the same old dream... medical school.. doctor.. set for life.. medical school doesn't represent the whole... and financial aid isn't going to cover your expenses for all that I'm afraid.. but luckily for you in particular.. you are afforded a gi bill which might cover a good majority of it. But what about the other... individuals out there. What's the current drop out rate for your college? Find that out.. then find out from one of those people if they think they should've spent a little more time doing something else instead...

Again.. schools fine and dandy... I just don't think you should be painting a certain pictures for people.. especially before getting your pH.D.. get that first then promote it. We'll figure out a way to charge VA and I'll sign myself up under your care.

[Lucas]

That's the kind of promotion I am talking about... you speak of a college education as a whole.. yet you feed people the same old dream... medical school.. doctor.. set for life.. medical school doesn't represent the whole... and financial aid isn't going to cover your expenses for all that I'm afraid.. but luckily for you in particular.. you are afforded a gi bill which might cover a good majority of it. But what about the other... individuals out there. What's the current drop out rate for your college? Find that out.. then find out from one of those people if they think they should've spent a little more time doing something else instead...

Again.. schools fine and dandy... I just don't think you should be painting a certain pictures for people.. especially before getting your pH.D.. get that first then promote it. We'll figure out a way to charge VA and I'll sign myself up under your care.

So everything I said besides that section you highlighted was ignored? I swear I said something about financial aid somewhere in my other posts--but maybe I'm just having this illusion that no one qualifies for aid. A drop out rate for college? Those statistics don't matter, guy. People change their mind like you and any other person; people get sick, have family issues to take care of, decide to open a business, etc etc etc. I used medical school as an example but you probably forgot to see the EX: part that preceded it.

[Tawnchan]

I assure you... I read your entire post.... I ignored most of it because you were pretty much saying something that is already constantly implanted in everyone's head since kindergarten... "A college degree is your path to success"... you're implicating that if you don't go to college.. you'd fail... And you use "Medical School" as an example.. because medical school is one of the highest paid jobs you can think of right? Using Medical School isn't a valid example... because realistically... how attainable is that for most of us here? And I am happy to see you're putting into consideration now... the reason's which someone wouldn't be able to finish their degree... How many of us even just on KL... do any one of these? "People change their mind like you and any other person; people get sick, have family issues to take care of, decide to open a business, etc etc etc."... so the drop out rate matters very much... dOod... I think if someone is going to invest a good chunk of change on something... and a whole lot of their time into something.. they should at least know.. All the Facts because it's with that knowledge.. an individual with your superior knowledge of the world... can better coach a more inferior individual to make a better decision. Since you know reasons why people would drop out... you can agree college isn't for everyone right? So why promote it as such?

So everything I said besides that section you highlighted was ignored? I swear I said something about financial aid somewhere in my other posts--but maybe I'm just having this illusion that no one qualifies for aid. A drop out rate for college? Those statistics don't matter, guy. People change their mind like you and any other person; people get sick, have family issues to take care of, decide to open a business, etc etc etc. I used medical school as an example but you probably forgot to see the EX: part that preceded it.

[Tawnchan]

Again, I am not against a college education or getting a degree.. I am against the idea.. that promotion of a college degree is a short cut to success worth seeking. I am happy for your as you are for me in my experiences in life so far... but I am pleading.. you shouldn't go off and tell people go do this and your life will be a whole of a lot easier? Because it's not that simple and it's not that easy for everyone.

"Even if the "degree/paper" doesn't get me a job right away or at all..." ... Wait.. what? It doesn't?!?!

Congratulations you received your degree in an economy better than now. Congratulations you had the means, determination to get your piece of paper... because http://www.nytimes.com/2011/09/27/ed...mediation.html has no relevance right? Again.. I am saying.. someone who is considering dumping large amounts of time/money/energy for no return... should consider all their facts before investing.

See.. my stand is with the individual to make a well informed decision.. I am not saying they shouldn't pursue a college education.. I'm saying.. if you are really really really really debating whether or not you should go to college... you're probably in a situation that requires you to seriously think about this and not any quick decisions right? So it's not as simple for me to say.. "go to college... you'll be fine"... like you do. You're not putting emphasis on the individual... and more emphasis on the tool... that's my problem.. and that's my argument.

If I was your child.. I would probably end up hating you for forcing me to go to school and doing something I hate and I don't want to do.. wasting my time instead of listening to me.. to hear your child as an individual... is aspired to do and helping me get there. And if I become a parent... I can assure you I would probably be more in tuned to the child's interests over my own ideas of what he/she should be/come... I would probably focus more attention on his/her character... his/her morality.. Listen to what he/she wants and teach him/her to think for him/herself... build the confidence in him/herself to better be part of the world. The decision to go to college or the military or anything else.... can follow those guidelines. I would have the confidence in my children's decision making... because I am their father.. I raised them the best that I can... and I am amazing...

Sure I joined the Navy... is the Military for everyone? Nope... so I don't promote it as such. If anything.. I promote the Navy as an opportunity to travel and see a little bit of the world.. an opportunity not everyone can afford. And it is that knowledge... that knowledge of a different culture... knowledge of someone's existence half way around the world... the taste of their food... the way the sun shines in their city... etc. rather than just imagining it.... but... i warn you... the Navy's not for everyone... definitely wasn't for me... but i believe I got out after my 4 years enlistment better off than most my friends who graduated college.. and that's just my own personal experience and you will experience something different all entirely in your life.. of course!!

so why limit yourself to one idea? especially if the success rate isn't all that positive.

"Also, sometimes people get cheated money-wise in the field that they love simply 'cause they lack the "degree""
first.. how do you prove that assumption? Second.. I believe if someone is working in a field they truly love... then they have already succeeded.

What you imagine success paints in green doesn't it? and it looks like... $$$ doesn't it?

Actually, I'm promoting college and have long graduated already. I'm glad that you've found your niche in life. But I wouldn't feel comfortable telling highschoolers all of what you've said. I wouldn't feel comfortable telling that to my children, that school is not for everyone. Though, I do agree with some of what you said. It's your attitude about it that bothers me.

Even if the "degree/paper" doesn't get me a job right away or at all, I'm still very proud of my educational accomplishments. Fortunately, I have a steady career in the field I went to school for. The whole message is to just better yourself period. I wouldn't want my child working at the factory all day and night and making nothing just because he thought "school is not for me". I'm not knocking anyone down that does work in factories right now, but at least give school a try first.

If anyone is selling a dream, maybe you are. What would have happened if you never joined the Navy? Take that away and all the other things you experienced away 'cause you never joined. Would you still come out the same with the same outcome? Also, sometimes people get cheated money-wise in the field that they love simply 'cause they lack the "degree". Think about that also. It's always a good thing to try and reach for bigger and better things in life.

[Tawnchan]

@Lucas.. Why not use the example that's more realistic... " College - Hydro Waste Technician - 40k year ".... what's a "Hydro Waste Technician" ???

A plumber.

[Mizz_Luv3r]

I heard it from friends and family members that they would be making more had they had a degree at their jobs. Though, they have the experience and drive, they couldn't get the pay 'cause they didn't have a degree. That's not something I made up.

One of the first steps before entering college is checking your financials and think of what you want to study. I don't know why you keep reiterating that part of it, 'cause that's the steps you take before college anyway.

I'd rather be hated by my child for pushing her, rather than not encouraging her at all. Of course, I'm not going to push her toward a certain study/field. But I will always encourage her to go as far as she can in school. And if she's found a niche in something and is successful at it without a degree, I'll still encourage her in her endeavors.

No, success is not always measured in money for me. Success comes in many forms. But I just find it disturbing how convicted you are that school doesn't really do anything for your future. Hell, Bill Gates did great without college. But not everyone can hit that success. No matter anyone's circumstances, they should all be encouraged to go to school. We live in a country where education is almost free, and we should use that to our advantage.

[Tawnchan]

Okay... let me ask you.. how do they prove their assumption? Would their boss openly admit to them.. look Chan... I would've paid you more had you had a college degree.. I highly doubt that coming from an employer stand point. In the interview process, I am sure the employer has reviewed all of the candidates.. and who's to say there wasn't a college graduate amongst them? So how did your friend or family member end up with the job without a college degree over someone else who had a college degree? That's to say that piece of paper in your hand outweighs my professional experience and achievements... I'm sure that's what happened with your friends and family... their experiences outweighed that piece of paper. Congratulations to them on gaining employment. And had they obtained that job with prior knowledge of wanting to have a college degree in that field? If so.. why didn't they follow your advice.. seeing they are your friends and family... in going to school first? And great job in providing sustainable evidence of your argument...

Thank you for agreeing with me that people have different circumstances and all have different situations. So you shouldn't preach one idea will do better over another.

I think you should really consider the idea that.. because someone doesn't agree with you.. you shouldn't read what they are saying.. because you might end up finding yourself off course entirely. This thread is named.. "College Not For You?"... the question was asked from Mr. Lucas... "I seem to be getting questions concerning if college isn't for a certain individual, based on he/she thinks, what else can they do?

Question was... "What ELSE can they do?"... if college isn't for you?

So how why would you further persuade and push school to someone who is looking for another alternative to school because they believe themselves that school isn't for them?

You and the thread starter are in the wrong thread...

I heard it from friends and family members that they would be making more had they had a degree at their jobs. Though, they have the experience and drive, they couldn't get the pay 'cause they didn't have a degree. That's not something I made up.

One of the first steps before entering college is checking your financials and think of what you want to study. I don't know why you keep reiterating that part of it, 'cause that's the steps you take before college anyway.

I'd rather be hated by my child for pushing her, rather than not encouraging her at all. Of course, I'm not going to push her toward a certain study/field. But I will always encourage her to go as far as she can in school. And if she's found a niche in something and is successful at it without a degree, I'll still encourage her in her endeavors.

No, success is not always measured in money for me. Success comes in many forms. But I just find it disturbing how convicted you are that school doesn't really do anything for your future. Hell, Bill Gates did great without college. But not everyone can hit that success. No matter anyone's circumstances, they should all be encouraged to go to school. We live in a country where education is almost free, and we should use that to our advantage.

I seem to be getting questions concerning if college isn't for a certain individual, based on he/she thinks, what else can they do? So I can only come up with this explanation for them if they're seeking advice from me:

"If you feel that college isn't for you than hopefully you have a niche or have some an extraordinary skill in the trade to compete with those who are coming out of college with degrees in that certain field; especially in the current economy right now. Maybe, your good looks would also place you in a category for modeling or something, but I'd say your best bet is to decide what you want to do in your life while attending college. This would seem to make better use of your time."

But what else would be a reasonable explanation for those who feel they cannot excel in college? I feel that my stance on college is not a strong enough argument or persuasion for younger kids to pursue education as a means to a job with higher paid salaries and setting themselves up in life later on down the road.

[Mizz_Luv3r]

Yes, that pretty sums up what happened. A family member of mine has a lifetime experience in accounting and such cause her side of the family has a commercial business that groomed her in that path. She never went to further her education, 'cause she really didn't need to. She then decided to pursue a career outside of family. She was perfect for the job at this financial firm, and they wanted her. But since she lacked the degree, they couldn't pay her their normal salary for that position.

I already stated what I've been saying all along, your level of comfort in this issue disturbs me. I'll always encourage school to everyone. If I'm pushy, so be it. I'm sorry but thinking not going to school is an "okay" choice will always be wrong in my book if you haven't tried. If you went and things still aren't working out, then I understand.