James Joyner doesn’t much care for John Stossel’s recent article poo-pooing the value of a college education. Believe it or not, even at the tender ages of 7 and 5, it’s a topic that the Wife and I have given thought to because when that much money is one the line, it’s pretty irresponsible to just all of a sudden decide to wing-it when the time arrives.
As to whether college is worth the money I say- it depends. If there’s a focus and dedication to a skill such as journalism or engineering or medicine, then it can definitely be worth it. If the kid is just going to college because they’re under the impression that merely participating will get them ahead, then they’re setting themselves up for a shock. College is an expensive teenage daycare, and going there merely to jerk-around for 4 years is a waste of the experience. That’s not to say there isn’t fun to be had- just that being there for the fun of it isn’t the way to go. There are more productive ways to work through the dick-around phase of life.
One of the jobs of a parent is to learn what their children are, not what we wish them to be. The task requires an objective appraisal of their motivations, comfort zones, and abilities among other things. I think simply assuming that we’re (speaking generally, not me and the Wife specifically) going to be sending the kids to college when the time comes is a poor way to go. Not everyone needs college, not everyone is ready for college. A parent has to try to make that assessment and counsel the child appropriately. Whether a young adult is willing to listen is another matter. Hell, it’s hard enough getting the less-than-10 crowd to pay us any mind.
One situation I’ve been pondering is athletic opportunities. When I was faced with that choice, I chose not to push my athletic career beyond college. While it’s afforded me an interesting life that I’m not at all interested in giving up, I realize I wouldn’t necessarily counsel the boy to take my path because it’s ipso-facto correct. I’ve had the opportunity to see that choosing the professional athlete path can workout well even if a long career isn’t in the cards. When the time comes, and if I think he’s capable, making him think about that option would be the responsible thing to do, regardless of the odds that are routinely trotted out in opposition of the professional-athlete path.
Right now, that day seems a long ways off. But then, I remember when the boy was born thinking “Man, it’s seems like such a long time before he’ll be going to kindergarten.” Now, he’s going into 2nd grade and the lass is starting kindergarten. That day is coming, one way or another.
3 replies on “Thinking About College”
Also remember that too many parents these days think that getting their kids to “specialize” is the best path for their ultimate success. I would argue that openness to diversity and the idea that “you can be great at as much as you want to be great at if you are willing to work” is a more effective approach. So many variables come into play with everything that you are talking about and it is impossible to predict how those variables will play out and what additional variables they will lead to, which is why a fixed path, which is so popular now, is in my opinion, flawed.
Simply put, taking the professional athlete path and taking the college path are not mutually exclusive to the lad or lass, if their names were Terrell Pryor or Terresa Pryor, then yes, choose the former, it is the only chance they’ve got.
Well, certainly someone capable of a lot is ideal. Like I said, I don’t know how the boy or the lass will ultimately turn out. In my case, looking back on it, I don’t think I ever considered professional sports as an option as seriously as I should have. Even though a long career wasn’t in the cards for you, clearly it still worked out for you. I’m merely willing to be more open minded in that regard where the boy is concerned, rather than out of hand dismissal of pro sports as a viable option. Of course, he has to show the capability as well.
In my opinion, you are taking the right approach, quite frankly, if he decides he wants to play football and really work at it, I can guarantee you that people will be watching. As I learned and always anticipated, school, who you meet along the way, and most importantly how you treat those people are going to always pave the road long term. But, I think you all have time before you have to worry about that particular aspect of the future, there will be a lot to enjoy and a lot of work along the way, but if that is the path they set their sights on, they will have a heck of a ride trying to take it.
BTW…80% of women’s golf scholarships go unused…at least as of a couple years ago…just saying.