Comments on: Dear Kids, You Don’t Have to Go to College http://weblogg-ed.com/2006/dear-kids-you-dont-have-to-go-to-college/ The Read/Write Web in the Classroom Sun, 06 Jul 2008 19:46:51 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.5 By: Fred D http://weblogg-ed.com/2006/dear-kids-you-dont-have-to-go-to-college/#comment-7357 Fred D Tue, 28 Nov 2006 03:36:40 +0000 http://weblogg-ed.com/2006/dear-kids-you-dont-have-to-go-to-college/#comment-7357 hehe... I agree wholeheartedly... you can learn any life lesson anywhere - my point was that the college / university experience is an excellent medium for learning, not to mention how structured it is; and with so many parents taking a half-a$$ed approach to the art of parenting these days, you almost can't leave the responsibility up to them, expecially given that their kids are supposedly 'adults' by college time. Kudos to you for caring this much about your kids' future - this is severely lacking in our western society these days. As for the $100k, that's just ridiculous that your american colleges charge that much... more reason to push your kid into a sport to get a scholarship! (kidding) Another point... why should YOU have to pay?? Back in the day, I worked my butt off to put myself through school. What a sense of accomplishment that gave me... Let me re-state that I agree with you - not everyone needs nor fits into the college lifestyle, however, for some, not going MAY close some doors in the future. Given how much fun I had during my university years, I have a biased opinion, but I certainly know I have the flexibility to do whatever I want with my career at any time just because I went through it (technical, trades, corporate, whatever). I'm actually considering making the jump from corporate to trades, and may want to jump back someday. And before you give up on it - let your kids check out the Canadian university scene when it's their turn - the sports are indeed terrible, but the experience is similar. Although it's not for everybody, it is for some - I respect your position of choice, and I believe in it too, but I must say, this website does show your bias towards the 'non-$100,000 alternatives' when really CHOICE should be most important, with price a non-factor. Reality tells us price is a factor in anything, but it should be your kid that decides if this '100k' investment is worth it to them. Best of luck, and let me reiterate the most important part of this all - I find it extremely refreshing that you care about your kids and their future enough to go to these lenghts. Keep up the good work, Fred hehe… I agree wholeheartedly… you can learn any life lesson anywhere - my point was that the college / university experience is an excellent medium for learning, not to mention how structured it is; and with so many parents taking a half-a$$ed approach to the art of parenting these days, you almost can’t leave the responsibility up to them, expecially given that their kids are supposedly ‘adults’ by college time. Kudos to you for caring this much about your kids’ future - this is severely lacking in our western society these days.
As for the $100k, that’s just ridiculous that your american colleges charge that much… more reason to push your kid into a sport to get a scholarship! (kidding)

Another point… why should YOU have to pay?? Back in the day, I worked my butt off to put myself through school. What a sense of accomplishment that gave me…

Let me re-state that I agree with you - not everyone needs nor fits into the college lifestyle, however, for some, not going MAY close some doors in the future. Given how much fun I had during my university years, I have a biased opinion, but I certainly know I have the flexibility to do whatever I want with my career at any time just because I went through it (technical, trades, corporate, whatever). I’m actually considering making the jump from corporate to trades, and may want to jump back someday.

And before you give up on it - let your kids check out the Canadian university scene when it’s their turn - the sports are indeed terrible, but the experience is similar. Although it’s not for everybody, it is for some - I respect your position of choice, and I believe in it too, but I must say, this website does show your bias towards the ‘non-$100,000 alternatives’ when really CHOICE should be most important, with price a non-factor. Reality tells us price is a factor in anything, but it should be your kid that decides if this ‘100k’ investment is worth it to them.

Best of luck, and let me reiterate the most important part of this all - I find it extremely refreshing that you care about your kids and their future enough to go to these lenghts. Keep up the good work,

Fred

]]> By: Will Richardson http://weblogg-ed.com/2006/dear-kids-you-dont-have-to-go-to-college/#comment-7350 Will Richardson Mon, 27 Nov 2006 22:15:20 +0000 http://weblogg-ed.com/2006/dear-kids-you-dont-have-to-go-to-college/#comment-7350 No one said anything like "We don't need no education." All I'm saying is that "we may not need no college education" in the future. I choose not to recant. And for the social education that one gets at college, does that mean we can't be taught responsibility, partnerships, networking and negotiation WITHOUT it? If I'm going to pay $100,000 so that my kids can figure out how many beers to have before the big test, I'll help them figure that out at home, thanks very much. ;0) No one said anything like “We don’t need no education.” All I’m saying is that “we may not need no college education” in the future. I choose not to recant.

And for the social education that one gets at college, does that mean we can’t be taught responsibility, partnerships, networking and negotiation WITHOUT it? If I’m going to pay $100,000 so that my kids can figure out how many beers to have before the big test, I’ll help them figure that out at home, thanks very much. ;0)

]]> By: Fred D http://weblogg-ed.com/2006/dear-kids-you-dont-have-to-go-to-college/#comment-7348 Fred D Mon, 27 Nov 2006 22:07:26 +0000 http://weblogg-ed.com/2006/dear-kids-you-dont-have-to-go-to-college/#comment-7348 I applaud you for giving your kids various options - but the response seems to be mostly negativity about what colleges have to offer. In Canada, university educations are much more affordable, and although still a large expense, are WELL WORTH IT in terms of life experience. Yes, I said it.. life experience. I took "Environmental Studies" in University - to those that thought Social Science was the least useful degree of all time, you're wrong. Although I work in a totally different field today, the life experiences in university were WELL worth it. At the start of my first year, my dean said (and I will never forget this), "DON'T LET YOUR COURSES INTERFERE WITH YOUR EDUCATION". This means through our university years, we learn so much more about ourselves and the world, apart from the content taught in textbooks. We learn responsibility, how to build and nurture partnerships, we learn how to network, and how to negotiate. This is where leaders become leaders, and where very important social skills are developed. University is a functioning microcosm of the world around us, and is an excellent tool to develop many of life's skills, INCLUDING how many beers to stop at when you have a big test (or meeting) the next morning. That sounds like a joke, but it's not.. a very important life lesson to go through! The best part of University is that you're surrounded by people going through the same challenges and life lessons that you are, while allowing you to find yourself, regardless of whether that be in a classroom at the time, or at a social event, varisty game, or otherwise. My courses were bogus, but my EDUCATION?? I wouldn't trade in those years for anything in the world. I applaud you for giving your kids various options - but the response seems to be mostly negativity about what colleges have to offer. In Canada, university educations are much more affordable, and although still a large expense, are WELL WORTH IT in terms of life experience. Yes, I said it.. life experience.
I took “Environmental Studies” in University - to those that thought Social Science was the least useful degree of all time, you’re wrong. Although I work in a totally different field today, the life experiences in university were WELL worth it.

At the start of my first year, my dean said (and I will never forget this), “DON’T LET YOUR COURSES INTERFERE WITH YOUR EDUCATION”. This means through our university years, we learn so much more about ourselves and the world, apart from the content taught in textbooks. We learn responsibility, how to build and nurture partnerships, we learn how to network, and how to negotiate. This is where leaders become leaders, and where very important social skills are developed. University is a functioning microcosm of the world around us, and is an excellent tool to develop many of life’s skills, INCLUDING how many beers to stop at when you have a big test (or meeting) the next morning. That sounds like a joke, but it’s not.. a very important life lesson to go through! The best part of University is that you’re surrounded by people going through the same challenges and life lessons that you are, while allowing you to find yourself, regardless of whether that be in a classroom at the time, or at a social event, varisty game, or otherwise.
My courses were bogus, but my EDUCATION?? I wouldn’t trade in those years for anything in the world.

]]> By: Charles McCutcheon http://weblogg-ed.com/2006/dear-kids-you-dont-have-to-go-to-college/#comment-7309 Charles McCutcheon Sat, 25 Nov 2006 07:27:49 +0000 http://weblogg-ed.com/2006/dear-kids-you-dont-have-to-go-to-college/#comment-7309 This is really irresponsible stuff. I listened to and absorbed alternative ideas in the seventies. I dropped out and reaped the consequences of doing so. If you blow the opportunities to get a qualification a "piece of paper on the wall" that is presented by society (supported by your family) you spend a lifetime in the service industries or have to rely on the charity of others and you wait for years before getting another opportunity to get a qualification. The world is still the same now. I am 54 and now have the qualifications of a 25 year old and might have the prospect of a half decent job if my age does not stand in my way. You are misleading the learner. Young learners, especially those who need to be encouraged to work hard at school, don't need to hear this. This is almost as destructive as Pink Floyds "We don't need no education". I quote my Prof "Don't confuse the learner. You have to be within the system to change the system. You have your qualifications and the esteem it gives you. If you did not, no body would listen to you. Please recant this. Regards, Charles This is really irresponsible stuff. I listened to and absorbed alternative ideas in the seventies. I dropped out and reaped the consequences of doing so.
If you blow the opportunities to get a qualification a “piece of paper on the wall” that is presented by society (supported by your family) you spend a lifetime in the service industries or have to rely on the charity of others and you wait for years before getting another opportunity to get a qualification.
The world is still the same now. I am 54 and now have the qualifications of a 25 year old and might have the prospect of a half decent job if my age does not stand in my way.
You are misleading the learner. Young learners, especially those who need to be encouraged to work hard at school, don’t need to hear this. This is almost as destructive as Pink Floyds “We don’t need no education”.
I quote my Prof “Don’t confuse the learner.
You have to be within the system to change the system.
You have your qualifications and the esteem it gives you. If you did not, no body would listen to you.
Please recant this.
Regards,
Charles

]]> By: 教育中文翻译 » 亲爱的孩子，你不用上大学 http://weblogg-ed.com/2006/dear-kids-you-dont-have-to-go-to-college/#comment-7285 教育中文翻译 » 亲爱的孩子，你不用上大学 Fri, 24 Nov 2006 06:38:16 +0000 http://weblogg-ed.com/2006/dear-kids-you-dont-have-to-go-to-college/#comment-7285 [...] 翻译原文：Dear Kids, You Don’t Have to Go to College  原文作者：Will Richardson翻译：Danny Yu  [...] […] 翻译原文：Dear Kids, You Don’t Have to Go to College  原文作者：Will Richardson翻译：Danny Yu  […]

]]> By: Harold Jarche » Canadian Attitudes on Post-Secondary Education http://weblogg-ed.com/2006/dear-kids-you-dont-have-to-go-to-college/#comment-7281 Harold Jarche » Canadian Attitudes on Post-Secondary Education Thu, 23 Nov 2006 20:45:30 +0000 http://weblogg-ed.com/2006/dear-kids-you-dont-have-to-go-to-college/#comment-7281 [...] Perhaps they had already read Will Richardson’s post, Dear Kids, You don’t have to go to College. [...] […] Perhaps they had already read Will Richardson’s post, Dear Kids, You don’t have to go to College. […]

]]> By: Do not think you have to go to college http://weblogg-ed.com/2006/dear-kids-you-dont-have-to-go-to-college/#comment-7228 Do not think you have to go to college Tue, 21 Nov 2006 21:58:21 +0000 http://weblogg-ed.com/2006/dear-kids-you-dont-have-to-go-to-college/#comment-7228 [...] In fact, the infamous Will Richardson says you don’t have to go college: For most of your young lives, you’ve heard your mom and I occasionally talk about your futures by saying that someday you’ll travel off to college and get this thing called a degree that will show everyone that you are an expert in something and that will lead you to getting a good job that will make you happy and make you able to raise a family of your own someday. At least, that’s what your mom and I have in our heads when we talk about it. But, and I haven’t told your mom this yet, I’ve changed my mind. I want you to know that you don’t have to go to college if you don’t want to, and that there are other avenues to achieving that future that may be more instructive, more meaningful, and more relevant than getting a degree. [...] […] In fact, the infamous Will Richardson says you don’t have to go college: For most of your young lives, you’ve heard your mom and I occasionally talk about your futures by saying that someday you’ll travel off to college and get this thing called a degree that will show everyone that you are an expert in something and that will lead you to getting a good job that will make you happy and make you able to raise a family of your own someday. At least, that’s what your mom and I have in our heads when we talk about it. But, and I haven’t told your mom this yet, I’ve changed my mind. I want you to know that you don’t have to go to college if you don’t want to, and that there are other avenues to achieving that future that may be more instructive, more meaningful, and more relevant than getting a degree. […]

]]> By: David http://weblogg-ed.com/2006/dear-kids-you-dont-have-to-go-to-college/#comment-7197 David Mon, 20 Nov 2006 10:25:58 +0000 http://weblogg-ed.com/2006/dear-kids-you-dont-have-to-go-to-college/#comment-7197 Dude, You make no sense. Dude,
You make no sense.

]]> By: pattie http://weblogg-ed.com/2006/dear-kids-you-dont-have-to-go-to-college/#comment-7192 pattie Mon, 20 Nov 2006 02:29:38 +0000 http://weblogg-ed.com/2006/dear-kids-you-dont-have-to-go-to-college/#comment-7192 As a teacher, I can understand that college isn't for eveyone. However,I believe that everyone should have a back up plan such as a college education to fall back on in case the school of life doesn't work out for them. My college degree is more than "just a piece of paper on the wall." It is my reward and a representation of all my hard work and dedication to my education which prepared me for my career. As a teacher, I can understand that college isn’t for eveyone. However,I believe that everyone should have a back up plan such as a college education to fall back on in case the school of life doesn’t work out for them. My college degree is more than “just a piece of paper on the wall.” It is my reward and a representation of all my hard work and dedication to my education which prepared me for my career.

]]> By: The Inner Travel Journal » Freedom Of Education http://weblogg-ed.com/2006/dear-kids-you-dont-have-to-go-to-college/#comment-7189 The Inner Travel Journal » Freedom Of Education Sun, 19 Nov 2006 17:10:25 +0000 http://weblogg-ed.com/2006/dear-kids-you-dont-have-to-go-to-college/#comment-7189 [...] I came across a post today that touched me deeply. It’s called “Dear Kids, You Don’t Have to Go to College”. I am 51 and throughout my life I started and dropped out of several educations, always feeling like a failure because of that. [...] […] I came across a post today that touched me deeply. It’s called “Dear Kids, You Don’t Have to Go to College”. I am 51 and throughout my life I started and dropped out of several educations, always feeling like a failure because of that. […]

]]> By: Weblogg-ed » Out of Our Minds–Sir Ken Robinson http://weblogg-ed.com/2006/dear-kids-you-dont-have-to-go-to-college/#comment-7179 Weblogg-ed » Out of Our Minds–Sir Ken Robinson Sat, 18 Nov 2006 23:00:13 +0000 http://weblogg-ed.com/2006/dear-kids-you-dont-have-to-go-to-college/#comment-7179 [...] There’s a bunch of good stuff to support the college isn’t necessarily necessary point of view, and there looks to be a great deal more regarding the deconstruction of the current educational system. I’ll reflect more on it as I go. Would love to hear from others who have read it. [...] […] There’s a bunch of good stuff to support the college isn’t necessarily necessary point of view, and there looks to be a great deal more regarding the deconstruction of the current educational system. I’ll reflect more on it as I go. Would love to hear from others who have read it. […]

]]> By: Cynthia Dunsfors http://weblogg-ed.com/2006/dear-kids-you-dont-have-to-go-to-college/#comment-7166 Cynthia Dunsfors Fri, 17 Nov 2006 13:04:52 +0000 http://weblogg-ed.com/2006/dear-kids-you-dont-have-to-go-to-college/#comment-7166 That children know there are alternatives is always good. Our children were not pressured into a university ediucation, although they chose it, to them it was a start to somthing more. Whether it be university or college, a northern expedition or ripping apart a car and putting it back together, a start is a start and provides portals to a broader life-long learning experience. All we can do help them believe that their way is just as good as the so-called norm. Great post! That children know there are alternatives is always good. Our children were not pressured into a university ediucation, although they chose it, to them it was a start to somthing more.

Whether it be university or college, a northern expedition or ripping apart a car and putting it back together, a start is a start and provides portals to a broader life-long learning experience.

All we can do help them believe that their way is just as good as the so-called norm.

Great post!

]]> By: Halina http://weblogg-ed.com/2006/dear-kids-you-dont-have-to-go-to-college/#comment-7158 Halina Thu, 16 Nov 2006 15:34:34 +0000 http://weblogg-ed.com/2006/dear-kids-you-dont-have-to-go-to-college/#comment-7158 Dear Will, I am deeply touched by your letter. I am 51 and throughout out my life I started and discontinued several educations, always feeling like a failure because of that. But still, I was sane enough to know that I needed to find my own way and create my own education. As much as I appreciate it all - including the many hardships - it is so life-reaffirming to know that there are people like you "out there", supporting their kids in the best way they can be supported. That's beautiful... Best wishes Halina Dear Will,

I am deeply touched by your letter.
I am 51 and throughout out my life I started and discontinued several educations, always feeling like a failure because of that. But still, I was sane enough to know that I needed to find my own way and create my own education. As much as I appreciate it all - including the many hardships - it is so life-reaffirming to know that there are people like you “out there”, supporting their kids in the best way they can be supported.
That’s beautiful…

Best wishes

Halina

]]> By: Robin Good's Latest News http://weblogg-ed.com/2006/dear-kids-you-dont-have-to-go-to-college/#comment-7156 Robin Good's Latest News Thu, 16 Nov 2006 08:09:06 +0000 http://weblogg-ed.com/2006/dear-kids-you-dont-have-to-go-to-college/#comment-7156 <strong>Learning: Will My Kids Go To College?...</strong> Are my kids going to go to college? My answer is a smooth and unhesitant: NO, they will not. Photo credit: Galina Barskaya Schools, colleges and universities do not represent anymore the best way to help someone educate oneself and...... Learning: Will My Kids Go To College?…

Are my kids going to go to college? My answer is a smooth and unhesitant: NO, they will not. Photo credit: Galina Barskaya Schools, colleges and universities do not represent anymore the best way to help someone educate oneself and……

]]> By: Notes from a Teacher: Mark on Media » Still catching up http://weblogg-ed.com/2006/dear-kids-you-dont-have-to-go-to-college/#comment-7140 Notes from a Teacher: Mark on Media » Still catching up Wed, 15 Nov 2006 04:13:23 +0000 http://weblogg-ed.com/2006/dear-kids-you-dont-have-to-go-to-college/#comment-7140 [...] Finally there’s this, which is not specifically journalism related. In Dear Kids, You Don’t Have to Go to College, Will Richardson writes that he’s changed his mind about what his kids have to do to succeed in the future. He writes: … there are other avenues to achieving that future that may be more instructive, more meaningful, and more relevant than getting a degree. [...] […] Finally there’s this, which is not specifically journalism related. In Dear Kids, You Don’t Have to Go to College, Will Richardson writes that he’s changed his mind about what his kids have to do to succeed in the future. He writes: … there are other avenues to achieving that future that may be more instructive, more meaningful, and more relevant than getting a degree. […]

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