10-05-2019, 07:44 AM
(This post was last modified: 10-05-2019, 07:51 AM by cookderosa.)
"Though I think we need to start calling this industry for what it is: a scam, a predatory human rights violation."
Uhhhh, I would disagree, but let me preface my disagreement by saying that I am firmly in AGREEMENT that higher education is a mess in many ways.
In short, however, I believe that the reason you're so upset is BECAUSE you entered education through the Ivy League door. Your experience k-12 likely led you to believe that education was something more than it was (is) and provided an inflated sense of importance. In high school, to me, college felt like a very very important passage. As a middle-aged adult, I know better.
I'm not saying education isn't important, however, I think it is over-sold and marketed as if we were all still living in the industrial age as opposed to the technology age.
In short, education is a credential. One of many available - and one that can be earned without too much fuss and expense if you're in the least bit resourceful. People here are resourceful.
The Wizard of Oz is actually a man behind a curtain. Just a dude with a megaphone...
1) 80ish% of high school kids go to college after high school. *that's too many. They are afraid and being told to pursue a degree.
2) 50ish% graduate in 6 years or less. *the truth comes out. See, college isn't for everyone. Too bad most ALSO have a loan.
3) fewer than 1/3 of those who graduate do so in 4 years. *which is part of the reason people overpay.
4) community college graduation rates are single digits. *yet the CC doesn't see this as a problem, or as an opportunity.
5) 1/3ish of people walking around in America hold a bachelor's degree. *we think it's more. It's not.
6) 1 in 10 hold a master's or higher. *I'm in that club. Check.
So, at the end of the day, ignore the hype, check the box, and get on with the real business of making life happen. My world changed when I found this forum, I hope yours does too! Welcome!
Uhhhh, I would disagree, but let me preface my disagreement by saying that I am firmly in AGREEMENT that higher education is a mess in many ways.
In short, however, I believe that the reason you're so upset is BECAUSE you entered education through the Ivy League door. Your experience k-12 likely led you to believe that education was something more than it was (is) and provided an inflated sense of importance. In high school, to me, college felt like a very very important passage. As a middle-aged adult, I know better.
I'm not saying education isn't important, however, I think it is over-sold and marketed as if we were all still living in the industrial age as opposed to the technology age.
In short, education is a credential. One of many available - and one that can be earned without too much fuss and expense if you're in the least bit resourceful. People here are resourceful.
The Wizard of Oz is actually a man behind a curtain. Just a dude with a megaphone...
1) 80ish% of high school kids go to college after high school. *that's too many. They are afraid and being told to pursue a degree.
2) 50ish% graduate in 6 years or less. *the truth comes out. See, college isn't for everyone. Too bad most ALSO have a loan.
3) fewer than 1/3 of those who graduate do so in 4 years. *which is part of the reason people overpay.
4) community college graduation rates are single digits. *yet the CC doesn't see this as a problem, or as an opportunity.
5) 1/3ish of people walking around in America hold a bachelor's degree. *we think it's more. It's not.
6) 1 in 10 hold a master's or higher. *I'm in that club. Check.
So, at the end of the day, ignore the hype, check the box, and get on with the real business of making life happen. My world changed when I found this forum, I hope yours does too! Welcome!
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