The Push For Education
As we enter into this new school year, there is excitement for students, parents, teachers and school administrators. Many high school seniors face this year with enthusiasm and great anticipation. At the end of the year they can exert their independence when they leave the comfort of their homes where parents have more control over their lives. Many parents are hopefully that their child will be headed to college and they will be pushing to get the college application completed before the deadline. How many parents ask “Is my child ready for college?
For some students a year or two break between high school and college can be beneficial. I speak from experience – a four-year break. My break, however, was not a planned break whereby I was preparing to go later. When I finished high school I did not think I needed a college education. Since my parents had no money to pay for college, I felt free to conquer the world on my own terms. I got my first “degree” from the “school of hard knocks” before realizing I needed a college education. Finally, I entered a four-year college followed by two years for my graduate degree. For those six years I was very focused; something that was probably unlikely for me immediately after high school.
If your child is ready for college, that’s great. If not, a planned gap can be very beneficial and does not mean the student is doomed for failure. It can relieve the stress of the application process when the student does apply. The student can take some courses at a community college; do some traveling and take time to explore career options. A great deal of maturity can occur with a carefully laid out plan. I urge parents and students to make the decision that best fits the youngster.
