I have friends all over the world. Prior to being at University I noticed the differences in education standards, but not too intensely. Now, I have begun to see the difference. In the states we have this amazing system worked out. We go to school (elementary, middle, sometimes high); those who graduated have a few or so directions, and those who don't chose from a list of millions. The high school graduates do one of a few things on average: continue working their min wage jobs, join the military, or go to college.
In many places other than the US (in my head I happen to be thinking of my Israeli friends) students take time off if they don't go straight to college. They travel, or visit friends, they work for a while, or - as Israelis do- they go into the military.
So what (!) you're saying I'm sure. Recently, as I have been picking and choosing my next semester classes, I have noticed a bit of a change in attitude. I'm not a lower classmen anymore. I graduate in 2 years. Moving on to new learning opportunities whether it's the job market, volunteering for a year, or grad school is quickly approaching. Am I ready?
As obscure as this sounds when I have children I think I'd like to push them to wait on college (and of course stress its importance). Eighteen is too young. See the world, learn about yourself, serve the country if you want, volunteer for a year, who cares; if it's a manageable privileged.
I'm 20 years old and Im making decisions this year that are for a lifetime. 23 may not seem like a difference now, but it is.
What am I doing here
By ldrofthemvement1 - Posted on February 26th, 2007
Tagged: Society
right on.
as a child, you are usually blinded to the fact that you don't really know that their is a whole nother world, other than that of which you have lived in, so you just do what they tell you is the (right) thing, or you either oppose to it or you feel lost. Enjoying things outside of your world and the people of it, will give you more of a love or even hate for the differences around you. But to just walk a straight line all of your life is just living. Don't just live, create different ways to walk, go randomly if you choose, it's all just new experience, and your soul deserves to experience that of which it can call (new).
Our society today pushes college so much, that it is necessary to succeed, that the only way to get in and have a good life is to go straight there - but what if you choose to take a year off to volunteer in another country? Isn't that making your time worthwhile, as well as helping others? I think taking a year off is definitely something to consider for those who are unsure about college - it isn't the catastrophe most make it out to be.
Learn from yesterday, live for today, hope for tomorrow. The important thing is not to stop questioning.
- Albert Einstein
http://www.progressiveu.org/blog/blonde-bickerman
Im very glad I took a year or two off from school. I worked full time trying to get my life back together and I have learned a lot since. I also apprechiate my education more. Hopefully this summer will help me catch up on credits, I had a slow start into school and working full time still is taking a toll on my health.
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