"Some people get an education without going to college. The rest get it after they get out."
~ Mark Twain ~
Just over 36 years ago, I crossed the stage at the University of Nebraska to receive my diploma: A Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. With only one exception, I remember almost nothing of the formulas and theories I learned about business. Seemingly, I went to college for nothing. But I didn't. I learned one priceless thing no one has ever been able to take from me. I learned how to "learn."
In increasing regularity, I see posts on social media addressing the value of careers like welding, plumbing, construction, electrical work, etc. "You don't need to go into debt and get a college degree to make a living,!" they scream. And I completely agree. These careers, jobs, and life-skills are beyond valuable in a civilized world. We need people who are willing to do these highly skilled, important jobs. They certainly don't require the enormous cost of "higher" education. But they should. Hear me out.
High school did nothing.......nothing, to prepare me for the world that waited for me outside the walls of my small town high school. Part of that was my fault. But the greater weight falls directly on the shoulders of our current school system. And, in almost every case, that isn't the teacher's or administrator's faults. It's a multi-dimensional issue that will likely not be solved in my lifetime. High School was an indoctrination and nothing more.
College was different and this is why. The moment I set foot on the campus of an institution of higher learning, I was exposed to a plethora of differing world views. Different cultures. Different races. Different political, religious, and economic ideals. As I immersed myself in university, I was forced to hear, and at least consider, a multitude of ideas different than my own. I was forced, if you will, to finally ask the most important question of all, "Why?"
I can't speak for you, but the answer for me was almost always the same. Why was I a Methodist? Why did I have conservative political views? Why this? Why that? The answer? "Because that's what I've always been told." Or....."That's what I was taught." College afforded me the opportunity to face that question head-on at every turn. It taught me to read every newspaper article, watch every news channel, and listen to every preacher, politician, and teacher with a critical eye or ear. There was a bit of truth in everything; And a bit of untruth. I had to find the answers for myself. And so I did.
College changed my worldview. And that is why I believe everyone should have the opportunity to attend an institution of higher learning. Still want to pursue a career as an electrician? By all means, do that. Holy Mary, that career pays well. But see about changing your worldview first.
"But everyone can't afford college!" you say. And I get it. I do. You'll have to take my word for me on this one. The cost of attending university is ridiculously expensive, but the investment is well worth the cost. And there are ways. There are hundreds of ways to fund college. Will it leave you in debt? Most likely. Will it change your life and the lives around you? That I can guarantee you.
You don't have to be an A student or a Rhodes Scholar. You'll get way more back than you spend. I do realize that it's becoming increasingly difficult to gain acceptance to many colleges. Not much you can do about that, except apply yourself more in high school. Please. I didn't even know how to tie my shoes in high school. By the time you realize how important college preparation is, it's too late.
So, here's my suggestion for an alternative. Travel. Visit other countries if you can. Learn about their history. Delve into their failures and successes. Visit other states. Check out historical landmarks. Or.....for the love of God, at least leave the town you were raised in long enough to hear different music. Is it going to be expensive? Of course it is. Is it worth it? Not only is it worth it, it's vital to our human existence.
Look, there isn't one single thing wrong with growing up and staying in the village/town/city where you were raised. In fact, in many cases I think it's noble. I know of a few people from where I went to high school that stuck around and now carry the torch for a variety of civic services that need done. I applaud them. I envy them, even. But of the ones I can think of, they all ventured off to examine their worldview before they returned. It's important.
So, I've rambled on about all that to say this. You have to ask yourself why. You a conservative? A liberal? Christian? Muslim? Trump supporter? Hate the thought of universal health care? Ok. I'll listen. But I'll only listen if you can honestly answer the question, "Why?" Because if you come at me with anything that resembles, "Because I've always believed that way," or, "My parents taught me this way or that," or even, "We've always done it this way or that," then I'm probably through listening. Maybe your parents did teach you something and after careful examination it rung true with your spirit. That's awesome! But until you've done that, you're operating under a code of ignorance, and you can fix that.
It's important. As a species, we must examine each other's worldviews if we're ever going to have a prayer of finding common ground. It isn't just "us vs. them." It's all of us...together. And each and every person, city, state, country, and continent play a part in how the pieces of the puzzle all fall together. Be whatever or whoever you want to be, but find out for yourself what or who that is. You have to dig deeper. We all do.
Consider each and every belief you harbor, and ask yourself the question that needs asked about them all.
Why?
