I appreciate how open you are to the everchanging realities around higher education. Every student’s case is different and college isn’t for everybody, not only because it’s become incredibly expensive but also because the way we work has shifted and degrees are not as required as they once were to jumpstart and establish a success career.
I graduated from Claremont McKenna College in Claremont, CA not far from LA. I was very involved in campus life as an RA, tour guide, admission ambassador, etc. If your nephew is interested in learning more about what it’s like to attend a top liberal arts college, I would be more than happy to share my experience with him.
I will listen to your podcast this week aaaaand share with him! I had to dig very deep and unlearn what I grew up believing, what I was taught to believe in education, in how we should “grow up”.
There are pros and cons to the situation, saying this as a university research level 1 employee for 15 years and a graduate of a liberal arts college. On the financial end, college in the US is really freakin expensive. For many middle-class folks, community college and transferring units is a way to get to that eventual prestigious "4-year" degree. On the other-hand, spending time in a university setting serves as a transitional step in the socialization is important in helping to build relationships into adulthood. Sometimes transfer students have a hard time engaging into a system in which others have already made their social networks. That's not to say it's impossible to be a success as a transfer student academically and socially. It's a matter of having self-awareness and clear-mindedness about particular goals kiddo is looking to reach. Also, many schools put support systems in place to help students with so many things, including transitions as transfer or older student. Some schools are better on their outreach about these things than others though. Lots to think about. Good luck Steph!
Yes, to all of this! I love this thoughtful response. I agree with the socialization aspect too. And I love this POV from you, specifically because you have a lens from several ends.
Thanks, MBY!!! I definitely need to push away generational views on the promise of university life. I’m looking forward to looking into all avenues. Glad we are doing it now.
This sounds like a tough parenting stage to navigate, Stephanie. From the outside looking in, it seems that the college application process is getting more stressful and expensive by the year. Sending all the strength and sanity I can your way! Very best of luck to your nephew, whatever path he decides is right for him.
I appreciate how open you are to the everchanging realities around higher education. Every student’s case is different and college isn’t for everybody, not only because it’s become incredibly expensive but also because the way we work has shifted and degrees are not as required as they once were to jumpstart and establish a success career.
I graduated from Claremont McKenna College in Claremont, CA not far from LA. I was very involved in campus life as an RA, tour guide, admission ambassador, etc. If your nephew is interested in learning more about what it’s like to attend a top liberal arts college, I would be more than happy to share my experience with him.
Your nephew also might enjoy an episode we released on The Aftergrad Podcast where we discussed this very topic: https://open.substack.com/pub/theaftergradpodcast/p/to-be-degreed-or-not-degreed-that-cc5?r=1jzwul&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web
I will listen to your podcast this week aaaaand share with him! I had to dig very deep and unlearn what I grew up believing, what I was taught to believe in education, in how we should “grow up”.
There are pros and cons to the situation, saying this as a university research level 1 employee for 15 years and a graduate of a liberal arts college. On the financial end, college in the US is really freakin expensive. For many middle-class folks, community college and transferring units is a way to get to that eventual prestigious "4-year" degree. On the other-hand, spending time in a university setting serves as a transitional step in the socialization is important in helping to build relationships into adulthood. Sometimes transfer students have a hard time engaging into a system in which others have already made their social networks. That's not to say it's impossible to be a success as a transfer student academically and socially. It's a matter of having self-awareness and clear-mindedness about particular goals kiddo is looking to reach. Also, many schools put support systems in place to help students with so many things, including transitions as transfer or older student. Some schools are better on their outreach about these things than others though. Lots to think about. Good luck Steph!
Yes, to all of this! I love this thoughtful response. I agree with the socialization aspect too. And I love this POV from you, specifically because you have a lens from several ends.
Great read. Thanks for your thoughts. My son went to DVC then UC Davis. Flew through both programs. I think community college is an underrated path.
Thanks, MBY!!! I definitely need to push away generational views on the promise of university life. I’m looking forward to looking into all avenues. Glad we are doing it now.
This sounds like a tough parenting stage to navigate, Stephanie. From the outside looking in, it seems that the college application process is getting more stressful and expensive by the year. Sending all the strength and sanity I can your way! Very best of luck to your nephew, whatever path he decides is right for him.
Thanks Samantha! It is stressful but I think understanding the full picture before we decide helps!