I graduated from college about 15 years ago.  I remember the stress as a high school senior trying to decide what school to attend.  I also remember the pressure you can get from a lot of well-meaning people – parents, family, friends, and even teachers.  I’m not sure if times have changed when it comes to the types of schools that are available, or if I was not aware of some of the programs out there in different fields, programs where I could get a certificate or associate’s degree and go out into the working world without having to take a bunch of courses that, for all intents and purposes, in the real world are meaningless – philosophy, art history, music appreciation, and all of the other liberal arts courses.  Now there are schools like Gibbs College in Piscataway, NJ that offer programs to students that give them marketable skills specifically in their area of career interest without all the fluff courses.  Here’s their web site where you can visit for more specific information:  http://www.gibbseducation.com/.

It seems as if there is not as much importance placed on the liberal arts education that you might have seen in years gone by.  Employers want to know that the person they hire is skilled in the area in which they will work.  I think as parents we need to realize that times have changed and that this is really a good way for some of our children to go.  We need to be open minded as parents and be willing to think outside the box to help our children build a foundation for their future career.  Just because we went to four year colleges does not mean our children have to do the same.  I hope that when the time comes I will be able to be flexible and willing to listen and help my children achieve their career goals, whatever they might be.