Background Question

[LoQ]

I'm interested in what background people bring to the table. If you went to college, which of these course did you take? I'm sure many of you took some stuff below the university level, but the poll would be hard to construct, so just limit it for now to university level.

[Emilia]

I was never the science type.... My B.A. is in English and Drama; my M.S. is in Managerial Leadership. I only took the necessary math and science to meet my degree requirements!

[LoQ]

I hear ya, Emilia. Those sound like very interesting degrees!


Shhhhhh, don't tell anyone I said this, but a person can be very successful without going to college at all! I sometimes in the past have tried to tell friends whose children are not inclined towards more education past high school that, but it seems to sometimes upset them. So I mostly only say it to people who are ready to hear it.

[Emilia]

LoQ -- you are right! I taught high school for 30 yrs, and I always tried to open the eyes of my students to the many avenues for a successful future. College or university is not for everyone, and it is ridiculous that we seem to move kids along that path regardless of their passions, interests, or abilities. This country will always need those who provide services and trades to keep it going, and I have many former students who have gone on to make far more income than I ever did (not hard since I was a teacher ) by entering fields that required no college level courses at all!

[Hospiceangel]

I took Micro. We didn't need physics for nursing but I love to watch Mythbusters with my boys, does that count?
Shar:)

[LoQ]

LoQ -- you are right! I taught high school for 30 yrs, and I always tried to open the eyes of my students to the many avenues for a successful future. College or university is not for everyone, and it is ridiculous that we seem to move kids along that path regardless of their passions, interests, or abilities. This country will always need those who provide services and trades to keep it going, and I have many former students who have gone on to make far more income than I ever did (not hard since I was a teacher ) by entering fields that required no college level courses at all!

That is EXACTLY the message I have tried to get across. Most of my friends think it is impossible for their children to be successful without a college degree, but they couldn't be more wrong.

I think a college degree can be very broadening, but a smart person can get something similar just by reading. I'm not opposed to college education, but it's an expensive way to get a tour of the knowledge out there, and it isn't particularly helpful at the bachelor's level for job training.

[DreamOn]

I think a college degree can be very broadening, but a smart person can get something similar just by reading. I'm not opposed to college education, but it's an expensive way to get a tour of the knowledge out there, and it isn't particularly helpful at the bachelor's level for job training.

I agree! I have learned far more by self-directed studies than I ever did at the university! It was a valuable experience both socially and from the standpoint of broadening my exposure to various subjects that I might not otherwise have considered.

[LinkC]

Although I have a degree, I worked in that field only 6 yrs. Then started a career where I could actually make some money. Been at it ever since. Will retire in 14 more working days!!!

[Janknitz]

Interesting selection of science courses.

My undergraduate degree is a bachelor's of science. I took chemistry, physics, biology, anatomy and physiology, neuroanatomy and neurophysiology, and kinesiology, but no micro as it wasn't required for my major.

My doctoral degree was in a field more heavily populated by liberal arts majors. They like to laugh at us science majors, but the joke was on them. The discipline of science grounds you in analytical thinking and the technical writing skills needed for science have been perfect for my current field of endeavor. I excelled.

[SleepingUgly]

Shhhhhh, don't tell anyone I said this, but a person can be very successful without going to college at all! I sometimes in the past have tried to tell friends whose children are not inclined towards more education past high school that, but it seems to sometimes upset them.

Stay away from my kids, LoQ! If someone asked me which would be more disappointing to me if my children did not get an advanced education or if they sentenced to prison time, I would ask, "Can they get an advanced degree in prison?"

[BlackSpinner]

Took all the math, physics and computer courses I could get my hands on back in the dark ages when computer courses were hidden in the engineering department. Read by my self on every subject I could manage. Plus when I was 13 I was home in bed for a year after a kidney infection, which nearly killed me, and I ended up reading the encyclopedia.

I am a very well read person.

[cobra4x4]

I have a bachelor of commerce degree which I attained about half way through my former career which lasted almost 20 years, once my house was paid off I chose to go a different direction in career paths to something I enjoy doing for way less of a paycheck.
I'm now looking at heading in yet a different direction at 45 years of age to fulfill my retirement goals which include pension plan benefits as well as extended health benefits.

[LoQ]

Stay away from my kids, LoQ!

Don't worry, I'm really not out to dissuade kids from going to college. I actually think it is an excellent thing to do, provided that the cost does not outweigh the benefit. I think each high school graduate should at least think about going to college before rejecting the idea. Education never hurts, but I'm not convinced that college is the only way to get it. It's a really good way, though, even if somewhat expensive.

[DoriC]

That reminds me of my cousin who turned down a scholarship to a good college in Maryland because he wanted to be in "show business". His parents were mortified! He never got his name in lights but he started off behind the scenes learning to be a stage electrician from the ground up and today is the head electrician(I forgot his real Title) at the National Theater in Washington DC and also is very involved in Broadway productions and is a very prominent name in the electrician's union. He's happy and RICH! He could do a little better with his grammar and spelling.

[brazospearl]

I agree that everybody doesn't need to go to college, especially right after high school. There's value in working full time at entry level positions to find out a bit about what one might want to do, or definitely does NOT want to do. Some kids are really driven to pursue a goal that requires college education, but many are clueless about what they want to learn more about, and what they'll do with that knowledge. Universities aren't going anywhere, so what's wrong with taking a couple of years to grow up before you get more formal education? That said, this is not the same as "taking some time to find myself" and sitting on the couch playing video games all afternoon before going out with friends till the wee hours, all while living on mom & dad's money. If full-time schooling isn't on the agenda, then full-time work is. Just sayin'.

LinkC, 14 more work days! Wonderful! Congratulations, and I hope retirement is all you hope it will be!