- Apr 2015
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We are doing a disservice to our students. We are assuming all students need the same thing: that they need to go to college. When we know that it may not be the best choice for them, we are cheating them of reality and a worthy, challenging education simply because they are the textbook version of a “good student.” We do not have the courage to tell them no, so instead, we let the much harsher voice of life do it for us.
Most teachers want the best for their students, and give false hope that they will do great in life, in order to encourage the student. I don't see how that helps anyone, all it will do is make the student disapointed when their life "fails." College is something that everyone wants to go to, all students want to be able to get that degree. As stated in the article, its mainly about the courage of the teachers. Some are just to kind and don't want to "hurt the child's feelings." But being harsh with the student and giving them critcism that will help them in life, is one of the best things a teacher can do. The only thing that will happen is that the student goes to college later in the future, or the student takes extra classes to better prepare themselves.
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For some of my students, a four-year university is by far the best option for them. But this isn’t the case for all students, and we need to stop pretending it is. A bachelor’s degree is not a piece of paper that says “You’re a success!” just as the lack of one doesn’t say “You’re a failure!” As educators, it’s time to stop pushing all of our students to go to college, and instead push them towards the path that is right for them.
College isn't always the right way to go, but rather what fits in with student. Bachelor's degree simply states that you acquried a certain level of education. I believe that you don't always need to get a degree to succeed in life. There are plenty of people without a degree who have succeed, such as Steve Jobs. There are also plenty of people who have a degree and have succeeded, such as Barack Obama. It all depends on what fits in with someone's plans. Teachers shouldn't always encourage kids to go to college, not unless it is the thing they exactly need. I don't see why teachers pretend college is life itself, when it sometimes leaves you in a position you never planned to be in.
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