Wednesday, May 22, 2019

College Debt Crisis and What parents need to teach their Children




Growing up, I recall having dreams of going off to college and becoming a part of the nursing field   or becoming a social worker. Like many children, I grew up thinking that going away to college was a fail proof ride to success. I never really thought about the struggle of working while in college or the amount of debt that I could end up in with student loans. All I heard over and over is that college is the way to success and happiness. Teachers and coaches often spoke about college as if it was the ultimate goal after high school. I recall career days in high school where several colleges would come to our campus and cheer on about how great college was. They made college seem so exciting and the only way to obtain a successful career.
Now, with all the debt that Americans are in, is it really worth it to go to a four year college? Parents still push their children to attend college, even without scholarships and college funds planned ahead. Parents should invest and save for their children's college education if they want their children to attend.

I recently spoke to a young woman that attended college and took out over 80K in student loans. She is still searching for employment after receiving her BA in social work. She expressed how she was overwhelmed with debt and how peers in her age bracket didn't attend a 4 year college and are currently employed and don't have student loan debt. Although ever situation is unique, every person should investigate and research on their own before taking out loans and attending college.
Many parents don't research. They just want to send their children to college and chase a dream. There are too many things to take into consideration. Like picking a major, the cost of college, and the amount of student loan debt after attending college. Also take into consideration that junior colleges and community colleges are usually free for low income families.There are also entrepreneurship workshops, business classes at local adult schools and small trade schools. I have witnessed many parents pushing their children to college and not realizing they are encouraging student loan debt and not do any research on majors.

Parents should encourage their children to take internships, work regular jobs and attend business workshops. This experience will allow children to pick their own career and follow their own destiny.  A young adult will discover where he or she wants to be in life. This will give them knowledge, wisdom and a sense of independence. Everyone will not take the traditional path to college. High school children should be exposed to business investors, entrepreneurs, and other self employed trades. Parents are pushing their children to attend college, without allowing them to follow their own dreams.

I am not against college, I have a degree and I am working on a second one. I just want young adults to chose college on their own and not be forced into it. This leads to regrets, and resentment.

8 comments:

  1. Agree on all points. I am from the Netherlands where college is affordable (like a few thousands euro a year) and I have never understood why the USA claims to be a civilized country but isn't willing to educate its citizens.

    Karen | https://OurCarpeDiem.com

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    1. It's very expensive in the US. Many people end up in debt because they have to work and pay off the loans. A lot of parents do not save for college and they don't teach their children about applying for scholarships.

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  2. I definitely agree that college isn’t always the best outcome for everyone. I was lucky enough to go to a high school where they knew that and taught us to do what’s best for us

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    1. that is wonderful. A lot of high school counselors do not educate the children on applying to college. They don't prepare high school students for college or inform them about tradeschools. Parents may not know how to apply for different scholarships or may not be aware. it takes a lot of preparation, patience and research.

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  3. I think it depends on each situation, but a great read for sure!

    briana
    https://beyoutifulbrunette.com/

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    Replies
    1. Absolutely. it definitely depends on the situation. Some people take out student loans before considering junior college or applying for scholarships.

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  4. I totally agree with you college is not for everyone. Both of my daughters went to college and both of student loans. They have been fortunate to have gotten good paying jobs after college and are paying down there debt. That being said, it is totally not for everyone and there is nothing wrong with learning a trade and doing other jobs. My husband is a blue collar working, has a trade and makes a good living. Its something everyone should really think about and not jump into.

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