Posted on Jul 20, 2023
SPC David S.
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Many of us have kids starting their next chapter in the life as they will be leaving home, many for the first time, as they begin their college journey. What advice do you have for students and or parents in getting prepared. Is this your first child going to school? Is it the first in your family to go to college? Is it your last and are now empty nesters?
Edited >1 y ago
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Responses: 3
SSgt CASS Test Station IMA Advanced Maintenance Technician, IMA
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Biggest struggle I found was getting my daughter to follow through with the process; finishing the applications for schools and scholarships, timelines are very important. As parents we want to see our children succeed but doing things for them at this point is setting them up for failure when they are in college doing it on their own. In the end she decided on a community college to work towards a nursing program and got a small scholarship that is able to cover her school costs for now.
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SPC David S.
SPC David S.
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Very true - parents need to let their kids turn into adults even if that means they will make some mistakes. That's how they learn - hopefully. Smart choice on community college. I feel very lucky with my daughter as the school is covering most of the cost as well with her getting an academic scholarship. It made a rather pricey private school cheaper than most state schools.
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SGM Bill Frazer
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Remind them that there ARE OTHER PATHS OUTSIDE COLLEGE. car SHOPS CHARGE $100 PER HOUR FOR WORKING ON CARS- ALOT OF THAT IN mechanics WAGE. call A PLUMBER LATELY? there ARE TRADES IN SHORT SUPPLY THAT CAN BE LEARNED IN 1-2 YEARS AND WILL BRING IN 6 FIGURE ANNUAL INCOME WITH VERY LITTLE DEBT, A CARRERR
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SPC David S.
SPC David S.
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Yes agree -
I feel many are lured to college as it seems like the easy route - no physical labor and a million dollar paycheck upon graduation - which is just not true.

While yes most studies show college graduates making more over a lifetime - in reality it may mean getting a masters and other certifications, licenses in order to work in the desire field - a lot of time and money - while like you stated going into the trades you may end up a business owner making a great income plus flexibility.
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SFC Casey O'Mally
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Eligibility. Most of my HS age kids* are choosing not to apply themselves. Low grades and lower SAT scores. They all have free state college - provided they get accepted. Most are destined for Community College or trade school - if anything.

*"my kids" refers to those I am responsible for as a de facto legal guardian in my professional capacity, as my bio kid has already decided college is not for her.
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SPC David S.
SPC David S.
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Well that is definitely something to consider before sending your kids off to college. I think to often parent just send their kids to college hoping the light bulb goes off and it works out. I feel JC's are not brought into the conversation when they should be. Low grades and then sending a kid off to school is only setting them up to fail. I feel that where JC's can really provide support. Student can take a few classes and see how it goes before running off to Harvard and racking up student loans/debt.

I feel very lucky in that my daughter was very focused. She is more of an A type and "extremely" competitive with just about everything. She was high honor role - 5.1 GPA while playing very competitive traveling club volleyball - which she's going to be playing in college. She is very task and micro goal oriented so feel confident in sending her off to college. My worry is she's going to blow a gasket trying to be the best at everything. She wants to go to dental/med school so I get why she wants to make good grades but I want her to learn how to balance things and not always be so intense. I want her to be able to stop here and there and really enjoy her college experience - not just some thing that needs to conquered in order to get into dental or med school.
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