07/15/2016
I Don’t Want To Go To College (An Open Letter)
Gary Weldon
2 Comments
Dear Mom and Dad,
You might want to sit down before reading any further. I’m writing you this letter because I couldn’t bear to see the looks on your faces when I say what I need to. It’s about my future.
I know that you love me and only want what’s best for me. And I understand the pressures that you’re facing, considering what everyone else’s kids are doing. But you’ve always taught me that just because everyone is doing it, doesn’t mean that it’s a good idea.
So, here’s what I have to say…
I don’t want to go to college.
Photo credit: Wim Mulder via Flickr cc
Please, please don’t be mad at me! Give me a chance to explain. You see it’s not that I don’t want to keep learning. I do! It’s just that the thought of spending the next four years of my life pursuing a degree just to impress everyone seems like a waste of time – and a waste of a lot of money.
I know what you’re thinking. How am I going to be successful? What will I do? How will I earn a living? I’ve thought about all that. A lot. I’ve found that there’s another option. One that I think fits me better.
Do you remember the kinds of stuff that you guys would always get me for Christmas and birthdays? First it was the Lincoln Log set. I used to play with that for hours. And the Lego’s? Nobody could build cooler stuff than I could! Then there was the models. The classic cars, the airplanes and, my favorite, the military ships. I would spend weeks putting those intricate pieces together. I’m still proud to show those off to my friends.
Yes, I love to build things.
And that is why I’ve decided… (deep breath)
I want to be a Maker.
Yes, a Maker! That’s what they call people today who make things. You know, people who work in manufacturing. You may not realize it but the manufacturing industry is growing and there is a lot of opportunity.
Did you know that a CNC Machinist makes more than $20.00 per hour? And you don’t have to have a degree! I know it’s crazy, right?
I’ve already been looking for an apprenticeship at a local manufacturing company. That way I can get started with my career right after I graduate this spring.
Just to clarify something. Makers aren’t stupid, they are learners too. I’ll still need to get some higher education, I just won’t be going to school full time. While I’m working I’ll be taking applied classes at the community college. And the best part? My company will cover most of the cost. Pretty good deal, huh?
Well, you’re probably wondering what to do with all that money that you were going to spend on my education? Go ahead use it to pay off your debts and prepare for your retirement. And if you have any left over, it’s probably not too early to begin saving for my inheritance. LOL.
Sincerely,
Your (really smart) Child
I Don’t Want To Go To College (An Open Letter)
Gary Weldon
2 Comments
Dear Mom and Dad,
You might want to sit down before reading any further. I’m writing you this letter because I couldn’t bear to see the looks on your faces when I say what I need to. It’s about my future.
I know that you love me and only want what’s best for me. And I understand the pressures that you’re facing, considering what everyone else’s kids are doing. But you’ve always taught me that just because everyone is doing it, doesn’t mean that it’s a good idea.
So, here’s what I have to say…
I don’t want to go to college.
Photo credit: Wim Mulder via Flickr cc
Please, please don’t be mad at me! Give me a chance to explain. You see it’s not that I don’t want to keep learning. I do! It’s just that the thought of spending the next four years of my life pursuing a degree just to impress everyone seems like a waste of time – and a waste of a lot of money.
I know what you’re thinking. How am I going to be successful? What will I do? How will I earn a living? I’ve thought about all that. A lot. I’ve found that there’s another option. One that I think fits me better.
Do you remember the kinds of stuff that you guys would always get me for Christmas and birthdays? First it was the Lincoln Log set. I used to play with that for hours. And the Lego’s? Nobody could build cooler stuff than I could! Then there was the models. The classic cars, the airplanes and, my favorite, the military ships. I would spend weeks putting those intricate pieces together. I’m still proud to show those off to my friends.
Yes, I love to build things.
And that is why I’ve decided… (deep breath)
I want to be a Maker.
Yes, a Maker! That’s what they call people today who make things. You know, people who work in manufacturing. You may not realize it but the manufacturing industry is growing and there is a lot of opportunity.
Did you know that a CNC Machinist makes more than $20.00 per hour? And you don’t have to have a degree! I know it’s crazy, right?
I’ve already been looking for an apprenticeship at a local manufacturing company. That way I can get started with my career right after I graduate this spring.
Just to clarify something. Makers aren’t stupid, they are learners too. I’ll still need to get some higher education, I just won’t be going to school full time. While I’m working I’ll be taking applied classes at the community college. And the best part? My company will cover most of the cost. Pretty good deal, huh?
Well, you’re probably wondering what to do with all that money that you were going to spend on my education? Go ahead use it to pay off your debts and prepare for your retirement. And if you have any left over, it’s probably not too early to begin saving for my inheritance. LOL.
Sincerely,
Your (really smart) Child