Encouraging Your Teen to Stay in College
As a parent, you’re likely aware of the challenges your adolescent teen is facing, particularly when it comes to deciding whether to stay in college or pursue other paths. Many students, even those with part-time jobs, are questioning the value of a college education. In this article, we’ll explore various strategies and insights to help you convince your teen that a college education is a valuable investment.
Addressing the Value of a Degree
One of the most effective ways to persuade your teen is to emphasize the long-term benefits of obtaining a degree, even if they currently dislike their chosen major. Here’s a story from a cousin who majored in electronic media but later discovered a passion for account management. This illustrates that sometimes, the journey itself broadens perspectives and leads to unexpected career paths.
Debunking the Myths of Student Debt
Many high school students and their parents are concerned about the burden of student loans. According to Forbes, post-secondary education is often seen as a highly leveraged investment. However, it’s important to understand that not all degrees come with the same return on investment. For instance, specific areas such as engineering can yield better returns than the average degree. Additionally, the reality of famous dropouts like Michael Dell, Bill Gates, Steve Jobs, Larry Ellison, and Mark Zuckerberg can sometimes give the message an unintended glamor that overshadow the challenges of succeeding without a formal education.
Highlighting High-Paid Professions and Skilled Trades
It’s also worth noting the success stories of individuals from skilled trades who have achieved significant success without taking on student debt. For example, high earners like JB Hunt and plumbers can earn six-figure incomes while learning their crafts on the job. Furthermore, roles in filmmaking that require post-secondary degrees also often go to self-taught talents, demonstrating that formal education is not the only path to success.
Focusing on Long-term Career Planning
To bring home the importance of a college degree, it’s crucial to discuss how academic achievements positively impact future job prospects. As an employer, you’d be more impressed by a candidate who excelled in subjects like English Lit and Algebra, indicating a thorough and disciplined approach to learning. These subjects are foundational for many advanced fields, including statistics, economics, and engineering.
Connecting Basic Subjects to Real-World Applications
Many students struggle to see the relevance of basic subjects like algebra, English Lit, and geography. However, these subjects are the building blocks for many modern professions. Studying algebra helps in understanding statistics and economics, which are vital in today’s data-driven world. Geography, on the other hand, is the foundation for civil engineering, architecture, and urban planning.
Exploring Career Aspirations
Ultimately, it’s essential to have an open conversation with your teen about their career aspirations. Encourage them to consider how their current educational choices align with their future goals. If they are inclined towards math and science or the arts, provide examples of how these subjects can lead to fulfilling careers. For instance, actors like Patrick Stewart, who majored in literature and later became renowned in Hollywood, can inspire a passion for critical evaluation and writing. By guiding your teen to see how these basic subjects support bigger ideas, you can help them recognize the value of a well-rounded education.
Conclusion
While it’s essential to acknowledge the challenges and perceived drawbacks of higher education, emphasizing the benefits and long-term value of a college degree can help guide your teen towards making informed decisions. By connecting academic subjects to their real-world applications and discussing future career prospects, you can support your teen in staying committed to their college education and preparing for a successful future.