This post is a bit more personal than most of the posts we share. I wrote this right after our 18 year old graduated from high school.
My 4-year college education was a waste of money. Granted it was not my money and that made it even worse in my mind. I took ASTRONOMY for heaven’s sake. Not astrology, I don’t believe in that garbage. Astronomy is a physics class. What was I thinking? There is not one thing I learned in the classroom that has helped me as an adult. I learned a lot of life lessons, but did my parents have to spend that kind of money for me to learn those things? I don’t think so. Don’t get me wrong. I am thankful. I am incredibly grateful that they were able to do that for me. I did grow up during those four years.
So many emotions. I am off today, kind of in a funk as we say in our house. A little weepy. A lot unfocused. These last few weeks so many thoughts, so many joys, so many sorrows. The sun comes up each day, it shines even behind the clouds. The clouds cover my heart, my soul, praying for the Son to shine through. I saw my best friend for the first time in a year and a half yesterday while our 18-year walked across the stage to get his diploma. My sister was there too. I have not seen the rest of my family in a year and a half. Our son has not stepped foot in a classroom for over a year and a half. Social media is filled with posts congratulating graduates and glowing reports of what they are going to do next. As I sat there watching all those kids parade across the stage, I wondered how many were not going to a 4-year college. How many of them felt like a failure because they are not attending a 4-year college?
Parents a quick note to you too. It can be hard to see all the posts about kids graduating with honors, that have plans of curing cancer or to be the next President (I exaggerate slightly). You made it. They graduated high school. With these last two years that is an accomplishment on it’s own. YOU DID NOT FAIL. YOUR STUDENT DID NOT FAIL. Your journey is simply different than what is expected by so many. We need to change the way we educate our children. They need to understand how a person learns and focus on the things and the way they learn rather than putting every kid in the same “box”.
The biggest question that everyone asks multiple times a
week, “What are Porter’s plans?” It is a
logical question. Graduation is an
ending, but it is also a beginning. Even
though the ending is the same for these graduates, the beginnings are as unique
and individual as these kids are.
Today I want to celebrate the outliers.
I want to celebrate those kids that cannot or are not going to go to college. There are many reasons and honestly in today’s environment I am not sure racking up 4 years of college debt should be the answer for so many kids. Today I celebrate the kids that are taking a gap year, that had to work all through high school to help their family, those kids that must get a job right away, the kids that do not want to not wear a suit and tie, the kids that do not want to work in an office, the kids that want to work with their hands. It is not all about honors and grades and which college you go to. It is about celebrating each and every individual and their skills, their strengths and that they know their strengths AND weaknesses. To those that do not want to ever take another English class or Science class because it is not your thing? Congratulations. Congratulations on knowing yourself well enough to know where you excel and where you have weakness, for knowing what you must do in your own life right now. Because, yes, it is your life. Do something with it. Do not apologize for your decision. Find a passion if you do not already have one, explore things, live life the best way you know how and do not let ANYONE make you feel less for not choosing 4-year college and all the stress and potential debt that goes with it. CONGRATULATIONS to each and every outlier and their parents as they find their own beginnings.
To our son, we are immensely proud of you. You have a heart
like no one else. You work hard and we know you will find your niche and be
successful in whatever you decide to do. We are there beside you and lifting
you up as you start your next journey.
Journey on in your new beginnings.
#oolafamily
#1B7
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Lori Hanken has been in sales and marketing for over 30 years. She is passionate about service and providing value to her vendors, prospects and clients. Lori is currently co-owner of Total Displays with her husband David. They help people look great at events, trade shows, in retail, museums and develop long partnerships with customers and suppliers. If you would like to learn more, email her at lori@totaldisplays.com. She is an open networker, connect with her on LinkedIn here.
