Higher Learning

My oldest asked me about college the other day and it got me thinking. Of course I want her to go to college. That is the desired end result of all this carefully constructed homeschooling. I want all my kids to go to college, but she wanted to know why. There are a lot of people I know who don't think very much of college and pursuing a degree. While its quite accurate that it doesn't guarantee you a job, especially in today's market, that is not the only reason to go. I think education's ultimate goal is not employment. I think to be educated is a goal worth seeking on its own.

My daughter wanted to know if anyone in her immediate family had gone to college. Well on my side yes, on my husband's side........well no. I informed her that she would be the first if she decided to get her degree. I think that's a lot of pressure for a kid though. I don't know how I would have reacted had my parents not done the college thing. It seems kind of daunting to be "the first" in the family. I still want her to go though. I think it will do her more good than she can fathom. She gets a lot of mixed messages from other family members regarding higher learning. She is also beginning to question some of the employment choices of others as she begins to decide what her passion is. And that, is the very center of it. Passion is not something that people regard very highly anymore. You don't go to school to get a good paying job. You go to broaden your mind and discover and hopefully develop your passion. I tried to explain that not all passions require a college degree. Her dad for instance, did not go to college, but he is very happy at what he does. He has found his passion. He is now at the phase of his life where the folks who did put in the time and effort to go to college are making more than him and it makes him a bit uncomfortable. He may be reexamining his own choice to avoid school.

Above all I want her to do her best. I want her to perform at her best no matter what job or career she chooses. I don't want her to settle for a paycheck or the easiest most convenient way. That way has never made anyone happy. The goal in life is not to race toward retirement. You want your time here to count for something. I think God has a purpose for each of us and whether she wants to be an artist, a cook, a vet, or own her own business I know God can use her. I don't want her to focus on the amount of education it will take to achieve her goal. I want her to realize her goals and dreams and never settle. I can't think of a fate worse than settling and waiting to retire. She is better than that. So are the rest of my little monkeys. I hope I can show them that and encourage them to go against their own inherent laziness. I want them to try. There are people all around who just won't. That is what will set them apart.