Graduating from college too often means asking some significant questions:
How will I pay off that debt?
What will I do now?
What am I qualified to do now?
And how will I pay off that debt?
"College wasn't originally designed to merely be a continuation of high school (but with more binge drinking). In many places, though, that's what it has become. The data I'm seeing shows that a degree (from one of those famous schools, with or without a football team) doesn't translate into significantly better career opportunities, a better job or more happiness than a degree from a cheaper institution." (For more go to Seth Godin's Blog)
Hmmm.... I'm definitely guilty of letting broken things stay broken.... (I've found ways to still get to the chips and dip even if the cabinet handle's broken. I can still walk on the porch even if the surrounding seating fell apart.) However, typically - isn't it usually best to address broken things? Particularly when they have huge implications!
So who's seeking or creatively creating solutions to this
The pre-college time: before applying, accepting, enrolling and purchasing years worth of school logos and loans, intentionally creating the space and working through a discovery process.... getting to the heart of:
IDENTITY: Who are you? What makes you confident as a human being?
CALLING: What will you do that's meaningful to you and valuable for others in this world?
GIFTING: What are you good at? What skills will you utilize and work on to gain mastery over time or through education?
LEARNING STYLE: What's the best way to educate the best you?
And if he isn't sure yet let him experiments for a year or two in labs of life and work.
My friend and mentor Ralph Mattson, speaking to a large audience in Boston in 1999 said, "Why is it that our country invests billions of dollars on a space program and so little to equip Johnny to know what he should do with his life"
Think about it: Before the next subject... The next semester...The next $50,000 of tuition: Why not intentionally encourage Johnny to engage a "Pre-College Time Out?" It just may change Johnny's trajectory... his future.... his life. I believe it just may change the world.
