Higher education is a major issue in current public debate. Should it be accessible for everyone? Why or why not? If not, for whom? How much responsibility should federal and state governments bear for providing higher education? These questions are complicated, difficult, and likely to remain in open debate for a long time. Consider, for example, a series of op-ed essays called “Should College Be for Everyone?” that the New York Times recently published. This piece, written by Lawrence Mishel of the non-partisan Economic Policy Institute, is part of the series, and was published in March 2012.
Read it here: Mishel, “College Is Not Always the Answer”
- Mishel outlines three key requirements for ensuring that non-college jobs are worthwhile, respectable, and desirable. Do you agree that the three components Mishel identifies are all necessary? Are they sufficient? What would you add or subtract from his list? Explain your reasoning.
- You’re in college now. Why did you choose to pursue a college degree? How much of your motivation was economic in nature? What other factors entered into your decision? If you were to learn that your college degree wouldn’t change your lifetime earning potential, would getting a degree still be your goal?
- You may find a great deal of overlap between Mishel’s argument here and Charles Murray’s argument in chapter 14 of your textbook. In what ways do their approaches differ? Which of the two arguments is more persuasive to you? Why?
- Mishel concludes with a call to challenge the “snobbery” he sees in attitudes that college graduates are somehow superior to non-graduates. Have you observed this snobbery in your life? Would your own attitudes meet Mishel’s description of snobbery? How would you respond to Mishel’s assessment? Write an essay in which you examine the attitudes around you—yours and those of people influential in your life—towards non-college graduates. Are they considered less intelligent? Less skilled?
They Say I Blog 
I think if a person wants a college education they have a right to get it. I do believe that federal and state should help them get it if they are getting good grades and have a chance to graduate.
LikeLike
for myself pursing a college degree its one of my goals in life before anything, the community where I live now here in California its a small rural city, where 90% of the community are farm labor workers, including my parents. all of this people with nothing or zero educations levels are on a daily basis working in the fields, some of them for over 20 years for a minimum wage salary. I would like to make a difference and make my family proud and myself successful. one obstacle for most of the students is how expensive college is.
LikeLike
I think that college might or not might be for everyone it just depends on the person and if he or she want to continue and get that degree then they’ll truly work for it. College can be expensive and financial aid isn’t enough or maybe didn’t qualify, that can be one of the barriers that stops us from finishing or even continuing college. Some choose jobs that don’t require a degree, only a high school diploma and or a certificate and they are happy with that. I came back to college after 7 years and hope to finish what I started.
LikeLike
I agree for many careers you don’t need to go to a university to obtain a Bachelors degree because sometimes it will be a waste of money. Some careers don’t require much and yet pay good. I am in college today because I know that obtaining at least a college degree will benefit me because I will be able to get a better job with benefits. Having a high school diploma isn’t enough to get a better job because I graduated 10years ago and the diploma hasn’t got me far, I have applied to many jobs yet they require higher education. obtaining a degree or certificate will open more doors to better opportunities.
LikeLike
Think that everyone has the right to go to school and receive higher education. A higher education shouldn’t be denied to anyone either. If the government decided to remove finical aid than many people would not be able to attend college. With the benefits with finical aid many students are able to attend college. I also think that it’s sad that some four year college degrees amount to that of a high school diploma. The work force should be well rounded. People who don’t have college degrees should still be able to live off of what the earn. “We need a nation that has and values all sorts of work and skills.”
LikeLike
This is an interesting subject. Reading through these articles, I never assumed to feel that college education should be considered an investment. At least from financial stand point. However, I have been swayed slightly. I think that is matters greatly on the student themselves to achieve what they set out for. I think that too many of us are babied into achieving what took our parents incredibly hard work to gain. On the other hand, the work force is drastically decreasing because of the lack of skills. Sure you can have students with four-year degrees in a field, but they have never worked in that field ever. Despite all these things that come against students, getting a degree is still the best option. I am currently taking college online as I work for the United States Navy. The end goal being to apply for OCS and become a commissioned officer. That is a career worth paying for and investing in. Both of the authors that I read on, were persuasive enough to make me doubt my own choices in regards for my own college education. I am satisfied with were my goals are, however. As long as students weigh the outcomes and cost of a degree, along as with the determination and tenacity to finish a degree; they should succeed.
LikeLike
I think having a bigger interest in the vocational schools is a high importance because its them jobs that really make America what it is in my opinion. College is not for everyone and that is perfectly fine because not all jobs require it. Its a great thing that the future students have a choice in college, vocational schools, or just going straight into the work force.
LikeLike
I think Mishel is off to a great start with his writing. Also, I agree that much of what he says should be a requirement in the future in order to create a better overall workforce in America. He talks about ensuring the jobs that do not require college are still respected, and receive good pay and benefits. Higher education is always important but college is not always required. And I agree that college does not make an individual “smart” or otherwise better at a job than somebody else. As I have learned this first hand working side by side both with people that do and do not have a degree.
The monetary reason for me to enter college I would say doesn’t really exist. Sure the potential gain is semi- enticing, however I do not personally believe that college is needed to have a financially stable and healthy life. I joined college simply to learn more and better myself while in pursuit to find a career that I enjoy more than my current one.
Mishel’s argument goes farther than just wanting to provide information. He is arguing to change the view on jobs that don’t require a college education and to make them more appealing to be a part of. Owen and Sawhill’s argument aims at providing better information to people who are planning on making the next decision in their life. To me being based off of more evidence I lean towards their argument as being more persuasive, however together I like both of their ideas and arguments.
LikeLike
Being a College student with a plan laid out in front of her, a lot of things I am reading struck me surprisingly.
LikeLike
I think they make it so hard to get a higher education. its all about money and I think it should be free. Why do we have to pay to continue our education. There needs to be more funding to help with higher education. We pay taxes on everything so why not utilize some of that money and use it for something positive.
LikeLike
I appreciate how well Mishel portrays the phrase “College is Not Always the Answer.” There are many ways of answering a question, just like there are always different ways for solving a problem. The problem is that being part of the middle class is getting harder and harder to get into as the years pass by. We need to find a different solution to this growing issue. Lawrence tries to make us look at the problem at hand to discover a solution. The problem is people are becoming so dependent on college, yet are getting no where with it. The value it gives is not exactly a major accomplishment. Instead, we need to look closer at others around us who have skills. Not only those who attend universities, colleges, and other expensive schools. For their worlds may seem far apart, but they can come together to break down the barrier of entering the middle class or becoming successful.
LikeLike
I’m in college to better myself, get an education, and of course earn money to afford to live and have nice things. Growing up in a large family of 8 and also being told your parents (who never really could actually afford to help you with school), made too much money and could help you sucked. I self supported myself from the age of 18 and to have to use my parents information for FAFSA because I am unmarried, have no children, and I am under the age of 24 is ridiculous and should definitely not be the guidelines to receive financial aid. I am in college to be able to afford everything and to have the things I was never able to have. I am in college to gain knowledge and be able to have a career I will love and not stuck doing something I hate.
LikeLike
I am in college because when you look at most jobs online they require a degree. I do think that I may be able to get away with out one because of having different experience in different fields so they may waive that part of the interview process. But kids coming out of high school today go straight into college and when they get out they are not ready for the real world. I don’t think that college is for everyone. It certainly was not for me when I was coming out of high school and I made some good choices that led me to some good places. But now that I want to move on I do think it is something that I will need in my back pocket. It will only help me become a better employee and more valuable. I am investing in my future, just like with a 401k, but it is not just my future it is my families as well. It is a different perspective to put on the outlook of getting a degree on how it is an investment.
LikeLike
I think everyone should be given a chance to get a higher education if possible. I also believe that the cost of attending college is ridicously high. I am sure that is one of the reasons why people dont attempt to attend and why most students drop out. The cost of tuition, books, dorms etc. is high and shouldn’t be so high in cost to where it makes it seem almost impossible to achieve.
LikeLike
I agree with what you are saying, college shouldn’t be overprice,where students are don’t have a bill for life. which takes forever for someone to pay off. I think we should have way more trad schools to help that person fit into the correct field they want.
LikeLike
I agree with his three requirements that he discusses. I do not know if they are necessary, but they do set good guidelines for non-college graduate jobs. I wouldn’t subtract or add anything to his list. I chose to pursue a college degree because it is how you get a good job and make a good living for yourself. You can not survive off a minimum wage job if you want to have a family. Going to college and getting that degree is the only way to obtain that. I believe that all of it was economic in nature and a little from my parents. Both of my parents did not go to college. If it wasn’t going to add to my success i would definitely not continue going to school. The snobbery that comes with a degree, I have not noticed, but I think that everyone comes with a degree of their own snootiness depending on how they were raised.
LikeLike
My own reasons for being in college are quiet simple. I would like to achieve a higher education, and have a greater chance to obtain a higher position or a new job in the future. I also would like to achieve a degree as a personal goal. A goal and a certificate that no one can take from you and you have the right to be proud of what you have achieved knowing you achieved it yourself.
LikeLike
College is something that I’ve wanted to do since I was young. When I graduated I took a different path. I went to a vocational school, graduated and started my career. I then got married and had children. Still, in the back of my mind I felt as if it wasn’t enough for me. Twenty years later my kids are grown enough where I have chose to start college for a better education for myself and a better career. Now that all of these years have past, I do have regrets that I didn’t do this from the beginning. In my opinion, no cost is to high when it comes to education and a better life.
LikeLike
Currently enrolled in college, my plate is full of responsibility. Juggling fatherhood, work full-time with a unpredictable change in schedule can drive a person up the wall. Knowing that I am in a position of all or nothing, it is in my to-do list, to complete college to provide my son with a better future for him.
LikeLike
I don’t think the government should regulate higher education. It goes against our capitalistic beliefs. When the government regulates it, all the prices will go up. When they don’t, they will all compete to drop their prices. Also, not everyone needs college for what they want in life.
LikeLike
I’m a college student and I often have my doubts about college and not because it is expensive. I Know many people who didn’t attend college and are very successful. I believe anyone who wants to attend college should have the option to,but if you dont choose to it shouldn’t become a big issue.. I always thought college was a must for everyone. Attending college will change many people lives in a great way, but in reality sometimes it ruins our lives with loans and debt from attending college. I know now college is a great asset, but it is not the only way to become successful and live a confrontable life. College is the first option for some because parents make them or knowing their is not other way to make money or live a confrontable life.
LikeLike
Higher education is a need and not a want in today’s society. The importance of acquiring a college degree cannot be overlooked. The government can assist in this regard by providing funds to assist individual who have the real desire to go to college in order not to make college education a want but a need and a necessity. It is clear that most fresh high school graduates want to attend college but are scared of the cost and expenses, especially if they originates from a low income parents. If the government and the society seek trained and specialized graduates in the society for political and economic purposes, financial assistance should be rendered to assist high school graduates who are physically intelligent and exceed maximum expectations in their Hugh school grades to gain admission into the college. Attending college should not be optional but bit should be a priority.
LikeLike
I completely agree with this article and the points he makes throughout it. I recently wrote a speech for class on the encouragement there needs to be for students who sincerely do not want to pursue college. I believe alternative routes rather than college are not encouraged and are rather discouraged which causes students to force themselves onto college and making them drop out and end with loans they need to pay off for something they had no interest in the first place. I do Admit that I pursued college after the pressure coming from others to attend. I had not intended to attend classes and was very doubtful on it but since no alternative was highly recommended and encouraged I believed those around me knew best when they spoke of income and whether it would be worth it. They simply forget to mention that it is not worth it to everyone and there are more opportunities as well. Although I do not regret attending college and am extremely happy with my career decision it would have been nice to hear encouragement from others to pursue which ever route I believed was best for me.
LikeLike
I am choosing to attend college in order to become a surgeon. I enjoy the idea of having a higher education and contributing greatly to my household’s income. Surgery has always been what I want to do, and this is the only way to go about doing so.
However, I do agree that college is not for everyone. I agree that college should not be glorified as there are plenty of intelligent people who have no interest in a college degree.
LikeLike
I attend college to get my AA degree now. I’m currently in high school, and I started taking college classes to get ahead. I want to get my AA degree so when I do fully go to college I can graduate faster. Also, I overall want to attend college because of that the environment I grew up to where all my family as gone to college. I personally decide to pressure a degree because I want to go premed.Even if my earnings wouldn’t change I would still do it. I love biology and working with people and that where I have always seen myself go no matter my earnings.
LikeLike
My reasons for being in college is to pursue a career that I love to do and would benefit me so that I am able to work full time and not have two or more jobs. Entering college will provide me with even more information that I haven’t learned from my past school years and will increase my chances of getting a decent job.
LikeLike
I absolutely agree to this article. Vocational training and associates certificates lead to many jobs that are necessary to make our communities function. What would be do without police officers? Would these master graduates step down and fill the void? Would they be able to live without these important jobs that don’t require four-year degrees. Would they be able to live without police security, EMS healthcare, or fight their own fires? Everyone in every functional community needs workers who are of lower education level or vocational training. In order to have these employees, these jobs must maintain a certain standard of living including all three points Mishel addresses. They have to have healthy and equal working condition; benefits like retirement and healthcare in order to raise a family, and representation to make sure these things are obtained. I am a prime example of this. After high school I got into and decided to attend UC Davis. After one year I realized that attending this college and providing for myself and my then infant son was impossible. I returned home and vent to EMT school and obtained my EMT certificate. Working as an EMT has allowed me to make a living to support my son and I minimally, to pursue more schooling to get a paramedic degree, and to build some skills. Not only am I making money and getting experience in the medical field, but also I am also serving my community, both lower class and higher classes, with first responder services. This job is a necessity in a functional society. I work 48 hours a week; however, I work one 24-hour shift and two 12-hour shifts. This allows me four days a week to pursue a higher education as well. A four-year college degree is not right for everyone right out of college and sometimes not ever. You have to weigh your financial status, family status, and future goals to assess the right path. People need all of the “unintelligent” people who didn’t go to a four-year degree right out of high school to live their daily lives. These degrees and certificates are very much underestimated, when in reality they are a vital part of living.
LikeLike
I am currently in college. I chose to pursue my degree because I am currently also a high schooler at LMCHS, and being able to work on my college degree during high school is a big deal to me. All of my motivation is in economic nature because my AS degree is free while I am in my highschool program. So, until my high school graduation, I have free college. My other factors are mainly because I am only a high school sophomore so this is really cool for me. If I knew my college degree would not change my lifetime earning potential, I would still go for my degree. It still looks impressive to employers, so I would be more likely to get a job, even if I did not make a lot of money.
LikeLike
I agree with Mishel when he said “Our focus should be to support students’ efforts to complete their education and training, especially disadvantaged and working class students.” (Mishel, 2012) I think that everyone should be offered higher education. I don’t think its fair that people cant go to school because they cant afford it. Not everyone has access to a lot of money, yes they will work, but how much can a minimum wage pay for. It is hard to even get a Job without experience or degrees.
LikeLike
I lived in a community where going to college was rare, and everyone worked instead. Yes college can help certain students that choose a certain carer field be prepared for their future, but it will not help them get a job quick. Many students after they graduate are having trouble fining steady full time jobs because they do not have any job experience. Careers these days need requirements such as obtaining a bachelor’s degree, even low paying jobs such as psychology. The reason I went back is because I have the money, I want to gain more knowledge, and my career field eventually needs a bachelor’s degree. Mishel’s components are great but should have gone into further detail. Murray makes more sense and proves his statements, and is more persuasive than Mishel. I have witnessed “snobbery” graduates, I have encountered those who think and act that they are better than I am. I can hear their tone and their actions, how they have conversations with me is different from people that are on my level. Although, there are some that are kind and understanding that I have encountered. I have noticed that non-educated people are much more ignorant than those that are educated. I feel like anyone can have lots of knowledge and not go to college, but I believe college is for anyone.
LikeLike
I feel as everyone should have the right to attend college. It’s very hard for some to get the help needed but I feel it’s needed. As of right now the job I am in there is no way to move up without having a degree. There other opportunities out there but college is the best option for myself. It’s hard to get qualified to cover extra cost at times so I wish there was more programming. Which I am now finding there is more than I thought.
LikeLike
While I think that college for everyone can be a great way to create a more efficient and productive workforce, I do not believe that allowing everyone a chance to attend college is the way to go about this issue. If we made higher education accessible to everyone from fast food employees to plumbers, they would likely be motivated to get a new job based on their major in order to obtain higher pay. Even though there’s nothing wrong with going to college and getting a different job, it could leave a significant gap in these types of blue collar workers. I also believe that the federal government should not be to blame, as the Federal Student Aid (FSA) is one of the largest providers of financial aid, but colleges and states should do a better job informing students about the opportunities available to them. To summarize, I think we should delay the accessibility of college for everybody until robots can replace jobs such as those mentioned above. At this point, I believe making education accessible to anyone would have a greatly beneficial impact on the workforce and people as a whole.
LikeLike
I believe college should be open to everybody. Everyone should have an equal opportunity at going through college and the programs that are going to set them up for their life time careers. I do believe financial aid should be given to those who can prove that they take their education serious and are hard workers when it comes to school. Being that I am barely graduated from high school and wasn’t 18 when I applied for financial aid, I didn’t qualify based off my parents income. It was hard knowing that my parents and I were going to have to pay all of these fees out of pocket. I strongly believe this is where students draw the line when it comes to going to college. If they can’t afford it they won’t go and that’s another person who has the potential to become something great but can’t because of money. I believe if financial aid was open to a lot more people, students would be more successful in finishing college and getting their degrees.
LikeLike
I’m in college now and I chose to pursue a college degree to further my education and to be able to know what I need to know to become a teacher or a paramedic. Some of my motivation was economic in nature because I need to be able to provide for a living. Other factors that entered into my decision was that I want to help other people and want I want to provide a better future for our younger generations. If I learned that getting my college degree would not change my lifetime potential I would still want to get a degree because I want to know all the information that I can for my job.
LikeLike
Education should be accessible to anyone willing to put out the effort. Studies have shown that people with an education make more money. Along with the right information, the higher the graduation rate. It should not be a state or government responsibility to make people have higher education. But more to influence them. Giving them the finical aid they need to start them off. Proper information about schools. To be involved. I would not be in school currently if it was not for the help of FAFSA. Financial aid can be easily abused and its a shame.
LikeLike
I am currently in college right now trying to get my AA in social work, to set an example for my baby that education is important. The more I think about it I see that education may not but that important to me, I’m starting to think I’m wasting my time , as I’ve looked into my future job and it’ll be the same earnings as anyone having a job without a AA. Maybe college isn’t for everyone, I think that’s what they want you to think , but some people have a good job without going to college , just by being able to preform what they do best. If I could go back in time I wouldn’t change the fact I decided to go to college, but just switch my major to something else as I cant do that now since I only have two semesters left and I’ll be graduating.
LikeLike
You’re in college now. Why did you choose to pursue a college degree? How much of your motivation was economic in nature? What other factors entered into your decision? If you were to learn that your college degree wouldn’t change your lifetime earning potential, would getting a degree still be your goal?
I chose to pursue a degree in college mainly because a lot of my motivation and thinking came from economic pursue. Everyone wants to live well financial wise, and since education has shown to be the best step to reaching that, there is no brainer here as to why most people go to college. You also have the fact that success in the United States has been measured with educational levels and accomplishments. You are automatically seen as someone who is successful when you go to college and graduate with a degree. So, yes most of my decision making to go to college is influenced by economic purposes because I want to live a financially stable life. I want to be able to have extra cash every month for something, anything besides the essentials like paying the bills. Now, not everything was decided for economical reasons, I also chose to go to college because it is something that my parents hope for my siblings and I. I also want to feel the sense of accomplishment, and I hope that graduating from college will give me that sense.As for my college degree, I would say that after learning that my degree wouldn’t change my earnings, I know I continue. I mean, I can always work my way up to the highest degree because there might be a difference in that.
LikeLike
Mishel, it’s hard to deny people of college education and a chance at a degree. There’s no way to find out if a student is truly dedicated to the task or if they’re in it for the money that’s handed to them along the way. Although, you can see a student’s progress early on and catch whether or not they should stay in school or try again later on in life; which is vital. I, personally, am ready for college education because I have waited until I knew exactly what I was loyally passionate to. I also don’t mind the salary that comes along with my career choice because it’s something that I’m dedicated to. I would attend just about any college as long as it provides money towards my tuition and helps me achieve my goal, a degree.
LikeLike
Armando:
The reason i am in college is because i need an education and i believe that everyone that puts in the time and effort in college and really wants it will get a job after college. That is my goal.
LikeLike
You’re in college now. Why did you choose to pursue a college degree? How much of your motivation was economic in nature? What other factors entered into your decision? If you were to learn that your college degree wouldn’t change your lifetime earning potential, would getting a degree still be your goal?
I chose to pursue a degree to attain further education correlated with a career that I am interested in. In order to properly practice in my career field I must have the appropriate level of education and skills to conduct them. My motivations have no relation to economics, I chose to do this simply because I am passionate about it and want to make people better than what they are now by making their smiles better. My main goal is to attain the knowledge required to practice in this field, of course on the job training can be done but in this field a degree is required to show that you have the basic fundamental knowledge in the career field. Certain fields I believe shouldn’t require a degree however fields that may affect lives I understand. It would however save time and money not having to go through it and jumping into on the job training.
LikeLike
1) I agree with the three components that Mishel identifies. These three components are “strong labor, easy way to get union representation, and mandates benefits in retirement” I feel as though these are sufficient and i don’t see a need to add or subtract from this list.
2) I am a senior in high school who is currently taking college classes for duel credit and because my school provides the classes for free. Most of my decision was based off the fact that I would be saving my parents a lot of money. The fact that I could receive dual credit was another factor. Yes, because I would be more experienced than the average person in my field of work.
3) One wants everyone to receive a similar pay with different education while the other wants more education to equal more income. I feel as though Charles Murray’s argument was more persuasive because it was more put together.
4)So far I have not seen this “snobbery”. I would say no but thats just my opinion. Those with little education who work at blue collar jobs are just as intelligent as highly educated people. The little educated teach themselves different ways to do their job or figure out things on their own while educated are tough how to do their job. They are somewhat guided through the path they want to go.
LikeLike
Honestly, college really is not for everyone and our parents should stop pressuring us to go right away or to go at all. If Steve Jobs can become succesful and a billionaire so can you.
LikeLike
College is perhaps one of the cornerstones of a civilized society, and even more so regarding a broad education. Although an individual may become intelligent and explore oneself without college, certainly it assists in creating a more aware and alive population. It should be nonnegotiable that colleges remain, and sacrifices to attend them be made.
LikeLike
I am in college in hopes of obtaining a better life for myself and my partner. I currently am working in fast food and eventually you get tired of flipping burgers, cleaning toilets, and getting burned for minimum wage. College, as I have been told since I was a young girl, is the way to have a better life and more experience in life.
LikeLike
College shouldn’t be the reason for someone success in life because no, college is not for everyone. Not all things you learn from a college education you would use for the rest of your life.
LikeLike
I agree with Mishel, a four year college degree is not the sole answer to cure our economic status. We should offer jobs and skills to prepare students that do not require a college degree. It’s also important to ensure that non college jobs pay well, have strong labor standards, and mandated benefits in retirement as well in other areas. I also strongly believe that students should have a strong support in completing their education and training to succeed for their own future and for the future of our growing society.
LikeLike
In the 90’s Tony Blair introduced his failed Student Boom! He was for higher education and his goal was to get 50% of all britians into a Univeristy, or so I am lead to believe. Well people were getting useless degrees, and taking the easy classes. When they (hundreds of thousands) finally graduated. the economy suffered, some truly benefited from getting free education but the economy suffered as a result of Student boom. Is America at the point that this is even a Viable Option. I say no. When out of Debt yes. but I wont live to see that day and I’m 33 years old. By then America will probably be looking into colonizing some distant planet, or rebuilding all the school bathrooms.
LikeLike
The three components identified by Mishel are ones that I agree on partially. Yes, a person should be able to have work that he or she can find worthwhile. The person should also be respected for the honest work he or she chooses. However, it may not necessarily be desirable. Although I agree with the two of the three components, there could be more considered. While a person is looking to have work, will he or she do what is necessary to maintain such work? Some people place higher expectations on the employer than he or she places within.
Some individuals, such as myself choose a college in hopes to make more money or to master a skill to obtain a certain career. My basis for attending college was initially economically driven, but now it is more to make a change. I plan on making more money when my career has started, but mainly to pay back student loans. I would have chosen college regardless of my path because college was always the next step. My parents never wanted us to focus on anything other than college after high school. Hence the goal is a degree in something you can utilize.
Some people with college degrees can degrade people without one. There are also some people who may feel as though his or her degree is more superior than someone else. Unfortunately, I have experienced an individual who was a snob about the education that she received. I am currently working in a position that does not require a college degree, but a bonus if you have one. Nonetheless, the woman spoke to me in a very demeaning and condescending manner. The woman basically told me that I did not know anything because of my job title. I informed the lady just because someone is not knowledgeable of your job function does not make the person less educated.
LikeLike
Hello there, I myself am a firm believer in the educational process, and what it means to be educated at least what it means to me. My education was gain through an university of which I am proud to say I completed my studies. It was not easy. And I felt like I had completed a great accomplishment. My reason’s for going to college were simple to gain an education,or expertise in a major field of study which was psychology. To have a opportunity to work with people that may have needed my help in the social services. By going to school of course meant that a job was not guaranteed. It only meant that I had completed my education, and would be prepared when the opportunity presented itself. I’m back participating in a college program again, and the reason is to hopefully enhance my skills which will hopefully lead to more employment opportunities while I’m still working. So yes I believe that everyone should have a chance to pursue a college degree. But the decision should be there’s and no one else’s. My reasons were my own. I knew I wanted to gain more education, so I took the opportunity to pursue that goal, and completed it.
LikeLike
Lawrence Mishel, states that, “Strong labor standards, a tangibility to obtain union representation, and mandated benefits in retirement and other areas, or goals should be to expand access to the range of higher education and career training.” It is necessary, as well as, sufficient for higher education, and career training, to be cohesive in their attempt to provide students’ with a full, well-rounded, occupational advantage. The ultimate goal for colleges, and or career training, is to provide exemplary programs that increase a students personal, educational, and occupational value. The application of Mishel’s concepts to higher education, and career training are sufficient means to reach the goal of becoming triumphant in the work-force.
I believe that higher education, be it colligate or career training, is mandatory with regards to achieving personal growth. In my opinion, the most fulfilling way to grow, is to continuously learn about different subjects/topics, which encompasses new perspectives, becomes educational, and priceless. obtaining a degree, has been a personal conquest for me. I enjoy learning about different subjects. I spent many days and weekends in the library, and or, the bookstore as a child, through high school, to the present time. The opportunity to earn a good wage is a plus for my overall aspirations.
I have observed non-degree, degree “snobbery” on many occasions. However, the type of educational snobbery that I witnessed recently, was from a friend. The majority of my friends, including myself, have a bachelors degree. One of my friends who I was I the U.S. Navy with, did not assist me with a graduate-school recommendation submission. He earned his associates degree from Tidewater Tech, bachelors degree from the University of Virginia, and he recently earned his doctorial degree from Emory. the snobbery that I experienced from my Navy “friend,” was, now that he reached his personal academic goals, my academic goals a small to him, and my university choice, is not considered as upper echelon as his colligate choices. Mishel states that, “We need a nation that has and values all sorts of skills.” I concur. The goal for colleges, career training, and potential students, is to foster personal development into academic, and occupational fulfillment.
LikeLike