2 answers
Liana
Student
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Questions
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Why is college treated like a commodity and not a privilege?
Many Americans view the concept of college differently. I think education is a right, but college is a privilege and it shouldn't be that way. #college #higher-education
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2 answers
Jason Stone
Systems/Electrical Engineer
6
Answers
Greensboro, North Carolina
Updated
Jason’s Answer
In most countries k-12 education is not only a right but a duty. However, not everyone takes it seriously. Sometimes we wonder how teachers manage a bunch of kids who don't want to be there. I think teachers find joy in teaching kids who want to learn but don't like all the other management.
When it's time for higher education, people selecting candidates are looking for clues that they really want to do the work. Some students may only be looking at the possible income or have some idealized view of the career not realizing what it takes. Most colleges will give full scholarships to anyone who has been exceptional in school and has done extra which demonstrates their enthusiasm. But with most students, it is a risk. So to prove and motivate, there is some earnest money required.
That’s one part. The other half is the teachers/professors. I'm working as an engineer, and have occasionally been curious about getting into education. But I'm paid relatively well in industry and see it as a financial risk to switch over. So it takes some pay to get professors to be there and spend time with students, especially from well paid professions. Again, it is likely a pleasure to be working with inspired students but it is not always the case. The effort and money may be of marginal value also for the student. So as a society we don’t want to waste the valuable time of the professional.
I think if everyone were invited to go to school for as long as they wanted wherever, then there'd be a lot more less-motivated students dividing time of the few professors limiting the good that could be done with the more-motivated students.
It's the same for jobs. I learned that on hiring, it's not all about the skills, but rather employers want to know that you want to be there doing the work. That may be partially demonstrated by doing well in school even if the subject matter isn’t directly applicable. Companies don’t want professionals to spend time training people without the intrinsic desire to actually stay and succeed.
When it's time for higher education, people selecting candidates are looking for clues that they really want to do the work. Some students may only be looking at the possible income or have some idealized view of the career not realizing what it takes. Most colleges will give full scholarships to anyone who has been exceptional in school and has done extra which demonstrates their enthusiasm. But with most students, it is a risk. So to prove and motivate, there is some earnest money required.
That’s one part. The other half is the teachers/professors. I'm working as an engineer, and have occasionally been curious about getting into education. But I'm paid relatively well in industry and see it as a financial risk to switch over. So it takes some pay to get professors to be there and spend time with students, especially from well paid professions. Again, it is likely a pleasure to be working with inspired students but it is not always the case. The effort and money may be of marginal value also for the student. So as a society we don’t want to waste the valuable time of the professional.
I think if everyone were invited to go to school for as long as they wanted wherever, then there'd be a lot more less-motivated students dividing time of the few professors limiting the good that could be done with the more-motivated students.
It's the same for jobs. I learned that on hiring, it's not all about the skills, but rather employers want to know that you want to be there doing the work. That may be partially demonstrated by doing well in school even if the subject matter isn’t directly applicable. Companies don’t want professionals to spend time training people without the intrinsic desire to actually stay and succeed.
Wael Al-Rihawi
Mechanical Engineer I Automotive
1124
Answers
Redford Charter Township, Michigan
Updated
Wael’s Answer
I believe that education should be a right! Now, you need over $200K to become a doctor. That deters a lot of people to pursue it although it is their long life dream and mentally compatible with it.
Thanks Wael. Yes I agree too! Education should be a right but upward mobility in America is hard for people who are at the bottom!
Liana
It is hard but not impossible. The main cause of that is the expense of college/university education, I believe. There are solutions although they are not ideal. The article below is one of many to describe these solutions. I hope you the best with your education.
http://mycollegeguide.org/articles/paying-for-college/financing_your_college_education
Wael Al-Rihawi
Thanks so much Wael!! I appreciate it!! Good luck too! I'm grateful and making the most of my college experience!
Liana
You are most welcome :)
Wael Al-Rihawi