It's Spring, and the Seniors are Making Plans for College

And, as I think this post makes clear, both parents and kids need to think through their choices very carefully.

This is a strange year. The numbers planning for college is down (many didn't fancy paying good money to "attend" college, and still stay home with Mom and Dad). Many in the Class of 2020 decided to take a gap year.

Others went - online - and found it unsatisfying. Others attended in person, and, yet, due to restrictions on gathering in groups, found it an experience that depressed, rather than elevated.

So, the Class of 2021 is still considering its options.

I have, as it happens, a young relative who graduates in a few weeks. She spent the last few years in a virtual school (she started before the pandemic). She is planning on attending the local community college for 2 years, getting her Associates degree, and then making her choice about further education.

She has also been working for the last month in a retail establishment. She's enjoying the experience, as well as the freedom of being able to drive (coordination issues caused a delay in her obtaining a driver's license). In short, she is - finally - in charge of her life.

And, her parents, although providing guidance, left many of these decisions up to her. She will likely continue to live at home for several years, before launching into a fully adult (i.e., self-funding) life.

Too many kids have been coddled and directed, straight through graduation. They've not had responsibilities, or been required to earn spending money. Then once finished with high school, they've been tossed out the door, and largely on their own.

Some have responded by diving into the various groups that prey on the aimless. Fewer are captured by the religious sects, but many are caught up in aggressive and divisive political movements. This often leads to majoring in various 'Studies' majors, and graduating with heavy debt and no job prospects.

Others drop out (or are FORCED out). Or transfer. Or take WAY too long to matriculate (accumulating massive debt along the way).

The problem of CRT - Critical Race Theory - indoctrinating students may be a short-term issue. The Must-Attend-a-Prestigious-4-Year-College lockstep may be nearing an end. Younger students are more open to adapting their career pathways, and that is a BAD thing for CRT.