Comments on: Is College a Waste of Time and Money?

By: Johnny

Johnny — Mon, 26 Apr 2010 05:22:30 +0000

Common sense will tell you that firemen don’t need college degrees. Putting out fires is a hands on acquired SKILL. Four years in a classroom will not give you this skill, although i’m sure some institution might try to create a degree in “fire science” or some nonsense like that scam some poor suckers out of their money. You could always try being a fireman first and go to college second, I mean seriously what is the hurry?

By: parkine

parkine — Thu, 08 Apr 2010 02:10:32 +0000

There are lots of job in the
fire department system that do require a degree.
From education to the state level.

By: CWhitti

CWhitti — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 03:25:35 +0000

No he should not have wasted so much money! Saving that kind of money in for years plus interest…Andy would be rich by now…with a career! College is just a big scam to take all of our money! And millions of us fall for it!!!

By: Neal

Neal — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 16:28:57 +0000

Excellent points My Journey.

I agree. In retrospect, college is usually a good idea. I just didn’t like this kid’s attitude.

By: My Journey

My Journey — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 16:10:44 +0000

Neal,

Interesting post…My brother followed this guy’s exact route! He graduated with a degree (took him 5) in exercise phsyilogy (I can’t spell it nevertheless understand it) and then became FDNY. While I am proud of him, I prefer not to think about what the hell he is doing at work.

In the end, I think the guy you were talking to was either an idiot (don’t have to be smart to get through most colleges) or immature. The experiences one receive in college can shape who you are and what you believe in.

Further, and to reiterate, most major fire departments give extra points on the test (I think you are out in Cali so I am sure there are some signficant tests) to those with degrees. So, it is very possible his dream would have dissappeared without that degree.

Lastly, MOST firefighters do their 20 and are out! Meaning they can retire (well might I add) in 20 years and now your BBQ Buddy will have a degree to rely on.

My Journey

By: Neal

Neal — Tue, 02 Jun 2009 18:47:33 +0000

Great input. I never would have thought it would be so high….fascinating!

By: Kevin

Kevin — Tue, 02 Jun 2009 18:40:05 +0000

Neal,

It’s hard to answer your question with a number. My perspective is limited to a few courses, at one college, in a “hard” practical subject, so I’m not sure how representative my classes are. Grades are supposed to be objective performance evaluations, free of value judgments, so they aren’t a very good metric for interest or effort.

If pressed for a rough guesstimate, subject to all those qualifications, I might say that maybe 50% of an incoming class is “along for the ride” as you say. That figure drops as a cohort progresses due to a combination of students getting their act together (good) and dropping out (tragic).

By: Neal

Neal — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 01:27:32 +0000

Kevin,

Thanks. Great insight.I’m wondering how high the “slacker factor” is in college these days?

Out of 100 students…..how many are there for the ride?

By: Kevin

Kevin — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 01:24:30 +0000

One comment from the perspective of a college professor. A lot of students these days exhibit a lack of motivation to learn. This manifests itself in lame excuses, cheating, whining about grades, and so on. When a student has a passion for what they’re learning, they don’t act out this way; they’d rather exert energy on soaking up more knowledge.

I do believe that everyone should have access to college, and that a college degree can enrich someone’s life even if it doesn’t contribute directly to their career.

However I would respectfully ask that parents avoid strong-arming uninterested students into attending college. I don’t think they get very much out of the experience. It’s a waste of your money, makes my job harder, and diverts resources away from the motivated students.

By: Neal Frankle

Neal Frankle — Sat, 30 May 2009 18:10:47 +0000

Abby,

I’d have to say that you’ve raised a number of good points too.

I can’t deny your arguments – and everyone else – are strong.

As long as the decision is made from an “awake” state, I would have to agree. What got me was the rather flip answer I got.

I just think that these decisions have to be made very consciously and also, there are more sides to the story than one.

You’ve all made me really consider my position and I appreciate it.