Every year our students do an exercise on living in Boise. They gather information related to cost of living: rent for a reasonable apartment, car insurance, food, utlities, car payment, etc.
Once an average has been computed we divide by a 40 hour work week. Without skiing at Bogus, shopping at the mall, eating out, MAYBE a cell-phone, and NO cable TV the amount last year (gross, hourly) is $12.00.
This exercise allows the students to see that without skills/education, their opportunities to earn a decent living are diminished.
This reality check stems from years of listening to teenagers tell me that after high school they will have a nice car, ski at Brundage, etc.
I am not a pessimist, but a realist. I WANT my students to have the things that they desire- I get frustrated when they cannot follow simple rules at Sheridan (no gum chewing, wear the school uniform correctly, for example) and they see themselves at some amazing job earning huge dollars.
If they cannot write a simple paragraph or follow simple instructions how will they comply with rules/demands of a high-paying job?
As you can see, I am frustrated...
Thursday, December 10, 2009
Tuesday, December 01, 2009
What College is Best for Me?
I am often asked about college choice. I encourage my students to apply to many colleges and then they can pick the one that will be most suited for them (at this time).
Those students seeking business education should look for business school; medical education, medical schools, etc.
Nonetheless, one point that I adamantly make is the regardless of the university choice, the student's attitude and work ethic will make or break their education.
For example, if a freshman at Harvard sits in his dorm room playing video games and not attending class expects a "quality" education, he is wrong. On the other hand, if a student attends a state university, goes to every class, devourers his textbooks, joins clubs and gets everything possible out of the university's offerings, then that will be the most valuable education.
We teach a work ethic at Sheridan that we hope will stay with our students through college and work.
Those students seeking business education should look for business school; medical education, medical schools, etc.
Nonetheless, one point that I adamantly make is the regardless of the university choice, the student's attitude and work ethic will make or break their education.
For example, if a freshman at Harvard sits in his dorm room playing video games and not attending class expects a "quality" education, he is wrong. On the other hand, if a student attends a state university, goes to every class, devourers his textbooks, joins clubs and gets everything possible out of the university's offerings, then that will be the most valuable education.
We teach a work ethic at Sheridan that we hope will stay with our students through college and work.
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