When I first considered placing advertisements on my site I found a blog, called Subnixus, that catered toward how best to market your site on the Internet. I have enjoyed visiting Subnixus the past several months and I’ve honestly learned a lot. I recommend the place for someone trying to figure how they can make money by placing advertisement on their own site. However on a recent visit I was disappointed to read an article titled, Why College is a Scam. Maybe I’m showing my age, but I continue to be disturbed with so many young adults not understanding the true values of education. I am even more disturbed with the lack of students seeking an education in science, math, computer science, and engineering . From time to time, I have seen the following facts from a study on the state of engineering degrees in the United States posted in newspapers and magazine articles:
Last year alone, more than 600,000 engineers graduated from higher education institutions in China. In India, this number was 350,000. In the United States there were roughly 70,000 and the number of engineering degrees awarded in the United States is down 20 percent from the peak year of 1985.
American society as a whole seems to have less value for education, especially in the sciences and math, than when I was growing up. Maybe I’m more sensitive to these numbers since I am a scientist at heart…but isn’t anyone else disturbed by this trend? While I feel there should have been something done to help reverse this downward spiral sooner, I’m glad at least that it is finally getting some some well deserved attention by the Bush administration.
Getting back to the article posted on Subnixus, the following is my open letter to the author:
My primary field is in the sciences for which there is no other way to get that education without going through at least a four-year degree program. Recently, I went the opposite direction going for a Master’s Degree in Administration with the focus on Information Systems. Yes, there were times I was sitting in the classroom and thinking, is this really worth it? How could I not consider whether the degree was worth the price I was paying. A price that was not only paid in money for tuition but also my time. During those years I missed so many Sunday football games and evenings with the family. Quite frankly, when I was pursuing a higher education I felt I was living the life of a monk with little connection to the “real world”.
Did I feel at times the university was just taking my money with the only reward at the end being a piece of paper? Yes, I did. Did my employer give me a penny more after receiving my piece of paper? No they didn’t. Was it tempting to call it quits? Yes it was. Do I regret that I spent my time in college and completing my degree? No, I don’t have a single regret and here is why. If there is only one thing that is important in life to assure success it is to “follow though” and finish what you started. Completing what you set out to do is what separates the winners and the losers.
And no, I’m not implying the author of the article is a loser. He seems to me to be very intelligent and as I’ve said, I learned a lot from his writings. I am however saying that I have deep respect for the roommate that he writes about. A roommate that despite having someone tell her that “she has been brainwashed” is still sticking it out and working on her degree. I too had roommates that dropped out and were living the good life while I pursued my studies. I know what she is going through. It’s not easy to eat Ramen Noodles when your roommate is eating steak.
One of my former roommates thought I was crazy when the first job I accepted after getting my degree. The job paid less than what he when he worked at the local video store. Fast forward twenty years to the present and I promise you he does not carry the same attitude. It is a struggle to realize you didn’t finish what you started when you had the time, energy, and youth to do it. Regardless of the money he may or may not be making now, he regrets not following through and finishing his degree. As a good friend of his, I too regret he didn’t finish what he started.
Respecfully,
6 comments so far
I completely agree, subnixus used to be a fairly useful blog. But now it seems like its just about alienating readers and spouting uninformed drivel. I too wrote an article denouncing subnixus’ “Why College Is A Scam” article. College is very necessary for most young people. You can read my post Why Everyone Should Go To College here.
[...] p.s. - Bryan, this can also be considered my reply to your open letter. [...]
I don’t completely disagree with what you are saying here, however, I do want to point out my situation as an example.
I dropped out of college after 6 years of part-time classes. I only completed about 65 credit hours, or half of the degree. A lot of that was general education so I only have about 25% of my Computer Science credits completed. I might go back and finish a CS degree one day but somehow I doubt it. I’m 24 years old, I started school at 16 and stopped at 22. I am definitely not typical. In my case, dropping out doesn’t feel like quitting. I started learning computer programming at age 12 and being home schooled I could dedicate a great deal of time to my education. By age 20 I was a professional programmer with more experience than most 30 year old comptuer science/information systems graduates. I know that I am missing out on some things by not finishing my degree, however, I don’t need the piece of paper to validate my abilities. The degree might get me a better paying job working for a corporation. That doesn’t matter to me, I don’t want that. I work for myself, mostly on my own terms. I contract for a wonderful startup company and I also do freelance design/development/programming work. I have an office, a recording studio and sometimes I even have free time to do whatever.
This might sound like bragging but that’s not my intention. I just want to point out that things change and in todays world college degrees are not the only path to success.
And by the way, subnixus has posted a new article which responds to this one.
I actually agree with the Subnixus stance, but I also realize that’s not a stance that works for everyone.
I was out of college within 2 quarters - I knew I would never finish and also that I would end up working for myself no matter how many degrees I had.
It does take a certain mindset to be able to take that path, however, and that’s what I think he’s not realizing over there. Not everyone can do it. Not everyone can just chuck the system and forge ahead.
I’m not saying I’m smarter or more capable than anyone else (just more ADD if anything). I have many friends with degrees; some who make both more and some who make less than I do.
I never wanted or needed a degree more because I can’t sit in a class for more than 15 minutes without going stir-crazy and because waiting 4 years to complete the degree isn’t enough instant gratification for my MTV-raised mind.
So far, I’ve enjoyed reading everybody’s comments. Consider this a reply to all that have posted so far. When I get a chance, I’ll reply to Eric’s (Subnixus) response on his site. I DO NOT plan to rebuttle his rebuttle of my rebuttle with another new post here (whew my head is spinning).
While I predate the computer with a mouse, I too like many of those that have commented started programming on computers early. I actually taught myself BASIC at age 13, before I even had access to a computer in High School (home computers were scarce for middle class family back then). I don’t consider anyone here bragging about their talents, we’re just letting everyone know our background.
Regarding Monkey’s remark, “I just want to point out that things change and in todays world college degrees are not the only path to success.” I am of the opinion that the world hasn’t really changed, you always had the opportunity to succeed without a college degree. I think though college does increase your chances to succeed and adapting to changes in the future. For example, I would never have taken Accounting (now those are some really messed up people), but to my surprise I now handle an IT budget. If I only had relied on my “natural” talents and interests, I wouldn’t have qualified for the work I’m doing now. College gave me opportunities that I wouldn’t have been given if I only relied on my own self-education.
Those of you that have dropped out of college, I wish you well. I can see your talents and don’t doubt your current successes. I have to admit though, I feel like I’m wishing the current football jocks well and wondering what will happen to them when the football career is over. In the end though I suppose it really all depends on how we measure success (it’s definately more than about money and a career) which is another topic for another day.
By the way…Monkey I like the Drupal site (my current obsession). Brian…those are some nice sports sites (yours I assume). Well gotta run and figure out what I’m taking to the Super Bowl party.
[...] After a serious discussion over the weekend about the importance of education it may be time to light things the rest of the week. If you haven’t already check out StupidVideos.com. My favorite so far is “Keyboard Rock and Roll“. If watching videos isn’t your thing…maybe an Amazon purchase will cheer you up. [...]
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