The promise of college for our generation

[Not2B]

I understand Ken's question very well, as it's something my wife has/is going through.

She was told that engineering was hard, and it was something she couldn't do because it was too hard. So.... she proved that wasn't true. She went to University of Michigan, which is not some easy school, and got a degree in Materials Science. Metals and Ceramics (not so much in the polymers.)

She graduated with a high GPA, and didn't really know what to do with that. Worked in a steel mill - hated it, and now works in advertising, which is totally unrelated to what she studied.

But she was always told if she went to college and got a good degree, she would be set for life. But she hated engineering, and had worked several entry level jobs just to make her way through advertising. Had she studied something like art history (something she would enjoy), she would have had an easier time.

Getting a degree isn't a free ride, especially if it's something you don't enjoy.

Besides, college isn't for everyone.

No idea how to fix this. Personally, I try not to push college on everyone - something I used to do. I have recognized that it's not for everyone, figuring out what someone wants to do is more important.