So many times, educators' efforts are geared towards getting students
college ready because we know that this has been declared the industry standard of
excellence for schools. However, now there is a new line of thinking that
challenges this notion by asking what does post secondary success really looks
like?
As a principal and a mom of four, it has just been assumed that
all of my kids would attend college, obtain a degree, and move on to bigger and
better things that don’t require my financial assistance. In fact, my sons have
already started this path and have completed their junior and freshman years of
college at Wichita State University.
Life was going as planned.
On Memorial Day, Camren, my 19-year-old son, came to my
husband and I and told us that he wanted to join the Air National
Guard. He said that he didn’t like taking classes that were not in his field of interest and he felt restless and
wanted to take an alternative path. He then explained that he was confident he would test
well and qualify for a path in computer science through the ANG. He continued
with all of the pros for this decision and it was clear that he had done
his research and that this was something he had truly thought about for awhile.
David and I’s initial reaction was shock. Here is a kid who
graduated high school with a 3.6 GPA, a composite score of 28 on his ACT, and
who had scholarship offers telling us he didn’t want to go to college at this
time. This was our kid who made school and testing look like a breeze. This was
our kid who just “got” whatever you put in front of him at school. This was not
our kid who we thought would take a alternative route.
Even so, as he talked with us, I have to admit that I had never
seen Camren more motivated or excited about the possibilities. All I could do
is look at my husband and say, “He’s 19 years old. It’s his choice. All we can
do is support him.”
I know I’ve preached this to anyone that would hear it for the
past couple of years, but success isn’t just a 4-year degree. Success is
knowing what you want and taking a road that is meaningful for you. As I watch
Camren do his research and prepare for what’s ahead, I can’t help but be proud
of him. He’s engaged in his path and it’s breathtaking to watch.
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