Wednesday, July 31, 2024

I struggle to understand some commonly expressed views in today’s world. I believe there are great benefits from formal higher education, but I often gather that young people today see no value in attending college.

Recently, I became interested in a colleague at work. She’s in her mid-twenties and is very bright, and I enjoy hearing her explain some elements of retail selling. I stumbled into learning that she sees no reason to get a higher education because “that’s useless today.”

I learned long ago the value of formal learning: it enlarges perspectives and influences social and workplace opportunities. I wanted to “play it forward” by encouraging my young colleague to explore college learning, and instead, I quickly raised her fighting spirit. Our discussion went nowhere, at least from my point of view. We dropped the topic, for continuing to push it would reduce our now mutual trust.

I think encouraging an individual upon recognizing potential can feel frightening to a recipient who lacks the strength of genuine self-confidence. Adding to that is what’s gathered in the air and through the tea leaves, so to speak, or the contemporary social influence in general.

In a very different social atmosphere, long ago, I responded to a co-worker who said I was bright and suggested I take college courses. The idea of higher learning frightened my timid self; I resisted but somehow understood that higher learning supported personal strength and independence. Finally, enrolling in a college-level course, I gained respect from a strict teacher and earned an A. I’ve always been grateful to my co-worker, who encouraged me to attend college, which rewarded me with an interesting career.

I wish a similar journey for my intelligent young co-worker. Today, these times and social pressures are different from my own experience. My best plan is to hope that eventually, in some way, she will re-raise the topic of higher education.

Dear Friends: Navigating social situations is knowing an ever-changing social landscape. Diana