Going to College

The other day, Dan asked me a question about his future.

“Do you think I’ll live in a dorm when I go to college?”

Such an innocent question.

“Sure! If you want. It costs a lot of money.”

“I thought it was free!”

“Nope. It is definitely not free, but when you go to college you have to live somewhere, so yes. You will probably live in the dorms.”

Pause.

“Where did you learn about dorms?” I asked Dan.

He replied, “I’ve always known about dorms. I’m smarter than I look.”

I laughed, “I know you are, but when did you hear the word?”

“I just always knew about them.”

“Okay cool.”

This conversation, while lighthearted and a little bit funny, is also nervewracking.

I’m still paying on the interest on my own student loans. Antonio and I will forever be indebted with student loans. I absolutely value my education, and I’m so glad I went to college, but knowing what I know now, I am not a big proponent of paying for school just to get the degree. It is a luxury. And also–in this world of online resources, I know that there is so much education out there for the taking. The piece of paper doesn’t guarantee any kind of employment. So why spend money on it?

This is the question I’m asking myself this morning.

My answers will come to my brain as I type because that’s how this blog works.

1. He will meet other students from various backgrounds and situations. He will make friends that will last a life time as they work together in classes or as roommates. I just talked to a college roommate on Wednesday. She is a math teacher and after 17 years, we’re still great friends.
2. He will sit in classrooms or online and have discussions with professors who have asked difficult questions and found insightful solutions. He will learn how to learn and how to communicate with others in ways that are difficult to find outside of school.
3. He will adventure and spread his wings. He will find confidence in a microcosm of the universe that will provide support and nurturing so that when he leaves the university he will have the confidence to adventure and build and create things that will make the world a better place.

Yes. I am nervous about finding money to pay for college. Yes, I will die in debt. And yes, I will continue to encourage Dan to go to college and experience education. I will also encourage him to go to trade school and to take classes that give him real life skills in high school and after high school. I want him to have a sense that college isn’t always about making money–and I will help him to find creative ways to learn money making skills so he can choose to enjoy all that life offers.

Luckily, we have a few years left to figure things out. Maybe by the time he goes to school, prices won’t be quite so ridiculous and middle class families won’t have to mortgage their whole futures in order to experience a college education.

I went to Brigham Young University from 1996-1999 and 2001-2002. I graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Acting, Theatre and Media Arts. I went to Mary Baldwin University from 2004-2007. I graduated with a Master of Letters and a Master of Fine Arts in Shakespeare and Renaissance Literature in Performance. Go Cougars! Go Fighting Squirrels!

Of course, Dan wants to go Southern Utah University because that is where he beloved Grandma DeAnne went to college. I couldn’t be happier with his choice. It’s a great school and we are looking forward to visiting him there! Go Thunderbirds! We are happy to send our son and our money to your fine institution!