Higher education can connect people to their dream jobs
Today, education beyond high school is often no longer viewed as a mere option; it is considered a requirement. There are several schools of thought on this. Some say that college should not be necessary to advance in the world of work. Others believe that college should be a natural extension of high school and that everyone should follow the same path. Then, there is the middle ground. This middle ground believes that college should be known to all and a good fit for many, and offer clear paths of advancement and training at various levels — training that fits with the work-force goals of those who choose this route, and with work-force requirements and job availability.
It can be easy to pretend to know all of the answers with respect to higher education. Experts can be consulted. Politicians can offer solutions. We all have opinions. What I want to share as a college instructor is the personal excitement I feel when learning that an individual has decided to pursue goals related to his or her interest, talents, experience and passions. When students tell of their career goals, life goals and dreams of making the world a better place through their chosen professions, it encourages me as an instructor. Why? Because, as evidenced by their presence in my class, they are taking steps and working to make their goals a reality.
Students often take my classes early in their college journey. This allows me to view, from the beginning, people who will be successful contributors to our society. From medicine to engineering to skilled labor to education, my students have expressed goals and dreams of working toward the greater good. They aim to be self-reliant, responsible individuals who gain the knowledge and experience to bring value to their work, families, communities and beyond. This brings me to my final point. There should be balance in our discussions of higher education. In Florida especially, where our state college and university systems are increasingly accessible and effective, and improving all the time, no students should automatically think their career dreams are out of reach. Our middle and high schools should inform students about all educational options, and our colleges and universities should continue to focus on a variety of programs that connect people with the real jobs they most desire.
We have done well in Florida in attracting jobs. Now, we must encourage young people, and students of all ages, to take on the challenge of college when college can connect those jobs to their talents and dreams. Our state and nation will be all the better for it.