Did I teach him that?

I have a mixed view of getting a college education. On the one hand I love the idea of taking time after high school to study and follow a passion. I also see the value of gaining skills and credentials to be able to enter the work place. I don’t think the amount of education or the lack thereof necessarily determines the quality of the person. Some of the finest people I have ever known never went beyond the 8th grade in education. I’ve also known some folks with advanced degrees who were complete idiots when it came to common sense and social skills.

Still I had hoped that all of my children would go on to SOME sort of extra education and training after high school. So Calvin’s lack of planning for next year has made me a little bit anxious. He seemed to like the idea of receiving Emergency Medical Technician training, and it would fit in with his background as a lifeguard, but he doesn’t seem to be making any progress or plans towards finding programs and filling out applications.

Today I tried to pin him down a little bit about what he wants to do after high school? Does he want to try to get into an EMT program? or would he rather try to go to college and get on the swim team?

His answer surprised me.

“Mom,” he said, “I just want to make enough money to support a family well. I don’t care if it’s working out doors, or installing cable, or working as an electrician, or as a paramedic. I really am not looking for a career. I just want something that will pay the bills. My life is going to be my family.”

I’m still pondering how to respond to that. He’s got his values in the right order! But couldn’t he “pay the bills” doing something that he has a passion for? We’ll see. Stay tuned!

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