Friday, April 24, 2009

College for everyone???

























My son...the one that said he was NOT going to college has a 3.6 GPA and is on the Honor Roll!  I am so proud of him and just beside myself!!  Girls this is amazing!  

I just want to share with you that this was a child that struggled from 3rd grade.  I home schooled him in 6th grade.  He went back to school for 7th and 8th grade and my husband home schooled him through high school.  You see...he is a smart kid!  It's just that all children DO NOT learn alike.  After having three grown children and observing how they learned and studied, I firmly believe our education system is doing it ALL wrong.  We need schools for those that learn by doing hands on projects can learn that way, those that need a little bit more help or can't do it ALL but have mastered the basics need to be encouraged that that's okay and as they grow they will learn more on this same subject.  After going through this with Dustin, I am a huge fan of two high schools curriculums.  One for the academic child or one who strives to be more academic and one for those that want to learn a trade or learn more by doing so that when they leave high school they can go get a job right away.  We need our carpenters, electricians, chefs, designers, home decorators, painters, etc for our world to function and they all DO NOT need a college education right out of high school.  

As for Dustin, we always listened to his "I am not going to college".  We would say "one day you may change your mind" but otherwise there are many jobs where you can make enough money to support a family without it.  We encouraged him to look into the construction trades because many of the men in that industry make very good money to support themselves and their families.  After high school he went to work and tried to pay for a nice truck, gas, insurance, cell phone, going out, clothes etc. and found out that it costs more to live on your own than he thought and that he could not afford all that he wanted working at a basic job getting a little more than minimum wage.  

It's truly a "GOD thing" to have him where he is today.  He decided he wanted to study graphic design so that he could design t-shirts and clothing.  He is chose the Art Institute and is studying graphic design and he is GOOD!!!  His projects are amazing and he works hard at his school work and doesn't complain.  He is learning to please the teachers he doesn't agree with or jell with and do what he needs to pass the class.   Most of his classes he has enjoyed but you know there are always the teachers who are....well you know.  

Thanks for listening to my rant.  Just remember to encourage your children in everything they do and that our role as parents is bring them up to be responsible adults who can function in the world we live in.  We have the privilege to raise them in our faith, with our values and sometimes it's easier than others.  So most of all, young moms and dads, enjoy your children, have fun with your children and help them to succeed in life at whatever they want to pursue and just maybe it will be with a college degree but if not...then encourage them to be the best that they can be and to care about others and to love their family.  That's what we've done and boy am I a proud mama!!  Congrats Dustin!  Keep up the good work and I love you so much!  So does your dad!

***A couple projects he had to do at school are shown above with a photo of him with sweet Bella.

16 comments:

Carrie @ Cottage Cozy said...

I can so relate to your post. We experienced many similar moments with our son, who is now 27! And having twin daughters, I really learned how much children are simply "born with"! I wish the education system would wise up!

It is sooo frustrating. Good job, Mom & Dad!

Stay Cozy, Carrie

Omah's Helping Hands said...

He is good! What a great message you have passed on to many Connie. It is so important to work with our children. Your grandchildren can be very thankful to you both for racing wonderful children!

Justabeachkat said...

That's wonderful. I know you're so proud of him.

BTW, your office looks incredible. I know you're enjoying having it so organized.

Hugs!
Kat

April said...

Great job Dustin!

Connie.....you and your husband must be wonderful parents!

Dawn Marie said...

I cannot agree with you more. I'm so glad your son had you as parents to encourage and uplift him. To much pressure is put on kids to go to college. We have so many young ones out there saddled with huge debt and still no sense of direction as a career goes. Plus it always angered me that to begin college,,,our kids are forced to take 2 years of just basic stuff that they have to pay for--but will NEVER use. It dosnt have a thing to do with their career choices. Such a waste of money. I also dont like the question everyone seems to have these days--Where did you go to school? What is your degree in?

I dont have a degree, I have life experience and much much training. I actually "lived" alot of what I work in and to me there is no better training than to have walked it. College is a good choice for some-but not for all. And i really wish they would drop this basics crap.

Lavender Chick said...

Wonderful post and you're a wonderful mother!

Also - great office!!! I'm STILL trying to get organized in my new office....

Joy Junktion said...

I couldn't agree with you more on the two types of teaching.

My oldest (now 27) is also a kenetic learner. I home schooled him through high school because he nearly got kicked out of Jr High. He didn't fit the MOLD!!!

God is so good!

Anonymous said...

College didn't work for Bill Gates either and his life has turned out just fine. It's all about doing what you love and having confidence in yourself. Schools pigeon hole students out of necessity because of all of the budget constraints and bureaucratic red tape that exists in today's education system.

I'm glad you were there for your son.

YaYa's Funhouse said...

Connie, I so agree with you. Our son, father of the twins, same story. He is a graphic designer...a hard worker and provides well for his family. He won outstanding awards in his field. I could not be any prouder of him. I am sure you know what I mean. The school systems try to treat everyone like they were all cut from the same cookie cutter and that JUST DOES NOT WORK!

LisaShaw said...

Praise the Lord Connie for all that He has done and is doing in your sons life.

Just a little something from Judy said...

Connie, I could write a book on this subject. I am so proud of Dustin! I totally agree with you on everything you stated on this post. That is exactly why I am so proud of our youngest daughter and her journey in pastry chef school. She finally found her niche. I will forever be proud of these kids and their accomplishments. They simply learn in a method outside of the box.

Nina Diane said...

Hey Connie! congrats to Dustin!! My son Jake struggles with this very same thing. Now he is getting ready to turn 21 and thinking maybe he should go back to college...I keep my fingers crossed.

Edwina at The Picket Fence said...

Keep up the Good work Dustin!!!

Anonymous said...

Amen!! Amen!! Amen!! Amen, Connie!

Oh this is just soooo true!! My Jordan has ALWAYS struggled in school with testing/bookwork but give him a project and he would be amazing!! He is enrolled in the vo-tech program for carpentry and honestly it has kept him from quitting high school. It took him 6 tries to pass his drivers permit test and on Sunday he passed the driving part without a hitch!! He said "mom, i was so calm"--i said "that is because you always shine when you can show someone how to do it not have to write it down." It has been a constant struggle to assure him that he is smart because the school systems way of teaching has told him otherwise!!

So happy for Dustin!! and you!! No greater feeling than children that are succeeding!!

hugs,
Kim

Belle (from Life of a...) said...

This is wonderful...you have every right and then some to be the proudest parents in the world. My husband and I were talking the other day...nothing that we have EVER accomplished ourselves makes us as proud as the things that our children accomplish. It's the best feeling in the world. GOOD JOB, DUSTIN!

nancygrayce said...

How true it is that all kids learn differently! My oldest two had problems in school and it was miserable for them and for us!

p.s. did you make that yummy looking pie and if so do you share your recipes???? :)

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