A student's point of view

[Ivorytickler]

Originally Posted by ReblTeen84

That depends. I've known what I wanted to do for a long, long time (IT). I took a fair number of my comp tech classes in high school, and a few in middle school as well. I based my colleges on technology - it's why I didn't go to a regular 4 year school. I'm in the minority though. There are people from my graduating class that are still wandering around or have no idea.

I think it's based on the parents though. My dad is in IT, and I got the bug from him. He built on it and let me work on it too, so that helped.

You had constant exposure and reinforcement. I see the same thing in my students who have educated and successful parents. However, many of my kids don't. They flounder until they stumble on something. I was one of them. Mom was a waitress, my dad was in skilled trades in the automotive industry and my step dad was in polishing and buffing. I had no idea what I wanted or how education would play out for me when I was in high school and I barely graduated from high school (No real motivation to do any better than just get a diploma). Years later when I decided I needed more education to get a better job, I was a near straight A student. I wish I'd known in high school how education would play a key role in my life but I didn't and even if you'd told me, it wouldn't have motivated me. Now, if my mom had been an engineer....THAT would have been different.

[ReblTeen84]

Originally Posted by Ivorytickler

You had constant exposure and reinforcement. I see the same thing in my students who have educated and successful parents. However, many of my kids don't. They flounder until they stumble on something. I was one of them. Mom was a waitress, my dad was in skilled trades in the automotive industry and my step dad was in polishing and buffing. I had no idea what I wanted or how education would play out for me when I was in high school and I barely graduated from high school (No real motivation to do any better than just get a diploma). Years later when I decided I needed more education to get a better job, I was a near straight A student. I wish I'd known in high school how education would play a key role in my life but I didn't and even if you'd told me, it wouldn't have motivated me. Now, if my mom had been an engineer....THAT would have been different.

My mom was like that, she had a number of jobs when I was growing up, settling into accounting and CSR, both of which I detest haha. I hate math, and I paid my dues working on a helpdesk before I moved up and out...I hate it, but have mucho respect for those who do it.