Another guest blog from Leslie Lehr.
After taking my daughter on a tour of colleges, it struck me how much the next four years could influence her life. Since the day our children are born, most of us wrestle with the cost of tuition and our hopes for the future – meaning where they will be accepted. But after stepping foot on half a dozen campuses, the difference in the kind of students who fit in was overshadowed by what kind of graduates come out.
The big question goes beyond city vs. country, two year transfer program or four year campus, even the fancy degree versus the favorite environment. The issue that struck me concerns to the chasm between a liberal arts education or a focused specialty school. Liberal arts students have had time to explore options, to get involved in the politics, but may have to cobble together a major and come out without solid career credentials. (Hence, graduate school). A focused trade school prepares their students to go right into their chosen career. Which is the better citizen: the productive member of society or the idealistic thinker? And who gets the final say?
Good question Leslie. I think it takes us all in any capacity we can give. The trick is to find our place, and we'll know it when we get there. There are no perfect citizens, just people who do the best they can.
Posted by: figaro at August 16, 2006 02:10 PMI like how you think. Not many people stop to even think about their own paths, let alone the paths of their children. No, I don't think there is a difference between the "idea people" and the "practical people." Did you know that Rosa Parks, and actually many many of our "best citizens" were actually like you and me? Laborers, single-moms, high-school educated only some. Mothers and fathers. Normal normal normal and practical, practical, practical. And the ideas they represented shaped a nation. I think it's great your thinking about it. I don't think they'll get "locked in" that early.
Posted by: CBP at August 16, 2006 08:44 PMLeslie, I always love your articles! They inspire me to think about how I might raise my own children when that time comes. What they are taught is very important and when I thought about your article I also thought of Natalia Ginzburg's "The Little Virtues" about teaching our children "not the little virtues but the great ones. Not thrift, but generosity and an indifference to money; not caution but courage and a contempt for danger; not shrewdness but frankness and a love of truth; not tact but love for one's neighbor and self-denial; not a desire for success but a desire to be and to know." My thought is that if we pass them this torch, the others will be easier to handle. It is such an important decision. Thomas Moore said that "finding the right work is like discovering your own soul in the world." I think your kids should be glad you have their whole being at heart and I am sure that you will make the best decision. Mother knows best!
Posted by: gavin at August 18, 2006 01:49 PMdeceptively simple answer. we need them both. without the tradespeople or the philosophers we are all shortchanged.
and the best of all are those who crossover. not necessarily in their formal education, but afterwards in their careers, or in their own personal lives. the engineer who picks up locke and rousseau, the art history major who becomes a computer programmer, the english major who starts a brewery. often these people are seen as shiftless and unmotivated in school, but often end up contributing more than anyone expected of them.
Posted by: rox_publius at August 24, 2006 11:07 AMHere is an article expanding the topic Leslie covered into what choices awaits the children after school: Pay or Ideals?
http://encarta.msn.com/encnet/departments/adultlearning/?article=parentslament>1=8432
Like rp says very well, it is both, if you can swing it.
Posted by: Joe Duran at August 24, 2006 05:34 PMRox, Amen to that, well said. Though I will admit I never plan on picking up math--everytime I try to it hits me in the head:)
Posted by: Flavia at August 25, 2006 11:05 AMHi Leslie,
I took a quick check on your citizen hunter blog and saw this essay of yours, which is on a subject of great interest to me. Although I was more into the sciences than the liberal arts in college, I have learned of their value in the past 2+ decades. I hope you can write more on this subject in the future. I plan to write on the subject myself with an education clearinghouse (www.onveon.com) that I am now doing some work for.
Liberal arts vs. a specialty education is a complex problem because of the political correctness that swamps most campuses. Everyone needs the liberal arts (at least in my opinion) but getting a quality dose of it can be very difficult.
Here's my take on it: if the young man or woman entering college has been prepared by their parents for political correctness and is an independent thinker, then it may be worthwhile to get some additional exposure in the liberal arts. However, if they are unprepared and not yet an independent thinker, they are best avoided.
Liberal arts professors can turn a person into a psychological pretzel. They did it to me, partially, and it took me years of effort to think my way out of it. Fortunately, there are many independent sources of information on the liberal arts. Although not intended for college, I particularly like the works of Susan Wise Bauer. She has written several books on home schooling and history for kids, and in her home schooling books lists all kinds of references on quality liberal arts materials.
Hope things are well in your world.
Regards,
Mike Gemmell
Posted by: mike gemmell at September 22, 2006 01:10 PM