Problem
Thousands of dollars and several semesters of college are wasted by students who are unable to choose a major. Students falsely think they want to be pre-med or pre-law, or see the business major is a one size fits all, or pick something that “sounds good,”and then end up in “whatever will get me out in four years.” In any case, college becomes the thing your honor student will do until he or she figures it out later.
Attending college should be the result of figuring it out while still in high school. College is intended to educate a student toward a particular profession. If the student doesn’t know what that profession is before they start college, they are not only wasting their time and money, they will experience extreme frustration, wonder what their life’s purpose is, question the point of attending classes, not really care about their grades, not make an effort to learn about a profession, fail to build a professional network, miss out on opportunities to build meaningful experiences, not be competitive for jobs, and end up moving back home after graduation, if they make it that long.
Our schools do a pretty good job at teaching students a standard education, so many students are academically ready and capable of college. However no one is steering the development of the individuality of our kids. Teens have no idea what they like to do beyond iPods and video games. A 2008 study implied that “students are choosing a major based on influence and assumption rather than through an understanding of their own personal goals and values.”
As a result 75% end up changing their major costing time and money. At $10,000 a semester, making this life-defining choice correctly is important. And only 55% finish within 6 years, meaning 45% do not.
Solution
“Grow Kids” is the solution to preventing these problems. I enjoy working with parents and their children to first identify each child’s many areas of interest. Then we help your teen engage in those interests by identifying people, places, and events that bring those interests to life. Throughout the teenage years we work toward identifying the most interesting areas and understanding their income potential. Finally we find schools and opportunities that offer education toward each student’s personal professional goal.
I know that our children are happier when they are engaged in activities that challenge their minds and abilities. Teens who adopt this approach have more confidence, have better self-esteem, and have a better understanding of their abilities and their capabilities. They ultimately take are motivated to take full responsibility for their own higher education that results in building a fulfilling career.
Grow Kids 