myfunny4

I joined UnschoolingDiscussion two or three days ago, but I was a
member last year. I think I'm on Sandra Dodd's website in the
unschooling a child with special needs section. Our family
experienced a tragedy in January this year when our youngest, my 7-
year old son, died after a life-long struggle with a genetic disease.

My oldest daughter is 19, and a student at the local community
college. I also have a 15-year old daughter, and a 12-year old son.

I joined to ask for suggestions on ways to help my 15-year old
daughter. Apparently, her friends from both public and parochial
schools are already discussing colleges and future careers. I found
this out during a casual conversation in the car. I was surprised
to hear her say, "I know that I have to go to college." She didn't
hear that from me or her father, but I think I know the source.

We talked about it for a while, and my daughter summed it up nicely
but a little tearfully, "How can I know what college I want to go to
when I don't even know what I want to do!" She's feeling "immature"
(her word) compared to her friends because she doesn't have any
career goals. Anyway, I'd like to give my daughter some information
about careers that do not require a college degree so she can
understand that she has options other than college, and I was hoping
some members on this list could suggest a few resources.

Thanks,

Debbie

Elizabeth Hill

** We talked about it for a while, and my daughter summed it up nicely
but a little tearfully, "How can I know what college I want to go to
when I don't even know what I want to do!" She's feeling "immature"
(her word) compared to her friends because she doesn't have any
career goals.**

On the flip side, I have an acquaintance who got all the way through a
prestigious college, then law school, then found out he didn't like
being a lawyer.

This is a great point in her life to learn more about the world and
about her own talents before picking a career direction.

And I sympathize. Even when I waas 25, I'd sit around and talk with some
of my closest friends about what their jobs were like and try to figure
out if I wanted to make a change.

Betsy

Linda

--- myfunny4 <Debbies4@...> wrote:
>>I'd like to give my daughter some information about
careers that do not require a college degree so she
can understand that she has options other than
college, and I was hoping some members on this list
could suggest a few resources.<<

Here's an essay on college that might help:
http://www.unconventionalideas.com/wizard.html

Do you know anyone who has not been to college? Or who
went but ended up doing something else than what they
majored in? They might have some insight and
reassurance for her.

-Linda




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sarmarboo

> We talked about it for a while, and my daughter summed it up nicely
> but a little tearfully, "How can I know what college I want to go
to
> when I don't even know what I want to do!" She's
feeling "immature"
> (her word) compared to her friends because she doesn't have any
> career goals.

I don't know if this will help or not, but I'm a (fairly) recent
college grad who still has NO IDEA what I want to do. I was the kid
with the five-year plan all through high school and went off to
college and found I didn't like what I'd planned...so I transferred,
changed majors, etc. I graduated with a degree in Anthropology with
another 5-year plan in my head...again didn't happen. I LOVED
Anthropology and am honestly very happy that I was able to study it
throughout college, but I doubt very much that anything I do in life
will be directly related to my degree - (although most of life
relates to Anth.).

My father never finished college and has owned and successfully run
numerous businesses throughout my life - he found something he
enjoyed doing (video and radio production) and figured out a way to
make some money at it (not a lot but enough to live on). He's
currently running his own railing installation business and
transitioning back into real estate.

I guess my point is that having a plan at 15 doesn't necessarily make
it any easier to get a job or have a life plan...If she's got an
interest I'd suggest nurturing that - if she loves to read, maybe
explore careers in editing (there are a lot of freelance positions
that don't need a degree), write - explore writing or journalism
(maybe she can write an article for the local paper - get a teen's
perspective on something going on in your area), watch TV - see what
it takes to be a television critic or work with a local theater or at
the tv station.

A lot of colleges have certificate programs - programs meant to be
taken by people working full time so they take place in the evenings
and weekends - that tend to be more geared toward real-world
application of interests and skills and not so much academia. (I'm
going to take a Museum Studies one next year).

I know it probably won't mean much to her to say don't worry about
it, but honestly, don't worry about it. As I'm sure you know she has
plenty of time to figure out what she wants to do.

Good luck!

Sarah :)