I used University to widen, broaden, deepen interests and understanding yet managed to keep my iconoclastic nature fully intact. I also did it very fast, 180 credits, many graduate level, to earn my B.A. from University of Minnesota, Twin Cities, in 2 yrs and 9 months.
While I felt like public education had stolen five years of my life I felt like my time at University had great value.
I’m a 39 YO successful working professional who did not go to college. I work in a technical financial field where most of my peers are JD’s, MBA’s, etc.
I have always “felt” like skipping traditional higher education may have been one of the the best things for my career trajectory. I have had to work really hard to prove myself, but at the same time, I have maintained independent thought and an unusual effective creativity in my agency.
Very good short essay. I have really enjoyed your work since stumbling upon your Substack.
Glad to hear you've enjoyed much success despite not having a degree. I've met others like yourself, and think it's silly that some employers/people still stigmatize others for not carrying around the right piece of paper.
I like learning and enjoyed college, but I think its value is overstated (and rapidly diminishing).
I used University to widen, broaden, deepen interests and understanding yet managed to keep my iconoclastic nature fully intact. I also did it very fast, 180 credits, many graduate level, to earn my B.A. from University of Minnesota, Twin Cities, in 2 yrs and 9 months.
While I felt like public education had stolen five years of my life I felt like my time at University had great value.
My experience was much the same.
Did I feel I got my money's worth out of my B.A. and M.A.? Hardly. Did I enjoy the experience, learn quite a bit, and meet lots of great people? Yes.
College can be a great experience, but it's value is overstated and rapidly diminishing.
I’m a 39 YO successful working professional who did not go to college. I work in a technical financial field where most of my peers are JD’s, MBA’s, etc.
I have always “felt” like skipping traditional higher education may have been one of the the best things for my career trajectory. I have had to work really hard to prove myself, but at the same time, I have maintained independent thought and an unusual effective creativity in my agency.
Very good short essay. I have really enjoyed your work since stumbling upon your Substack.
Thank you for the kind word, Sheldon!
Glad to hear you've enjoyed much success despite not having a degree. I've met others like yourself, and think it's silly that some employers/people still stigmatize others for not carrying around the right piece of paper.
I like learning and enjoyed college, but I think its value is overstated (and rapidly diminishing).