One Mr. John Land visited us in forum, spoke on civic responsibility, of course, and one of the first things he did was ask us, "Why are you in college pursuing higher education?" For him, it was not a question whether he went to college or not. In his family, it was, "You're gonna go." He didn't know what he wanted to be for a while, but he know he wanted to make $$. But! As a senior in college, he realized that he did not want to be a chemical engineer for the rest of his life. So then, at a point where he was supposed to be launching into his career after finishing his major, he decided to go into something random: dentistry. He did it at the urging of a dentist friend to just try it, because what did he have to lose at that point? He knew he was meant for it from Day One.
See, this the problem, people. Don't go to college because Mommy and Daddy want you to; do it because it won't waste your time. Whether it is because you love learning and don't want to stop, or because you have a goal in mind that you can reach through higher education, or you just want to go to college to find that one thing - go because it's right for you! And if it's not? Freaking don't go to college. Mommy and Daddy don't have to live your life - you do. My mom and dad would never have told me to go to college. They knew I'd do well in it, but they also knew I have a brain and a purpose and don't need them to tell me what it is. They did me the biggest favor by letting me make my own decisions. I had the opportunity to carefully consider whether or not I even wanted to go to college. And because I got to make the decision, this whole experience means a lot more to me than if it had been "What you're gonna do, period." Life is not about college! Or making it rain! You're on this Earth to fulfill a purpose, not get a degree.
On that note, :) did you know that our Constitution ("In order to form a more perfect union...") is based on ancient Roman standards? Excitement!
I'm not sure if this is just my personal note or an approximate quote of what Sir John said in forum, but this is what is written in my notebook: "Hey! No one makes you vote; this is not high school. Grow up and be responsible." That's probably a personal note based on what he said, because he wasn't as rude of a speaker as my brain is a thinker. He also said that a cornerstone of democracy, presumably adopted from ancient Rome, is jury duty. And you know what? Only 25-40% of those originally summoned actually show up. They have to be replaced.
One thing that I have to disagree with Sir John about when he got to talking about volunteerism is that he is a Tennessee fan: "Orange is the new khaki. It matches everything." No, silly. It doesn't. Blue jeans match everything. GO UK. But then he redeemed that foul misjudgment by telling us to say yes when we want to say no. Making a lot of money and having a "great" lifestlye is not that most rewards you. It's always giving back. And did you know that college graduates are among the group who do the most volunteer work? These people are out of college and volunteering more, when they are not being forced to! College just raises an awareness and appreciation of others. Sir John involves his company in meaningful volunteerism. It brings the workers together and creates business connections.
He ended on the following notes:
*GIVING:
- It is more than money, but never less.
- At this point, I have the time and talent to do it.
- Hopefully in the future, I will also have the money.
- Just as it is hard to give of time and talents now, it will also be hard to hand over my money in the future. (So condition yourself now.)
*Read a book by Dave Ramsey, "Staying debt-free" advocate. The borrower is servant to the lender and not to those who need it. It will change your family tree if you live giving back.
*You may not live what you profess, but you will certainly live what you believe.
* Material possessions will only make you feel good for a short time. Plus, there is a limit to how much you can buy. When you give, the rewards have no expiration date. There is no limit to how much you can give of yourself. (I would have to argue with that last part, assuming we are all mere human beings.)
* You will get plugged in where your life leads.
See, this the problem, people. Don't go to college because Mommy and Daddy want you to; do it because it won't waste your time. Whether it is because you love learning and don't want to stop, or because you have a goal in mind that you can reach through higher education, or you just want to go to college to find that one thing - go because it's right for you! And if it's not? Freaking don't go to college. Mommy and Daddy don't have to live your life - you do. My mom and dad would never have told me to go to college. They knew I'd do well in it, but they also knew I have a brain and a purpose and don't need them to tell me what it is. They did me the biggest favor by letting me make my own decisions. I had the opportunity to carefully consider whether or not I even wanted to go to college. And because I got to make the decision, this whole experience means a lot more to me than if it had been "What you're gonna do, period." Life is not about college! Or making it rain! You're on this Earth to fulfill a purpose, not get a degree.
On that note, :) did you know that our Constitution ("In order to form a more perfect union...") is based on ancient Roman standards? Excitement!
I'm not sure if this is just my personal note or an approximate quote of what Sir John said in forum, but this is what is written in my notebook: "Hey! No one makes you vote; this is not high school. Grow up and be responsible." That's probably a personal note based on what he said, because he wasn't as rude of a speaker as my brain is a thinker. He also said that a cornerstone of democracy, presumably adopted from ancient Rome, is jury duty. And you know what? Only 25-40% of those originally summoned actually show up. They have to be replaced.
One thing that I have to disagree with Sir John about when he got to talking about volunteerism is that he is a Tennessee fan: "Orange is the new khaki. It matches everything." No, silly. It doesn't. Blue jeans match everything. GO UK. But then he redeemed that foul misjudgment by telling us to say yes when we want to say no. Making a lot of money and having a "great" lifestlye is not that most rewards you. It's always giving back. And did you know that college graduates are among the group who do the most volunteer work? These people are out of college and volunteering more, when they are not being forced to! College just raises an awareness and appreciation of others. Sir John involves his company in meaningful volunteerism. It brings the workers together and creates business connections.
He ended on the following notes:
*GIVING:
- It is more than money, but never less.
- At this point, I have the time and talent to do it.
- Hopefully in the future, I will also have the money.
- Just as it is hard to give of time and talents now, it will also be hard to hand over my money in the future. (So condition yourself now.)
*Read a book by Dave Ramsey, "Staying debt-free" advocate. The borrower is servant to the lender and not to those who need it. It will change your family tree if you live giving back.
*You may not live what you profess, but you will certainly live what you believe.
* Material possessions will only make you feel good for a short time. Plus, there is a limit to how much you can buy. When you give, the rewards have no expiration date. There is no limit to how much you can give of yourself. (I would have to argue with that last part, assuming we are all mere human beings.)
* You will get plugged in where your life leads.
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