As the debate drags on about further education, I find myself beyond frustrated. We base these metrics on a level of "normal" that I'm here to inform you, not all children have. How do I know this? I was one of those children. Yes, the determination one finds, the grit one shows, the self knowledge, and the learning, I'm sure is astounding. Yet it's one check mark from one limited view point proving...what exactly? I created an escape plan for myself at age 9 (determination, and ingenuity). I turned my birth father in for abusing me 3 times before I was removed from my home at age 16, and it nearly cost me my life: he bruised my jaw bone with his bare hands, among other atrocities that are irrelevant to my point. I wonder how can one say: weekly court appointments, as well as living in a foster home, being removed from school for countless court obligations, you're saying this doesn't cover as much if not more, than partying it up in a dorm somewhere? I've created my own role models throughout my life, and yes, in case you're wondering: my mom and I get along just fine...now: then, not so much. I was on my own at 17, getting out, surviving: that was my long term goal. College? A pipe dream, who exactly would I turn to for a loan? When the decision is roof over your head, or debt, one chooses a roof. 60% of foster children end up homeless, 20% incarcerated. Are we stupid? Not by a long shot, we survived terrors I do hope none of you ever know. I was on the academic decathlon team, (I had to drop out as I was in court) on the honor role (I did this creating 2 versions of my homework, the one my father wanted...and the one the professor requested) when I've got the money for classes, I make the deans list. Perhaps it's time we begin to ask realistic questions regarding employablity/capability. I understand that having a degree proves a certain level of accomplishment: perhaps it's time to expand our views, and take on: there's other ways life offers that prove as much (if not more) than "I've got a degree" ever could.
