School is NOT for everyone

In today's society, there are two truisms: You absolutely need some type of post-high school education to survive in today's work force, and not everybody is cut out for a traditional four-year college.
To get a feeling for the importance of any type of education beyond high school, look around. Many workers did well with a high school diploma for many years. Now, factories are closing down and businesses are cutting back on their work forces. The displaced workers are discovering that higher education means the difference between staying unemployed or snagging new jobs.

The Two-year Option
"A four-year school is not for everyone," says Erin Finn, dean of enrollment management at Harcum College. "A two-year school offers alternative opportunities."

Two-year colleges, technical schools and business schools will fit the needs of many students, yet these students often shy away from these alternatives. Some parents may make it clear that they have bigger goals and dreams for their children. Unfortunately, many parents see a bachelor's degree as the only appropriate start to a career.

Finn disagrees with this train of thought. "Certain careers simply do not need a bachelor's degree," she says. For example, a dental hygienist is a two-year degree.

Advances in technology have changed the scope of many traditional "vo-tech" classes, as well. Twenty years ago, a high school student wishing to be an auto mechanic went to vo-tech, graduated from high school with his skill and took a job at the local garage. Today, that high school student is getting an education at school, going off to work in a co-op program, and after graduation, he attends a technical college that provides a degree in auto mechanics. Today's cars are more sophisticated. Mechanics no longer tear an engine apart and put it back together. They must know about computer systems. The technological advancements of the automobile require the auto mechanic to further his education.

"Plus, an associate's degree is a great way to test the waters for a career, like the veterinary tech program," says Finn. "The student can get a good feel for a veterinary career and decide whether or not becoming a vet is the right career choice."

Other Options
What are the options available to young people who either aren't ready for traditional college or have no desire to get a bachelor's degree?

For students who eventually want a bachelor's degree but want a more low-key atmosphere, junior college may be the place to look. The campuses are usually small, and classes are geared toward general education credits, which can often be transferred to a four-year college. Many junior colleges have the amenities of four-year colleges, such as sports, Greek life and an active student life.

Two-year, post-secondary educational institutions offer certificate programs (less than two years of work), professional technical programs (terminal associate degrees) and transfer programs (associate of arts and associate of sciences degrees), as described by the University of Toledo.

Vocational or trade schools provide the most career-intensive training, such as to become automotive mechanics, cosmetologists or electricians. Art school may be the most logical choice for a young person who desires a career in animation or graphic design. For an in-depth look at the types of schools and certifications offered, do your research online at www.searchforschools.net.

Finn is quick to remind her potential students that for some careers, certification is necessary. When looking at trade, vocational or two-year schools, students need to ask if their program requires certification in addition to a diploma to begin working in the field.

Online colleges are becoming more popular and might look like an ideal choice to a new high school graduate who wants to work full time while earning a degree. However, online classes take a lot of discipline – most of the work is without face-to-face contact with professors or classmates. Some online colleges have age and employment requirements, as they are looking for adult learners as opposed to the traditionally-aged college student.

In the current job market, a job that requires a two-year degree may be easier to find. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, jobs in health and technology fields are in the top 10 careers in demand. These are also lucrative jobs. An associate's degree in a technical field can command starting salaries of $35,000 or more. With hundreds, if not thousands, of options out there, high school students can pursue their dreams with the post-secondary education best fitted for their individual needs.

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Crime Area Map

I wanted to share a website with you that is a good idea to visit. It is FAMILY WATCH DOG When you visit this site you can enter your address and a map will pop up with your house as the small icon of a house and red, blue, green, dots surrounding your entire neighborhood.

When you click on these dots a picture of a person will appear with an address and the description of the crime he or she had committed. I was really shocked at how many of these people were in my neighborhood. The best thing is that you can show your children pictures and see how close these people live to your home or school. This site was developed by John Walsh from Americas Most Wanted. Another tool to help us keep our kids safe.

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My grandfather died from colon cancer about 2 years ago. My grandmother is still so heart broken. I think if she could just die of a broken heart, she would.

I read about a recent study whereas Curry and Onions may help to reduce the size of pollps in the colon therefore reducing the risk of colon cancer. Because my grandfather died from this cancer, it now puts me at risk..

Curry and Onions may Help Fight Colon Polyps

HEALTH NEWS BYTE
Sunday, August 20, 2006


For people concerned about colon health, a spicier diet just may be in order. According to research conducted at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, antioxidants found in curry spices and onions can help shrink colon polyps and prevent them from becoming cancerous tumors. Hopkins researchers studied a group of patients, identified as being at high-risk of colon cancer, over the course of a six-month period. At the study's end, those patients who had consumed higher amounts of the compounds curcumin and quercetin – found in abundance in curry and onions – experienced an average reduction of 60% in the number of colon polyps. Researchers called for larger-scale studies of curcumin and quercetin.

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I wanted soooo badly to enter this karate tournament today but I had a school project to do. I HATE HATE HATE it that I cant go. I had people depending on me and I could not explain that to my group to get their mercy to let me go. I was the designated driver for all the competitors and now they cant go. They are trying to find their own way there but everyones transportation is falling through the cracks and they are not able to compete either. I feel so responsible that I hate myself for getting everyone to go and now i CANT.

We better do good on this project or I will be really pissed!

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