A Wednesday news bit reported graduates in pharmacology, geophysics, astronomy and actuarial science not only had jobs when they were handed their degrees, but also could choose where they went to work.
The four graduates interviewed were above-average bright. They also were from families able to pay for above-average educations. The geophysicist, for example, did graduate work in Norway after learning that most physicists working in the energy field had advanced degrees.
It also was obvious they or someone they depended on had looked to see what fields offered job opportunities, were not overcrowded and could offer interesting, profitable careers.
This is the kind of information counselors offer students at every high school worth its salt. Not only can those graduating from Allen County high schools learn what jobs are in high demand, they also can tailor their college majors to match.
HERE’S THE REST of the story:
A whole bunch of this year’s high school graduates have the cards stacked against them to become pharmacologists, geophysicists, astronomers or actuaries because they didn’t get serious about studying while they were in high school. Those are demanding academic courses. Those who succeed in them also took a lot of math and science in high school.
Success usually begins early.
The rest of these comments is directed first at parents, then at youngsters from age 10 up. Parents should put their kids on the right track by reading to them from fun books such as A. A. Milne’s Pooh stories or, a year or two later, Kipling’s “Just So Stories,” which explain how the rhinoceros got his skin, the leopard his spots and the elephant its trunk — and teach youngsters important words to know while they are being delighted.
Books should become important gifts.
Then they should set time aside for homework and offer to help. It doesn’t hurt to give small rewards for A’s on report cards because it reinforces the idea that achieving is good and learning is a goal.
The point of this lecturing is that success doesn’t come naturally. The kid who becomes a Harvard Ph.D. despite a lousy home life and lack of self discipline is as rare as an August freeze in Houston. And, bless Bess, the opposite is just as true: youngsters reared to love learning readily become geophysicists, actuaries, astronomers or move into a fine house on pharmacy row.
Mom and dad, you really have their world-to-be right in your hands.
— Emerson Lynn, jr.
