Failing to launch, or just sputtering

cheers
Mon, 07 Aug 2006 00:21:35 +0000

In my opinion, the time to live poor is post-grad (20s) up until your first child is born. Even then, a parent should expect a ramp up to the optimum earning level.

That said, I’m down with the anti-float campaign. I want mine taking courses in their major from the get-go. No farting about trying to decide what your major. The rest of the world doesn’t do that. Pick a ‘close enough’ major and take electives to satisfy yearnings in other directions.

Every summer from Senior year hs onwards should be spent in a life building endeavor; ie not serving ice cream at DQ. We’ve supported our son in intensive language programs and unpaid internships. Though he’s just a rising junior, he’s come home for the month and been offered two additional internships–one at the distinguished local newspaper doing a research project for the leading reporter and one with the Crown Prosecuter’s office with the senior law partner. He got those offers of the strength of his baby CV and unpaid internships–and, stop the presses, the paper is going to pay him (!). The additional internships will give him a window into further career and grad school choices.

To keep a kid moving forward, on the rails, the endpoint has to be compelling, attainable and visible. The build up of these focused experiences is doing just that fro my son. He was never happier or as swtiched on as when he was an intern on Capital Hill sitting in on various hearings, listening to future political stars, surrounded by amazing peer talent. These early experiences and mentors will surely provide a fantastic gateway after graduation–something that a landscaping or dock job cannot provide.