Pretentious Much?

Here and there I've seen people make comments about the importance of higher education. They say things like: "For goodness sakes! It's 2010, get an education!" or "When will people understand that education should take priority in their lives?" or (my favorite) "A Bachelor's degree is not enough. You need to go to graduate school." I mostly see these comments on Facebook, written by people who obviously didn't foot the bill for their education.

I think it's fair to say that most parents pay for their children's education. When I was in school, I knew of not one person other than myself who was paying for their tuition. Mommy and Daddy financed everything. Yes, there are people who get scholarships and grants, but those are few and far between. Coming from a white, middle class family, I got zip. I believe all financial aid should be income and merit based. I don't think race, sports ability, parents' education, etc. should be considered. And yes, they offered scholarships to people who lacked a college educated parent where I went to school. Imagine my disgust when I learned that one particular girl (who came from a foreign, well-off family) was getting a free ride because neither of her parents attended "college." To add insult to injury, she was taking remedial courses.

I think it's a shame that these kids of privilege haven't a clue how much a degree actually costs. They speak as though the masses can afford college-level education, and that people who don't go to college or graduate school are lazy and a drain on society.

One day, those who judge will find themselves in the real world.