Great story... I guess I never thought much about how different it was back then
___________________
The leftist-corportate-nanny culture has essentially crippled all teens between ages 13 to 21.
They cannot make choices about their lives, they cannot work and in many cases cannot volunteer, cannot work, must stay in school/prison, must act like high achieving female cheerleaders.
When parents bring me their kid who wants to drop out and work, I encourage it. Go right ahead. There is nothing like a low paying entry level full time job and responsibilities and bills to pay to make one rethink one’s priorities.
It certainly did the trick with my youngest son. After two years of muddling in college, his grades took a tumble... so, we quit paying.
He stayed here at home for a little over a year, working every day at Wal-Mart. It was the BEST THING EVER for him.
After awhile, I told him... " If/when you think you want to go back? I'll pay for HALF... but, YOU'RE paying the other half".
He switched back to Computer Science, has now completed two semesters with near PERFECT grades.. and, no longer fears school. I think he's turned the corner.
The great thing was: He actually met some very supportive people at Wal-Mart. There was one elderly black gentleman in particular, that really seemed to inspire him. He kept telling him, "Son... this is not your place in life, YOU can do MORE". I owe that man a HUGE "thanks".