Although I had a heavy math/science college prep coursework in HS, after graduation I quit working as a CAD designer for my old man and got a job digging ditches”... well more like swinging a spiking maul building railroad track. I saved every penny I could over the next 5 years while learning so many “real” life trade skills... I advanced from a trackman to a brakeman, freight conductor, mechanic, heavy equipment operator, locomotive engineer, track inspector... you name it... in the shortline railroad business you wear many hats.
Well I then applied to engineering school, paying for the whole deal myself... I refused to even fill out a FAFSA form and left the scholarships for the “entitled”. It took me a while, there were semesters I lightened my load as I was still working at the railroad... but I made it.
After College I took various management positions... Chief Mechanical Officer, Transportation Superintendent, General Superintendent... eventually joining a fortune 50 company, and then sitting for the Engineer-in-Training exam.
Presently I am with an engineering firm that deals specifically with railroads, which has always been pretty much my “dream job” (well.. kinda), and the next thing I am thinking is to sit for the P.E. exam.
Not bad for a ditchdigger.
So... speaking from experience here... I believe there are a lot of overentitled spoiled brats out there that have no business being in college. The family in this article seem to be doing it right.
Good work!
I too took no money for college and worked multiple jobs while carrying various hour loads to work around my job, not the other way around.