High School Guidance Counselors

[vtfireman85]

2 minutes ago, zleinenbach said:

Only two things stopping you….

Fear 

and common sense

 

well distance too I guess

I’ve never hit a woman…

[zleinenbach]

1 minute ago, vtfireman85 said:

I’ve never hit a woman…

Define woman you dam south Canadian duckwad

[vtfireman85]

1 minute ago, zleinenbach said:

Define woman you dam south Canadian duckwad

Well, you probably wouldn’t recognize what we refer to as women here, they walk upright and only have hair on their head. 

[bitty]

1 hour ago, Finney said:

Graduated in 73. Counselor told us if we didn't go to collage we would wind up digging ditches for minimum wage. 

I wonder if the collages paid a bounty to the counselors to get kids to sign up.

Graduated in '90 same story from the guidance counselors . Probably a safe bet

2 hours ago, zleinenbach said:

I worked on furnace at my guidance counselors house and said “who’s the dummy now!!?”

we were scorned, the vocational rejects I do recall being labeled by teachers in school.

Like said above if the shoe fits, wear it.

college isn’t for everyone and honestly, many would be more successful if they steered clear.

 

on a side bar, probably unrelated, but don’t the charge interest on student debt? Someone’s making money

Went to tech school for machine shop. I was offered an apprenticeship and would have been making 62k at age 22 with no college debt. 

[nomorejohndeere]

Stupid thing about college is spending half your time for credit hours in stupid things not related to your degree...

Runs the bill up nicely.....

 

[Dasnake]

School and me never got along, ever, one thing was I was decent with my hands, so in 1964 I was 16 and told my old man I want to quit, he says not without a job your not, got a job in a steel mill that day and never looked back, and counsel in those days was kinda sparse, the only thing I ever got was I would never amount to anything leaving school, just one story because everyone is different.

[Mr. Plow]

3 hours ago, 560Dennis said:

I never had a meeting with guidance counselor that I remember , maybe to drop a class . 
Did fine without them . Nothing else positive to say 

Agreed, I knew what I need to do and where I wanted to be.....they were a necessary means to an end, no more, no less. 

I did go to college, got a mechanical engineering degree and now supervise engineers who design natural gas transmission pipelines and regulators........I knew I couldn't make a living farming on the 120 acres the family owns, and I had a strong desire to go to engineering school.

I work with skilled trades every day and definitely agree that there is a shortage of skilled labor out there and that we need more focus on trade schools and guidance for those who don't want to go to college.   I'm a bit afraid that the "Nintendo generation " has sworn off skilled manual labor as a viable career because it's more than pushing buttons.

When I hire new engineers,  I try to hire the ones who have some of the skills to actually build what I will be asking them to design........its a recipe that works.......and in many cases the best of them are farm kids.

[Steve C.]

4 hours ago, Finney said:

Graduated in 73. Counselor told us if we didn't go to collage we would wind up digging ditches for minimum wage. Saw her at our 10th reunion, asked her if she wanted to compare pay stubs, then I asked about all the collage graduates in my class making 20-30,000. 

I wonder if the collages paid a bounty to the counselors to get kids to sign up.

Pretty sure there are some kind of perks involved.

[Sledgehammer]

3 hours ago, vtfireman85 said:

Well, you probably wouldn’t recognize what we refer to as women here, they walk upright and only have hair on their head. 

I always hated it when you compliment someone on their mustache and then all of a sudden she won’t be your friend any more....

[1256pickett]

I graduated in 95 I don’t recall too much interaction from counselors but that attitude I got was if your not going to college you better go in the military. I think being the youngest of three, the counselors knew my situation, my parents said I had to go to college. 
I ended up not finishing and think it worked out good that way. First year I was in over my head and doing quite poorly went back the next year with easier course load but started see that student loan debt thing and said I had enough. Some of the classes I picked up good stuff but the outside of class was just as valuable. Glad I went and glad I left also. 
I know more than one of the classmates they directed to the military it was the best thing for them. Saw them 5-10 years later and they made a good career out of it. 

[Ian Beale]

6 hours ago, zleinenbach said:

Only two things stopping you….

Fear 

and common sense

 

well distance too I guess

There's the Guinness Book of Records and the "Longest" category!

My experience was being told I could do anything I wanted except Law because I didn't have high school Latin.

A bit like Ray's experience  my father left school in Grade 5.  Unusually Mum was a high school graduate and they were adamant that we kids did the same.  And further qualifications on the basis that you could always take them back to ranching if you desired.

So it happened that I have university qualifications, as does my wife.

We got our boys through high school and none have headed towards university as yet.  I have no idea of their counselling experience.  One went jackarooing (potential ranch manager trainee) and his last charter was  2,500,000 acres, about 60,000 + cattle and 40 + staff.  The second scored a Cat heavy equipment apprenticeship and now runs his own operation and the third has just finished his building apprenticeship.

And all have the work ethic that can come from a ranch upbringing so are unlikely to be lacking in demand for employment.

[Ian Beale]

4 hours ago, Sledgehammer said:

I always hated it when you compliment someone on their mustache and then all of a sudden she won’t be your friend any more....

Hmmm!  That reminds me of things I heard back in your era when telling ethnic jokes had been declared illegal but town jokes were OK

[856 Custom]

I knew at a very young age what I was going to do when I grew up. Be like dad and grandpa and farm! School I had no use for. I was a C, D, & F student starting around 5th grade because I didn't care. Yep, I'd get my butt chewed out report card time from dad. He'd say your going to bring book's home and study! So the following week after each bad report card, I'd stand in front of the locker at the end of the day and decide what books am I going to bring home to make it look like I have homework? I'd bring 2-3 book's home, and never open them. Just made it look like I cared. Then after that first week following the report cards thing's would cool down and I would quit bringing book's home. I didn't believe in homework. I spent enough time in school each day. I was very good about memorizing stuff and that helped, but yet I didn't give a care. Fast forward to going into my junior year which was 1983. Wanted to go to a vocational school and take Ag Diesel. Dad never wanted me to farm. And when I was going to sign up for the Ag Diesel class he said very sternly, I believe you better take auto mechanics because there's a future there. When dad talked like that you best do what your told. So I take auto mechanics. Senior year a Honda dealership in Lima was looking for a young man. They talked to my instructor at the vocational school if he had anyone. Instructor called me and another guy in his office and told us what's going on. He said to us he told them I'm going to send the best 2 I have over to you for a interview. So me and the classmate drive over there in his '76 Monte Carlo. I told Dave, the classmate, I'm not going to work on car's my whole life. If you want this job you can have it. Anyway, few days go by dealership calls the instructor and says, I'll hire both of those boys. Well I declined. Instructor thought I was nuts and asked why? I told him I don't enjoy working on automobile's and I'm not making a career out of it. I said I'm going to farm. Lol, after that my instructor nicknamed me farmer and so did my classmates, all in good humor. I never ever, told dad what I purposely did. Declined the automotive job. That would've been very unhealthy for me. I just finally told Mom 2 years ago. She had no clue I was (told) which vocational class to take or that I intentionally declined the auto job. I think in the end, when dad got sick, he was glad I stayed. It wasn't easy because he made things pretty rough, in hopes I'd go down another career choice. I think about dad every day and I still wish he were here. He was just being a dad, wanting his child to have something better than himself.

[560Dennis]

Like to suggest that student have a say in guidance counselor annually performance review. I think that would be a step in the right direction .

[New Englander]

Yes, some trades pay quite well and not everyone needs college to make a living. I tell kids who like mechanics to look in to aircraft maintenance. It generally pays a bit better than other types and certainly is a lot cleaner😄. Airline pay is quite good but involves shift work which isn't for everyone.

Having said that, career counselors look at the statistics and they clearly show that new college grads average over 20k/year over HS grads. Lifetime earnings are close to a million more, a graduate degree adds another half million. Armed with those numbers it's not surprising that counselors push kids towards a college education. It's best if they push towards things like chemical engineering or any engineering rather than any social services. Education sadly, pay's terrible. Only those with a true calling gravitate towards it such as my sister and BIL.

The English teacher who made everyone write a resume and cover letter was doing them a favor. I've reviewed countless resumes and cover letters, almost exclusively from college grads, and round filed many from applicants who couldn't seem to be bothered to put any effort into it. Poor spelling, grammar, and syntax meant to me that they couldn't be bothered with details, quite important for the job they were applying. Of course those were the days of "will fly for food" where a new FO could qualify for food stamps. Today there are huge sign on bonuses and wonderful salaries. I suspect the hiring managers are more likely to ignore a poorly written cover letter and resume or the applicants are using the easily accessible forms and spell check.

Back in the day my student loan was, I think 3%! Our daughters is in the neighborhood of 8%. We paid for 3 years and she paid for one so that she'd have some skin in the game. Ivy's run about 70k/year so it's still a substantial amount but she's making a good salary. Our son, bless his heart, worked hard for a military academy, so Uncle Sam paid him! He's got the world by the tail and I envy him. He loves his job and is the XO on a brand new FRC  at 24!

[jass1660]

I was a small fry in high school and older kid needed an “education” real bad. I finally popped him right in the nose in front of the counselor he never said a word. 40 years later I still run into counselor at the post office, always says call me Fred said I can’t do that your still Mr. xxx to me parents taught me to much respect. 

[twostepn2001]

15 hours ago, Finney said:

Counselor told us if we didn't go to collage we would wind up digging ditches for minimum wage.

Graduated in 1972. Only kind of counseling we had was from the Army and Marine Corps. They was all over me wanting me to sign up until they found out l had a missing finger. (from a combine incident when l was 6 yr old) My Dad told me "l don't care what kind of job you get long as it's honest and you're happy with it." l wandered around for a couple of years then got a job with a electric C0-OP......digging ditches installing underground power lines to irrigation center pivots. Over all, that was the best job l ever had. Best pay and best benefits.

[twostepn2001]

15 hours ago, Finney said:

Counselor told us if we didn't go to collage we would wind up digging ditches for minimum wage.

Graduated in 1972. Only kind of counseling we had was from the Army and Marine Corps. They was all over me wanting me to sign up until they found out l had a missing finger. (from a combine incident when l was 6 yr old) My Dad told me "l don't care what kind of job you get long as it's honest and you're happy with it." l wandered around for a couple of years then got a job with a electric C0-OP......digging ditches installing underground power lines to irrigation center pivots. Over all, that was the best job l ever had. Best pay and best benefits.

[oldtanker]

14 minutes ago, twostepn2001 said:

Graduated in 1972. Only kind of counseling we had was from the Army and Marine Corps. They was all over me wanting me to sign up until they found out l had a missing finger. (from a combine incident when l was 6 yr old) My Dad told me "l don't care what kind of job you get long as it's honest and you're happy with it." l wandered around for a couple of years then got a job with a electric C0-OP......digging ditches installing underground power lines to irrigation center pivots. Over all, that was the best job l ever had. Best pay and best benefits.

Got a stutter?🤣

 

Rick

[oldtanker]

14 hours ago, vtfireman85 said:

Well, you probably wouldn’t recognize what we refer to as women here, they walk upright and only have hair on their head. 

Only on the top of their heads? That will get you put on a list.....everyone will know where you live.....🤣!

 

Rick

[oldtanker]

14 hours ago, vtfireman85 said:

Don’t  you start with me i don't need your crap. 
jackass ignorant BS . UP YOURS! 
I would kick your a$$ but the ADA would be all over me. 

With that funny way you folks talk up there I had some trouble with your accent....did you say kick or lick?🤣

Rick 

[zleinenbach]

1 hour ago, oldtanker said:

With that funny way you folks talk up there I had some trouble with your accent....did you say kick or lick?🤣

Rick 

Ones a goal and ones a dream…. You can decide which one isn’t gunna happen first lol

[oleman]

I have always taught people to be happy with whatever they do BUT most people will be more happy by making ends meet! Working with our hands can be very rewarding, both checkers at Walmart and skilled surgeons work with their hands, with good education and a lot of luck  some  could be a skilled surgeon.

[oldtanker]

2 hours ago, zleinenbach said:

Ones a goal and ones a dream…. You can decide which one isn’t gunna happen first lol

Every one should have goals....but you keep that sand paper tongue away from me!

RIck 

[oleman]

9 hours ago, New Englander said:

Yes, some trades pay quite well and not everyone needs college to make a living. I tell kids who like mechanics to look in to aircraft maintenance. It generally pays a bit better than other types and certainly is a lot cleaner😄. Airline pay is quite good but involves shift work which isn't for everyone.

Having said that, career counselors look at the statistics and they clearly show that new college grads average over 20k/year over HS grads. Lifetime earnings are close to a million more, a graduate degree adds another half million. Armed with those numbers it's not surprising that counselors push kids towards a college education. It's best if they push towards things like chemical engineering or any engineering rather than any social services. Education sadly, pay's terrible. Only those with a true calling gravitate towards it such as my sister and BIL.

The English teacher who made everyone write a resume and cover letter was doing them a favor. I've reviewed countless resumes and cover letters, almost exclusively from college grads, and round filed many from applicants who couldn't seem to be bothered to put any effort into it. Poor spelling, grammar, and syntax meant to me that they couldn't be bothered with details, quite important for the job they were applying. Of course those were the days of "will fly for food" where a new FO could qualify for food stamps. Today there are huge sign on bonuses and wonderful salaries. I suspect the hiring managers are more likely to ignore a poorly written cover letter and resume or the applicants are using the easily accessible forms and spell check.

Back in the day my student loan was, I think 3%! Our daughters is in the neighborhood of 8%. We paid for 3 years and she paid for one so that she'd have some skin in the game. Ivy's run about 70k/year so it's still a substantial amount but she's making a good salary. Our son, bless his heart, worked hard for a military academy, so Uncle Sam paid him! He's got the world by the tail and I envy him. He loves his job and is the XO on a brand new FRC  at 24!

My little brother was 8 YO when My Dad Died in 1973, last of 8 children.  He had all the advantages of a family of Military Men and Smart Sisters and a healthy Mom that knew how to work.  He was the first member of my family to graduate with a 4 year college degree.  He graduated from the Citidail in South Carolina on a Music Scholarship, with a financial degree,  he played the TUBA in the marching band. The whole time, he was in the NROTC and  did 2 Years on active duty (as a Supply Officer on a Supply Ship) and 4 years in the inactive reserves, with the USN in the Supply system. Left as a Lieutenant and went to work for Walmart as a store manager. From there he went to work at Murphy Oil Company (that is the gas operation at Walmart), He retired last year and moved to Alabama to live near is youngest daughter a Medical  Doctor who works in Medical Research in Alabama.  His oldest daughter is on active duty in the US Army currently in promotion cycle for LT Colonel selected as an Instructor at West Point in the fall session, She recently completed  her PHD to get the assignment.   I think that going from a share cropper Father and Mother with a 4 th grade education in 2 generations to having grand children with advanced degrees (and professions) is something to be proud of.  Education is not just about money, Society has benefited form education and I am happy to have been a beneficiary of it.

oleman