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Editor’s Note: This was a submission for an FSPA Quickturn under the opinion column.
Prompt: As an individual: Create an opinion column that tries to convince your school to offer a specific course it is not currently offering. Aim for about 450-500 words. Submit as a PDF. Deadline 6:30p.m.
At Robinson, it is encouraged that students attend a coveted four-year university, partly influenced by the high volume of International Baccalaureate (IB) students who walk the halls. Yet, as more and more students start to think of what they want their future to look like, a growing number of them aren’t seeing college as the direct path. Back when Robinson first opened its doors in 1959, we had a cosmetology program that ended in 2006, and up until the 2022-23 school year, we had an auto shop class for individuals wanting to go into mechanics after graduation. The thought is, why would they ever want to rid of them?
Classes aimed towards more of a trade rather than just the other basic electives like band or art, would actually benefit students in the long run. For example, some schools offer programs such as welding or even construction. Having programs like the previously mentioned cosmetology and auto shop back in Robinson’s curriculum would give students who don’t see going to a university after graduation a better chance at success.
The closest thing Robinson currently has to a trade program is our beloved culinary arts department; the program has given students an outlet and place to express their creativity. If the school keeps taking away opportunities from students, the less prepared they will be in the real world. Just this year, the school added Veterinary Sciences to the list of potential electives, which don’t get me wrong is an amazing class to add, but what about programs that are attainable to the majority of the population at school?
Now, this all isn’t to say that I think we need to ignore the students with insane GPAs, those that are Ivy League bound. What I’m saying is to not lose hope for the students who don’t idealize a prestigious institution. According to a recent study, more and more students are choosing trade schools over a traditional university, so why not change with the times? “Enrollment in construction trades courses increased by 19.3 percent, while culinary program enrollment increased 12.7 percent, according to the Clearinghouse. Meanwhile, enrollment at public two-year colleges declined 7.8 percent, and enrollment at public four-year institutions dropped by 3.4 percent…” said Olivia Sanchez of The Heching Report.
It is important to understand that even though many people expect students to run off to a pricey university as soon as they step off the stage at graduation, it’s not a necessity anymore. We are living in an age where many people don’t have any kind of degree and are extremely successful. Some even go off, get a degree, then become successful in a completely different field from their original area of study.
The entire idea is to expand the students’ options. In order to see the potential of all students, we must give all students equal opportunities for success.
