Like thousands of other parents at this time of year, I feel immensely proud of our children. This week we have had the pleasure seeing Becky graduate from university with her BSc degree in Mathematics. Beneath the emotions and feelings of achievement and pride, we have other things to weigh up such as the cost; is it really worth it?
Before I started writing this post, I intended to do a kind of retrospective cost/benefit analysis with an open mind. Now I have changed my mind completely – it IS worth it and here’s why.
We have a photo taken in September 2016 of Becky on the Exeter University sign (see below). That was the weekend prior to her starting at University and I well remember that excited – but nervous – young girl. I remember the tender moments as we left her there and drove away. It was a huge step for her and us.
Now I reflect on the incredible experience Exeter has been for her. Aside from being a Russell Group university with a world wide reputation, it has been a place where she has grown in maturity, stature, wisdom, knowledge, faith and love (yes, she’s getting married soon). It is perhaps difficult to put a price on this and it’s fair to ask if this would have happened anyway. Perhaps it would, but there’s something particularly stimulating about the university environment to help shape a young person’s career and life ahead.
So does the £50k student debt seem worthwhile, not to mention the financial support we have provided? That is clearly questionable and yet if you take the total effect, yes, it probably is worth it.
Having said that, I think students as a whole can justifiably think of themselves as consumers. They are paying huge amounts of money for an education and it is right they should expect their lecturers to be of high quality. The facilities within the university should be top notch. Actually paying for a university education may also mean students will highly value it, rather than having it for free and just regarding it as a three year jolly to get stoned and laid.
As for the common issue facing universities with their chancellors and their eye watering salaries, this is a difficult matter. This is harder to justify, if at all.
I often find myself considering Hannah’s very different pathway. Her route has been less academic and more vocational. Much learning has also taken place and I admire the wonderful grit and determination which has helped shape Hannah. Her training has been at the budget end of the scale with some experiences which are best forgotten.
Being able to help disadvantaged youngsters to sail or windsurf is a privilege for anyone as it can make such an incredible difference in their lives. Being part of that can be a wonderful thing, providing you have the right mindset and talent.
So both pathways are valid and I guess it depends very much on the individual and their ability, outlook and mindset. The academic and the vocational routes are equally valid. I am so grateful I have two daughters who have grown up to be so different from each other. It is so amazing how two children, with the same parents, who live in the same home and go to the same school who then turn out so differently – and I’m so proud of them both!
