Reality Check

by Maria Corse





The ultimate life goal – as many adults, in the professional world, see it – is a college education.  The stats are prominently recorded and touted, everyone has seen them; people with college degrees get better paying jobs. 
 
This dream does not seem attainable, or, for that matter is not even on the radar screen, for numerous young people here in the NoCo, because, for most kids, the downward spiral of apathy and disenfranchisement begins fairly early, when they are bullied, labeled, called out, bored to tears, or, even, ignored (by their peers and the system). As a result, they fall victim to inertia, anxiety, or anger, start skipping school at a comparatively young age, and, when legally able, quit.
 
At sixteen, they, consequently, become one of the dismal statistics commonly found here: pregnant, married early, unemployed, in abusive relationships, addicted to drugs, alcohol, or cigarettes, or, have a low paying, dead-end job that barely pays enough to survive, let alone thrive, perpetuating the cycle of personal, economic, and societal depression, as well as ignorance.  It is not hyperbole to declare this a crisis of epidemic proportions affecting most of our region, which, despite legions of caring teachers, traditional, compulsory, coercive, state-run, curriculum driven schooling has not, and, will not be able to solve.
 
Imagine the possibilities if kids were able to make personal decisions about their life and education at a young age, were able to follow their personal interests, had mentors, in safe environments, who advocated for them and offered support, suggestions, and encouragement, and, in short, were able to choose their future instead of abdicating to the inevitable.
 
Free choice guided by self-direction or determination, in my view, is the one variable that should be added to this whole messy, intolerable equation that absolutely would make the difference between success and failure - happiness and despair, not only on a personal level, but for the whole community.
 
Quite simply, when kids are given the opportunity, and trusted from early on to make personal, relevant decisions, they will almost always choose what interests and motivates them; owing to the fact that they have  been given the space and time for personal growth and learning, as well as a chance to envision life-long aspirations, whether that includes college, starting a business, or becoming an artist.  Anything is possible with an open mind, enthusiastic support, and the innate desire to make a difference in the world.

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DRC NEWS
 
Trish and I worked all week on laying the groundwork for the outdoor program.  We will unveil the Comprehensive Plan, as well as the name, next week! 

Become a Member of DRC
If your child has expressed dissatisfaction and dislike for their current educational environment, DRC is the option in the NoCo that provides a safe, dynamic, and nurturing space, where learning becomes enjoyable again.  At DRC the possibilities are endless, because there are no restrictions on what you can and can’t learn. Contact us today.
 
Summer Programs
We know how stressful the last three weeks of August can be for both parents and kids.  Let DRC handle the daily details. Register today!