My parents sacrificed to send my brother to college. Of course, it was a state university. No way could they send him to an Ivy League university, but for my working class parents, even a state university was an expense. My brother, however, wasn't a freeloader. During the summer and holidays he always worked at some job or another, if only to pay for his textbooks and supplies. It was a good lesson for my brother and me. If you want something, you worked for and sacrificed to get it. I don't know that this lesson is taught much today.
My parents didn't have to pay for a dime of my college, both undergrad and masters. I had a 4 year ROTC scholarship, and I earned my masters while in the Army. I paid for my room and board via my summer job, two summers as a firefighter for the CA Div of Forestry.
My wife worked through college, and we met when she started working in my section at Fort Bliss.
We helped our daughter through college, though not all of it. My oldest son was never the studious type, and he never got past his associate's degree, though he's going back to school next month.
I'm down to my 14 YO son, who makes noises about a goal to attend a service academy. Based on his recent (lack of) performance, I think he needs a reminder. We have sufficient assets to cover the costs at most colleges, but he's going to have to earn it.
I'm also making plans for my 6 YO grandson, who is a really sharp kid. I just hope I'm around long enough to see those plans through.
There's an attitude that I've been rebelling against, these extracurricular booster clubs that expect a blank check on your wallet and your time. And if you don't give them those blank checks, you obviously are a bad parent. I've seen that as well with teachers over the past ten years...no wonder there are so many snowflakes out there.
The little darlings I see need to get a taste of real life, i.e. how to get up after being knocked down, without mommy & daddy to clean up your mess.
