This weekend we (the family) were discussing what we wanted from our lives. CW is going through the first realization that college is NOT all it's supposed to be. THe thrill of independence has worn off somewhat, the promised intellectual challenges and stimulating classes and professors have not materialized, and most of the required courses are torturous and meaningless (to him). He is about to drop his Comp major- hours of doing something called Problem Sets have convinced him this is not the field for him. But what is? He wants to take philosophy and literature but they don't allow time for that kind of leisurely liberal arts pursuit.
He chose Rice because we thought it would offer the opportunity to do some of this intellectual exploring as well as provide a really strong background technically. They made such a big deal about the professors teaching, but he has TAs in Econ and Comp that he says speak English so poorly he spends most of the time trying to decipher their words. He thinks all the professors could care less about them as students and are far more interested in their own research and publications than in teaching, and that the university as a whole is so intent on proving they are one of the "best", they don't care what is happening to the students.
We're scratching our heads right now-- we think it's a typical first year reaction, but we don't want to fall into the trap of not hearing real problems, or thinking there is only one way to do things. We told him that we would support whatever conclusions he reaches. But I wish we could help more. That seemed to be enough right now--- I think maybe he needed just to know that he isn't TRAPPED.
I want to go beat up the faculty and take all that money back, but I suppose that would be counterproductive, as I'd get arrested.
Both boys say they want to own a little house on the beach, where they can run their own businesses or write, and not put up with people.. This is exactly what Dan and I want, so I can hardly be surprised. BUt what have we done. |
