By Rhea Morrow
Where we discuss current affairs that ultimately have an effect on today’s youth.
To have progression and growth in life, one most broaden their perspective.
University and The Value of A Degree
In the last podcast, we discussed the advantages and disadvantages of post secondary institutions in Canada and the USA. More Specifically, we discussed the value of a degree in today’s world.
We know how expensive college can be. In the USA, average tuition costs for in-state students is approximately $10,000 per year, and for out-of-state students it is approximately $26,000! In Canada, the average tuition cost is $5000 per year. These numbers are ridiculous, and it has me wondering if the cost of tuition is really worth it.
To answer this, we discussed campus life, the value of a degree in today’s world, and employment rates. But since this is a comparison between Canadian and American universities, we also briefly discussed the importance of ranking and status.
Employment rate post-graduation all depends on your degree and the institution you attended. However, regardless of which institution you are an alumnus, the unemployment rate decreases drastically if you are a college graduate. And it’s an almost identical situation in the United States.
Studies have shown that unemployment rate is lowest for those holding a degree in either nursing or general medical and health services because these occupations hold high demand. Computer and information systems fields have the highest median salary, closely followed by STEM fields.
There’s a general trend to these occupations however, and that is that it is nearly impossible to work in these fields without training and specialization, and that’s obvious. No one can become a doctor without going to medical school. But our generation and advancements in technology have proven again and again that education is no longer the only way for one to be successful. This leaves me to question whether degrees hold the same value.
For a primary jobs such as mining, farming and fishing, and secondary jobs such as manufacturing jobs, a degree is not always necessary, and it is not what it always looked for. These jobs require certain skill sets but not necessarily a certain level of education. However, in today’s world tertiary jobs (jobs that provide a service such as teaching and nursing) and quaternary jobs (research and development jobs such as information technology) are dominating, and these careers require certain credentials and high levels of academic experience.
It’s very easy to get blinded by what we see on social media. We see the success of celebrities, influencers, and entrepreneurs, many of who have reached their levels of success without a degree and without any credentials. But what we turn a blind eye to is that it is only a miniscule number of people who can find success this way. I, at a point, turned a blind eye to this, and forgot just how small of a proportion my instagram page really accounts for.
For majority of people schooling and further education is the best way to be well off.
Regardless of your occupation, a certain skill set is necessary as well as work ethic.
By the end of this episode I realized that degrees hold a greater value today than they did 30 or so years ago. This is because of the skills that jobs require now, and the ability and access we have to obtain these skills and knowledge.
Although social media has created an outlet and pathway for many, that is not the course for everyone.
Education is expensive, and we know it shouldn’t be this hard to get one. However, depending on the career path you choose, a degree can provide you with certain skill sets and knowledge that make you stand out amongst the competition.
It’s important to understand the return you will get from the degree and major that you choose, because not all will lead to success in certain careers.
Do you think post-secondary education is valuable?
Parents and Their Children: The Generational Gap.
I see a clear disparity between the upbringing of our parents, and the children of this generation. Us Gen Z have been brought into a world that gives us an immense amount of power at the tips of our fingers.
We have been raised with iPads instead of trampolines, car keys at 16 rather than walking to school, computers instead of books, and a screen to hide behind rather than learning to communicate and express our feelings.
It’s clear that we’ve been raised in a very privileged life. We have access to databases of information, numerous ways to make money from our bedrooms, communication that can last for an infinite amount of time. But often times we see blame placed on us for “having life too easy,” but we didn’t ask for this, simply were born into it.
In this podcast we discussed the conflicts that result due to the difference in upbringing from our parents to us. How this may affect the communication and candidness of the relationship.
There is a difference in perspective. Our meaning of freedom is very different. Punishments are different. Our values and understanding have been modernized which causes slight communication errors.
From my personal experience, my parents often tell me how easy life is for me. They tell me that my stresses are nothing compared to theirs, how privileged I am. And I don’t disagree. I grew up much more privileged than my parents did. However, to be told my stresses aren’t justified is disheartening. The greatest conflict I face is proving to adults that my stresses are real, that they aren’t minor simply because I have means to solve them, i.e. technology. The stresses I have now are the only stresses that I know. Therefore they are my greatest worry. Simply because I’ve been raised in a technological revolution does not mean I have all of the answers.
However, due to the ease of our generation I’ve found that we give up easier. We don’t have the same work ethic or “grind” anymore. We don’t work as hard to overcome difficulties and hurdles, but instead we fall victim to these obstacles and declare defeat. It’s as though the answer is directly in front of us, but we don’t want to spend any time or effort looking for it.
So what exactly has caused the laziness of this generation? Are we to blame ourselves for this? Or have circumstances created this comfort for us?
In this episode we had the opportunity to discuss these questions.
We can’t blame ourselves for growing up with an easier life than our parents had. I see the efforts my parents put into creating a nice life for our family, and it’s their work ethic that motivates me to put effort into everything that I do. I use the lessons my parents teach to guide me towards a path of hard work and ambition.
When feelings and emotions aren’t understood or heard, that’s what creates barriers in relationships, and it’s my goal to eliminate these barriers.
The only way is to achieve this understanding and trust in our relationship with our parents, is for both of us to take a step back, and take a moment to see the situation at hand from the other’s perspective.
We Are Robots.
I never see anyone questioning why our lives are so systematic. We grow up and our first memory is of pre-school. We’re then placed into elementary school from ages 5 till 13. Then high school comes along, and we’re told this is where we will be prepared for the “real world.” If we weren’t already living in the “real world” for the past 9 years, then where were we living?
At least 14 of our years of life are spent within four walls of a government regulated building for 6 hours a day, five days a week. If we fall victim to society’s ideals of a respectable path after secondary school, most of us will find ourselves in university or college for at least another four years. Myself included, because that is the only thing I’ve been taught as right.
But why have we never questioned why our lives are so predictable? It’s almost as if each person is made out to be nearly identical.
People have a lot of power. We’re the most intellectually progressed mammal to exist. So it has me wondering, do humans use this rigid system of schooling to create power or hierarchy amongst people?
In this podcast we discussed the systematic way of life. From schooling, to post secondary, to working for someone else. We also discussed how this one rigid way of life is seen as the “proper” and respectful way, and why it’s never been questioned.
I asked my friends this question: are you comfortable with the way that your life has been laid out for you? Here are their candid and unedited responses.
“Yes, I am comfortable, but I am uncomfortable with how socially there are expectations with how you go about this path that’s laid out. If you don’t go to university it’s frowned upon, but what if you don’t have the financial means or support to go? I think this set system makes it easy. Pre-school, elementary, high school, but the lines are a bit blurred for after stepping outside of this system after high school.” (Regine Estrella)
“Yes, I guess. It is much easier due to the set system. But it’s scary for everyone else because if we step out of the system it’s considered we won’t have a successful future. Not everyone follows the system and it’s scary for them. And going to university after isn’t going to determine whether or not you have a successful job, many people with a degree don’t have a ‘good’ job.” (Isa Sagala)
“First thought would be it’s really comforting knowing that there is always a systematic way or ‘plan’ made for you, so in times of doubt you feel like you have something to fall back on. Society gives us such a stereotypical way of living that a person can fear going down different paths as they grow up.” (Jayda Khakh)
“Yes I am and also no in a way. Yes because I’m privileged to be able to go to school and get an education and the experiences that come along with going to school and doing what I want. I feel lucky to have an education, and now that I’m in university I can focus on specializing in my fields of interest. But the no is because I will always wonder how life would be different if I didn’t follow this straight cut path. I will never know what could’ve been, and whether it would be better or worse.” (Gurleen Sandhu)
“The way I see it is that we kind of just have to deal with it whether we like it or not. Life is basically laid out for us until we go off to college or university. For me, there are very high expectations because a lot of my family went to UBC (University of British Columbia), so it’s expected that I do as well. My future, my career path, my mom chose it for me, I just agreed and now enforce it.” (Anoop Phagura)
“Am I comfortable? No. Am I ‘forced’ to be comfortable with it? Yes. Life is laid out systematically and there isn’t much questioning around it. Although I am not comfortable with how life is laid out for me, I’ve been taught to be okay with it and to never question it.” (Garry Singh)
This system has enabled a fear in our youth. It’s marginalized those less fortunate and privileged, and has given power to those that hold a higher social status.
Throughout elementary school and high school, students who wore clothes that weren’t as “nice” and who arrived in cars that weren’t so new, were looked down upon. They were pitied. We marginalize students based on the colour of their skin, their gender, their whole identity. And I believe that the system we’ve grown up in is what promotes this bullying.
We are taught and prepared for life after high school, but only if we choose the path of post secondary education. Students that decide not to go to college or university will need a different sort of preparation. They’ll need to learn about taxes sooner, credit, money management and so much more. But they’re left to mend for themselves. Why doesn’t this “system” support all students? Regardless of our choices and pathways after high school.
Realistically, not everyone is going to follow in the same path of life. Therefore it’s time we create support and get rid of the unconscious bias that exists for those that don’t follow traditional norms.
The Rise of Female Independence
In the past, it was absurd to imagine a woman living alone and providing for herself, all without a man and family. Women have been raised in a system created by society in which their only role is to be a wife and raise children. But times have changed. In this podcast we will discuss the rise of female independence, feminism, and workplace equality between males and females.
When I googled the rise in female independence, the first link was about how women are having less babies than before. It was not about a woman on the forbes 30 under 30, or about a woman who fought for equal pay. It was about motherhood.
I found another article. This one says “Independent Women. Women’s approach to marriage is evolving as American society shifts.” Interesting that it is suggested that women can’t be in a happy and successful marriage, while also being independent and active participants in their economy.
It’s almost as if women have to sacrifice something in order to have success. Why can’t we just have both?
In the United States, women make up half of the labour force. However, women still make on average $0.79 for every dollar made by a man. Now of course this is not the case for every job, and does not apply to every age group, but it is still prevalent to many women.
A great example of this wage gap is the US Women’s Soccer Team. They are ranked number one in the world, and are noticeably more successful than the men’s soccer team at the world stage. They even bring in more revenue than the men’s national team. It is these facts that led the Women’s National Team to file a class action lawsuit against the unequal treatment in comparison to the Men’s National Team.
This is just one of the many examples.
But women still are making great social progress.
As of 2019, 29% of senior management roles were held by women. This is the highest statistic to record. Although this is still a far way from equal representation, women are making great strides. We no longer are dependant on men for survival. Marriage is no longer a requirement for us. And we now do not need to be financially dependant on the male figures in our lives.
Times have changed.
Women account for 47% of the US labour force, as of 2017. We hold 60% of undergraduate degrees, and 60% of all master’s degrees. We are not far from holding high power and leadership roles in the workforce now, but what’s stopping us?
In this episode, I wanted to hear about one woman’s experience growing up. One story. Her experiences with gender discrimination and inequality. Together we came to our conclusion of what we think is needed to decrease the gender inequality gap. Voice.
Women representation and voice are the two greatest influencers of change. When one woman speaks, it creates a ripple effect, and change is demanded globally. We have seen voice be used with climate change actions, LGBTQ+ rights, equal education demands, and so much more. Our voice is a tool, and it is this tool that will serve us in creating the changes we need to see.
We have made it far. Women now have a choice. We no longer are shaped into being fit for marriage and children, that is no longer demanded to be the end goal. The freedom and opportunities women have here are not the same for all women globally, there is something lacking and a long way to go, but I am glad to see the small improvements made because it does account for some great changes.
Mental Health From The Perspective of Two Teenagers
Something that I hear discussed very often is the rising levels of depression and anxiety among youth.
The diagnosis of anxiety and depression in teens has increased from 5.4% in 2003 to 8.4% in 2012. There are a lot of speculations as to why: this is the generation of smartphones and technology, this generation does not know how to handle or control their feelings, anxiety and depression are taken too lightly (people fail to differentiate them from sadness and common anxiousness), or simply we now discuss these issues more and maybe people are just more open with them.
There are a lot of what ifs and a lot of maybes, but what I want to know is the why. Why do young people feel this way? What causes them to?
Without the science behind it and without the statistics, this podcast is simply going to be about one individual’s experiences, her story.
There are a lot of expectations placed upon us. There is a lot of stress and weight, whether that’s from school, peers, or family. However these stresses also existed for the generations before, so why are the chances of diagnosis so much greater now?
After this episode, I came to two conclusions:
1. Youth are now exposed to much more due to the internet, there is more competition, and therefore more need to fit in and satisfy society’s ideals
2. People have become more vocal about mental health, it is no longer as shunned as it used to be, but instead embraced and people are urged to share their stories and receive help.
It’s frightening that elementary-aged children are on social media, comparing themselves to celebrities and influencers, all of who display their highlight reels online. But for a young person it isn’t always easy to differentiate what is genuine and what’s fake.
However, it is beautiful that mental health is embraced and there is now a conversation about it. It is no longer something children and teens need to fear, but rather something that is celebrated.
There are resources created so that we can seek the help we need without the fear of judgement, or without feeling alone.
Students are being educated on mental health constantly, and although yes sometimes these words are used lightly, efforts are being made so that everyone understands the severity and heaviness that follows with these words.
It is okay to get help. It is okay to voice your struggles. Your friends and family are here to share the load with you, it is not just yours to carry.
Kids Help Phone: 1-800-668-6868
Sources
https://education.seattlepi.com/difference-between-canadian-american-university-degrees-3832.html
https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/daily-quotidien/160708/dq160708a-eng.htm
https://www.forbes.com/sites/shaharziv/2019/07/11/gender-pay-gap-bigger-than-you-thnk/#60f4dab87d8a
https://www.cdc.gov/childrensmentalhealth/data.html
Follow My Blog
Get new content delivered directly to your inbox.
Untitled Unscripted 