More Gen Z college freshmen are quitting school early and moving back home with mom and dad
The parent went on, “He was one of the top students in his high school class. Had anxiety, but worked through all issues eventually. I have anxiety issues as well, so I’ve always done my best to help him through it. Dished out so much money to get him a car, a laptop, paid for bus passes, etc., only to have him drop out after one week.”
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The person continued, “Won’t even consider just sticking with it for a semester or two. He even had a scholarship to cover his entire first year! I mean, I took 19 years to finish my bachelor’s degree, but I was always employed, so what can I really say?”
In response, another person on Reddit wrote, “What are his reasons? How much ability do you have to force him to stay? Is it a done deal already? I would absolutely try to get to the bottom of it and figure out how to work around whatever his concerns are.”
A scene from the University of Iowa campus. The on-campus college experience is not for every student — as many across the country are finding out. (Don and Melinda Crawford/UCG/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)
Another parent weighed in with this experience: “My daughter has a lot of social anxiety and just got through her second week of college. She is particularly anxious about public speaking. So much so she would miss days of high school almost any time it was required. I have been very nervous about her ability to adapt.”
Added the parent, “So far it is going well, but not without some struggle. One of her classes required discussion from everyone, each time.”
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Still another individual shared a very different perspective.
“I feel that college is a huge maturity checkpoint and most young adults aren’t ready for it right out of high school,” the person wrote.
“I am a big proponent of not pushing them toward it until they feel it’s something they want to do. That doesn’t mean there aren’t expectations — but maybe there is an option to choose to work full time, and pay some bills instead.”
“I would absolutely try to get to the bottom of it,” wrote a person on social media about a student’s college difficulties, “and figure out how to work around whatever his concerns are.” (Canart7/iStock)
Others chimed in on that same theme.
“There is NO reason he has to attend college right now. He can work and see whether he is able to earn enough to support himself that way. He may need a break from academics. There are many paths; don’t stress!”
Students and online commenters have pointed out that financial concerns, mental health struggles or the desire to simply focus on academics can make on-campus life more difficult for some young people.
“He may need a break from academics.”
Article source: https://www.foxnews.com/lifestyle/more-gen-z-college-freshmen-quitting-school-early-moving-back-mom-dad