VOL. V, NO. 12
APRIL 17, 1964
Girls Benefit from College
By Miss Ruth Nickelson
Too many high school girls believe that a college education is necessary only for boys, the admitted wage earners of the world. This idea is the result of a misconception of what education is and what it is to do: that is, that education, especially higher education, is only training to prepare a young person to have "more of the world's goods" than his neighbor. If education does make better life possible, then it has done us an extra service, for while this increased power is almost always a byproduct of education and probably a function of colleges and universities, we can seriously question it as the sole purpose of higher education.
What, then, is the purpose of higher education? The end of education is to free and enlarge the mind and spirit of man, to explore present culture and reveal past culture, and to prepare young men and women to live in a democratic society, a purpose which, we might add, is becoming increasingly important.
If we are going to operate on this or a similar philosophy, why then educate one‑half the population? Are men alone to share in this freedom? To whom will the "educated half" talk?
Psychologists tell us that the strongest marriages are those in which the husband and wife have similar backgrounds in religion, in economic and social status, and in education. Furthermore it is only logical that a woman who has an understanding of herself, her world, and her children will be a better mother.
Too many high school girls believe that a college education is necessary only for boys, the admitted wage earners of the world. This idea is the result of a misconception of what education is and what it is to do: that is, that education, especially higher education, is only training to prepare a young person to have "more of the world's goods" than his neighbor. If education does make better life possible, then it has done us an extra service, for while this increased power is almost always a byproduct of education and probably a function of colleges and universities, we can seriously question it as the sole purpose of higher education.
What, then, is the purpose of higher education? The end of education is to free and enlarge the mind and spirit of man, to explore present culture and reveal past culture, and to prepare young men and women to live in a democratic society, a purpose which, we might add, is becoming increasingly important.
If we are going to operate on this or a similar philosophy, why then educate one‑half the population? Are men alone to share in this freedom? To whom will the "educated half" talk?
Psychologists tell us that the strongest marriages are those in which the husband and wife have similar backgrounds in religion, in economic and social status, and in education. Furthermore it is only logical that a woman who has an understanding of herself, her world, and her children will be a better mother.
Women take upon themselves a great deal of the civic and charitable work of communities. Infant welfare societies, hospital volunteer organizations, mission and church societies and auxiliaries of every nature could not function without women. Indeed, at the center of these organizations are capable and educated women.
In addition to these reasons, two very practical considerations appear. First, a woman who has a good education has the most rewarding legacy parents can give. Too many young girls believe that marriage is the end of working days. Illness, financial reverses, and college tuition have sent women back to work. The second practical consideration is this: college is a good place to meet a future mate. Certainly we want both men and women on campus to study. However, the friendships that spring up are wholesome and, for the most part, enriching to both parties. What better environment is there for such a relationship? If a girl lasts more than one semester, she must be studying. If she happens to meet a young man whom she later marries, she has accomplished two goals.
Of course not all girls will go to college just as not all boys will go on to school. We only want to encourage those girls who have the ability and means to go on to higher education to do so.
(Editor's note: Miss Nickelson was invited to express her opinions on this page. Other teachers are invited to do the same.)
In addition to these reasons, two very practical considerations appear. First, a woman who has a good education has the most rewarding legacy parents can give. Too many young girls believe that marriage is the end of working days. Illness, financial reverses, and college tuition have sent women back to work. The second practical consideration is this: college is a good place to meet a future mate. Certainly we want both men and women on campus to study. However, the friendships that spring up are wholesome and, for the most part, enriching to both parties. What better environment is there for such a relationship? If a girl lasts more than one semester, she must be studying. If she happens to meet a young man whom she later marries, she has accomplished two goals.
Of course not all girls will go to college just as not all boys will go on to school. We only want to encourage those girls who have the ability and means to go on to higher education to do so.
(Editor's note: Miss Nickelson was invited to express her opinions on this page. Other teachers are invited to do the same.)