A Panel Discussion on Alternative Education Opportunities
A panel discussion hosted by the Orange County Chamber of Commerce highlighted alternative education opportunities outside traditional college tracks on Oct. 12.
West Point Director of Admissions Rance Lee said that for those not yet ready for college, enlisting in the military was a good alternative to pick up valuable skills while figuring out the future, with some eventually moving on to higher education with tuition benefits.
“You cannot do what is right for mom, dad, brother, sister, or mentor. You got to do what’s right for you,” he said. “If the right choice for you is college, then absolutely you should go for college. If you are not ready, there are a lot of other paths.”
He also shared advice on how to get into the prestigious military academy, and one tip is not to give up, as almost a third of West Point classes were admitted on their second or third try.
Executive director of Construction Contractors of the Hudson Valley Alan Seidman said that apprenticeships could lead to careers with good pay, benefits, and retirement security, but what often works against such programs is the prevailing societal thought of putting college above all.
“Not every child should be going to college, and there are great opportunities out there for both men and women who do not,” Mr. Seidman said at the event.
Dr. Trever McGinley, the owner of Blue Aesthetics Med Spa, said that the beauty industry offered an array of opportunities for those who wanted to get early hands-on experience after high school.
Common positions include laser technician, phlebotomist, and medical esthetician, which only requires attending a specialty school or obtaining a certificate.
“The great thing about these is that they allow you to come into an organization or a business and have direct hands-on patient care, and through that, there is a significant amount of success and satisfaction,” he said, adding that some eventually move on to become nurse practitioners or even doctors.
Attendees listened during a panel discussion on alternative education hosted by the Orange County Chamber of Commerce in Otisville, N.Y., on Oct. 12, 2023. (Cara Ding/The Epoch Times)
Jhack Sepulveda, executive director of FoodTEC at the Newburgh campus of SUNY Orange, introduced the program’s free to low-cost training that helps people get entry-level jobs in the beverage and hospitality industry, such as cooks, line cooks, and servers.
The program is planned to add food industry certificate training in the future, which will help people move on from entry-level jobs to advanced positions, he said.
Thomas Budington, a financial consultant with Equitable Advisors, stressed the importance of having alternative education investment plans other than the traditional 529 college savings accounts to cover trade school expenses.
Orange-Ulster BOCES Deputy Superintendent Kerri Stroka, moderator of the panel discussion, told The Epoch Times that career and technical programs at her institution help students get a taste of trade jobs before graduating high school.
She said about 2,000 high schoolers in the region attend such programs at Orange-Ulster BOCES (Board of Cooperative Educational Services), with construction trades, health-related careers, and culinary training being their top three choices.
Orange County Chamber of Commerce President Heather Bell-Meyer told The Epoch Times that a chamber member suggested the alternative education topic last year, and her team took time to build upon it and make it into the panel discussion today.
The topic was personal to her, too, she said, as both her sons joined the Marine Corps before entering professional careers in advanced machinery and law enforcement.
“These were what we thought could deliver to our membership and beyond as avenues other than college education that could result in a successful career,” she said.
The panel discussion was hosted at Cornell Cooperative Extension’s education center in Otisville, New York.
What were some of the alternative education opportunities discussed in the panel discussion?
2. (Photo: Blue Aesthetics)
The panel discussion aimed to shed light on the various alternative education opportunities available to individuals who may not be inclined towards a traditional college education. By presenting options such as military enlistment, apprenticeships, and vocational training in industries like beauty, the event sought to emphasize that there are alternative paths to success.
Rance Lee, the Director of Admissions at West Point, emphasized the importance of making choices that resonate with one’s own aspirations and goals. He pointed out that enlisting in the military can offer valuable skills and personal development for those who may not be ready for college yet. Lee highlighted that many military veterans later pursue higher education utilizing their military tuition benefits.
Alan Seidman, the Executive Director of the Construction Contractors of the Hudson Valley, discussed the benefits of apprenticeships. He emphasized that these programs can lead to rewarding careers with good pay, benefits, and retirement security. However, Seidman acknowledged that societal pressure to prioritize college often discourages potential candidates from exploring apprenticeship opportunities.
Dr. Trever McGinley, owner of Blue Aesthetics Med Spa, shed light on the diverse career opportunities available in the beauty industry. He mentioned positions such as laser technician, phlebotomist, and medical esthetician, which can be obtained through attending specialty schools or obtaining certifications. Dr. McGinley also highlighted how individuals can progress in their careers within the beauty industry, eventually pursuing roles as nurse practitioners or even doctors.
The panel discussion encouraged attendees to consider the diverse range of alternative education paths available to them. It emphasized that these opportunities can provide hands-on experience, personal satisfaction, and long-term success. By showcasing the variety of choices beyond traditional college tracks, the event aimed to empower individuals to pursue education and careers that align with their strengths and passions.
In a society that often places immense value on a college degree as the sole marker of success, this panel discussion offered an important reminder that alternative education opportunities can be equally valuable and rewarding. It emphasized the importance of individual choice, personal growth, and the pursuit of one’s own unique path to success.
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