In the “bubble town” known as San Ramon it seems that all of society sets up students for only one option after high school: college.

While college is certainly one of the best choices for a career path after high school, The Californian finds it somewhat offensive and narrow-minded that the school district portrays this as the one and only option for success after high school.

This assertion that college is the only choice for students seeking a career ignores the fact that there are many other viable options for employment after high school that do not involve college.

This may be shocking for those who have just committed to a college and finished grinding through numerous AP tests, but the truth of the matter is that it takes all kinds of people to run the world, including people who do not go to college.

These people are not just fry cooks at McDonald’s or cashiers at Safeway, but many have high paying, respectable jobs. These jobs include auto mechanics, real estate agents, and web designers.

Many people seem to forget these options and as a result, provide absolutely no outlets for students to pursue these careers in our modern education system. Are we really so ignorant as to not see the fantastic opportunities that exist outside of college?

The district chooses to overlook these options, and focus on programs that prepare students for  more “respectable” careers.

This was seen 7 years ago when school shut down the successful auto shop program. This was a part of an initiative to encourage students in the direction of a higher, more formal education.

Many students and faculty were disappointed to see these programs eliminated.

This program was immensely successful in its heyday. Students were able to pursue careers immediately after high school that payed well.

Unfortunately, the opportunity to pursue a successful career right after high school is not available for Cal students anymore because the district would rather see students on four and two-year college tracks.

The traditional learning environment is not for everyone. Hands on experience and learning on the go is, in some cases, a far superior way to apply a concept.

It’s time that the district recognizes that it takes all kinds of people to run the world, not just those who take notes and regurgitate  information at will.