Teen Who Graduated College Before High School Is No Role Model

After reading these posts, I wanted to express a few thoughts: I think that it is great that Spencer LaFavor had the determination to put forth his time doing something constructive. I am so glad that I am not reading about another delinquent. Why are people commenting on this being something derogatory? Should it not be celebrated as positive? How many teenagers are already dropping out of school, doing drugs, ditching school or in juvenile hall? Almost every parent attempts to help nurture, guide and dreams of their child succeeding. I don’t view this as child abuse. I think that it is hard to judge people without knowing them. To answer the question: Would you let your kids take this route? Absolutely, if it keeps your child well grounded, focused and increases their self esteem. As adults we are allowed to succeed at our own pace. Is it wrong to encourage children to work at their own pace and capacity? How do opinions form about people and or situations from an article? People are assuming that Spencer has no time to relax or have other interests. How disappointing that one posting references “child abuse”. I never interpreted that from the article. It goes without saying that this may not be for everyone. Why isn’t this kid a role model? I would want my child to recognize for accomplishing his goal. Isn’t this better than most of the teen news stories that we read?

The story doesn't give many details, but it sounds like the kid is able to attend HS only part-time (he only mentions a few classes), thus apparently getting HS credit for his online "college" courses. Now, even though I entered state college (full-time) at 16, I had easily tested out of basic College English via my ACT score. It's obvious that college-prep HS classes are at least as challenging, if not more challenging, than basic freshman college courses. In a community college, because many students enter without a strong HS background, the standards are even lower. I just don't see this as being an impressive accomplishment or, more importantly, a worthy challenge for a developing mind. I'd rather my kid accelerate her HS courses, graduate early, and go on to a truly challenging college education. Not because it's more impressive, but because it's a better work-out for the brain, which has lifelong benefits.

I agree, Jane. 

And my comment wasn't meant to be derrogatory.  My point was that something like this is certainly attainable and not so far fetched.  

With some clever planning of a strategy with the help of an academic advisor, taking advantage of dual-credit courses, a LOT of self-discipline, any student with an average to slightly above average IQ could do this, too.  I'm not seeing this as some kid genius graduating early. . .I see this as some kid who had awesome guidance and played his cards right.  I liken the work-load to any adult going to school part time while also working a full time job.  People do it everyday.  This student's full time job just happens to be high school.  He will certainly reap the benefits of this.

 

To say that he's not a role model is unfair.  Any child of normal intelligence can do this with the right type of support.  Dare I say, they may even have fun doing it. 

And as for the people saying stuff about employers not caring about an Associate's degree:  I don't think he's looking for a job right after high school.  He's going to transfer.  He'd HAVE to transfer if he wants a bachelor's degree. Community colleges only offer Associates degrees.  Of course, if the people who are saying such in the previous comments acually WENT to any college, they would know this. 

Though I said that community college was pretty easy in my last comment, I never said that it was useless.  An associates degree is a great stepping stone to a higher university.  For me, it acted as a place holder.  I took a huge break.  Without the degree and with only --let's say-- 30 hours of school, those credits may or may not have gone through to a 4-year.

I happen to know Spencer personally.  He was able to receive some college credits for several AP classes, the rest he went to a "real" college.  None of his college classes were used for high school credit.  . Spencer wanted to let people know that it is never too early or too late to begin college.  He is not using this to impress anyone, except to celebrate his accomplishment.  It is really too bad that others want to make it about them or make him appear less accomplished.  Shame on those that turn it around about how good they are.  

   

By Spencer obtaining his AS degree and being a transfer student to a University allowed him to have a better chance of admissions. In California there are only so many admissions per applications.   He completed his TAG and IGETC agreement to enter into the UC and or Cal State system.

 If some feel that this is not "being an impressive accomplishment or, a worthy challenge for a developing mind."  I don't know what is.  He completed the same classes with honors as other transfer students have. He is not in a position for any financial aid and he and his parents are paying for his college.  I think that it is great that he will be able to obtain his BA when he is 19 and be debt free.  

  

 Spencer loves life.  He has been an advocate for many organizations, volunteered his time, spends time with his family, loves God and has a fun filled social life.  I don't know very many adults that do this.                                          

 Imagine being Spencer and being so happy about what you have done, and then reading from others that you are not a role model, your mom is a child abuser, your dedication is nothing impressive.   If you don't agree then read the posts about the teens that are addicts, offenders, abusers and murders...  There are so many other things that are worth spending your time on commenting negatively. 

Everyone commenting on the quality of community colleges realizes that most students attending said colleges transfer to four-year universities, yes? Not many people stop at an Associate's Degree. They go on to receive a Bachelor's Degree and some even go to Graduate School. Also, just like any other school, it depends on which community college you attend on how good the experience and the education is. Not every four-year school is superior to every community college. Not every four-year school is equal in education and experience amongst themselves. It all depends on the curriculum, the people, and the field that one is studying. Why even bother to disregard community colleges when we can also disregard four-year universities in lieu of graduate school? Graduate school is beyond better than a four-year university education. Why not just accept those with only the highest degree of education and disregard anyone below that?

Considering that not everyone will get full rides to four-year schools, community colleges can be a good option for someone who needs to get into college but needs some transitory time from high school. Not only is a community college cheaper, but it can be stepping stone into another college. I am at a community college right now. I plan to transfer to a four-year institution and from there I plan to attend graduate school. Am I automatically not as intelligent or able because I will have a community college background? I graduated high school with honors and a strong background for my chosen area of study- English. I even tested out of several English courses for college credit and a course for Psychology as well as History. I chose community college because it was cheap and I felt like I needed some transition between high school and university. I can express myself more eloquently than most people and it takes me more effort to use incorrect grammar and syntax than to just type or write correctly. Yes, community college is obviously inferior to any real education from a university. I just know that by my lack of skill in my chosen major or my weak high school background.