Did your parents sway your decision on where you went to college?

[thequietsinger]

First, let me ask… what colleges / universities are you thinking about?

I would suggest you keep the following in mind when dealing with this:

1. Lots of non-Catholics attend Catholic Universities. Even non-Christians (I knew Jewish students who attended both Villanova and Georgetown). Many Catholic universities do not evangelize or push the Catholic Faith on the student body. Especially, the ones with a diverse population. However, the good news is that they provide easy access to the faith, foster an atomsphere where one doesn’t have to worry about “not being cool because he went to Mass,” and provide religious instruction to those who wish it.
2. Focus more on the fact that you want to attend XYZ University/College because of their academic programs and the fact that you will be surrounded by many students who believe in Christ.
3. Focus on the fact that many public / secular colleges have lots of atheist professors and atheist students. Lots of students Catholic or Orthodox can lose their Way at secular schools (I was one of them).
4. Plus a Catholic College is better than a Protestant one Truth be told, there simply are not a lot of Orthodox colleges. One website I visited orthodox-christianity.org/life/education/institute/ only lists 15 world wide.

Basicly emphasis that you want to attend a college that has a great academic reputation and surround yourself with people of good moral character.

HOWEVER, if that doesn’t work and you wind up attending a public or secular school, there are tons of colleges/universities which campus ministries which you can attend. These campus ministries (or Newman Centers) offer many services like a local parish including a priest, daily or weekly mass, confession, special study halls and dinners for Catholic students, etc. You can see more info at: ccmanet.org/index.php?option=com_findcampus&view=findcampus

Good luck, God Bless and let me know how it turns out.

Phil

My top choice right now is Franciscan U. of Steubenville. My Priest (who is Catholic) actually told me about FUS, as he knows about the situation with my parents, and how deeply serious I am about Catholicism. I have this as my top choice for multiple reasons, one being a friend (who won this last year) believes I have a high chance of winning the Fr. Michael Scanlan scholarship competition, which would really help me out a lot. From what she said, and from other students I have spoken with, the classes are in depth, and you do walk away knowing and remembering what you have learned, and you have constant support. Another reason is that FUS is strongly Catholic, and since I plan on beginning RCIA the fall I begin college, I think it would truly help me a lot. Not to mention, from what I’ve calculated, it is one of the less expensive Catholic universities.

My other choices are Villanova University, Mount St. Mary’s, Alvernia University, and Christendom College, all of which have English majors. I have researched Orthodox colleges, and I have found that most, but not all, basically only offer Theology training for the Priesthood/male religious life. My parents know exactly what my morals are, and they agree with me on that.

Thank you for the advice! I will definitely explain to them what you have said, especially about how I “could” be drug away from my faith by entering a semi/non Catholic school. Like others have told me in the past; Catholicism and Orthodoxy are almost identical in their doctrine/Sacraments, and I also plan to bring this up to them.

Thanks again!

 

[thequietsinger]

PS- If you plan to go into teaching, I highly recommend that you do not take out a significant amount of student loans.

I definitely don’t plan to. I have been trying my very hardest to save money, and I am praying that I will find employment once we move. I plan on working part time while in college, which is something FUS does offer around your classes.

 

[thequietsinger]

You could double major in English and secondary education, leading to certification.

On what level would you want to teach Catechetics? I can think of plenty of opportunities for women; in fact, most of the catechists I know are women.

You could pursue a degree in theology, which could lead to teaching in a Catholic high school, or to graduate study. Lots of possibilities.

I would want to teach on a teen/young adult level. I’m not familiar with the different levels, as I have only started to really research it. To be honest, I would much rather major in Theology and/or Catechetics, and teach classes in religion, instead of English. I know, it sounds like I really don’t know what I want, or what I’m talking about. Everything just leads right back to my parents. I know this is a decision for me to make, but I know if I happened to decide to pursue a degree in Theology, they would ask, “And what good will that do you?” I guess you can probably see where the English degree idea originated.

 

[thequietsinger]

Obedience is not owed by adult children. Respect is. Respect does not extend to being coerced or guilted into decisions.

I do understand this, but I am one to obey my parents’ every command, without thinking about it, no matter what it is. I just do what I’m told, when I’m told to do it, mostly to avoid trouble. Thank you for saying that though. I will keep that in mind.

 

[ClearWater]

My parents cosigned a loan but allowed me to go to the public school of my choosing.

My story is different. I used to live in New York State, which is very liberal, anyway. I went to some schools that were SO liberal. Dr. Ruth came to one, and we thought it would be cool to see her speak, hear what she had to say.

These colleges had a lot of courses on sexuality, but I will tell you that I can’t remember the word “abstinence” coming up, unless it was to ridicule it. If you had any innocence in you at all, you didn’t after you finished these classes.

My first main teacher was a modern, liberal woman and encouraged all of us women in her class to come with her to see a male stripper. I was the ONLY one in my class who didn’t go.

However, ultimately, I also caved in and became a full-fledged liberal like everyone else in my class! Yes, we all looked up to that teacher so much that we all eventually followed her wherever she led.

She used to make pro-choice jokes, and we would all laugh, thinking this was funny!
Our group had to come up with a motto for our T-shirts, and ours, of course, was very sexual.

I once had one professor show a video, in class, of people having perverted sex. Some people walked out. He criticized these people, asking how they ever expected to counsel people on their sexuality if they couldn’t even watch the sexual act between two loving people.

We learned about all kinds of deviant sexual behaviors, in much detail.

We had a teacher in one class on sexuality who said how she had to do all these things in order to teach on sexuality, how she once even went to a gay place so she could experience it and be a “better” teacher.

**If students, and parents, only realized what often goes on in universities these days, they’d think twice about going or sending their kids! Often, kids are fine but come home a changed person, and not for the better in large part BECAUSE of these places that teach all this without any moral values whatsoever. **

 

[Allegra]

My parents cosigned a loan but allowed me to go to the public school of my choosing.

My story is different. I used to live in New York State, which is very liberal, anyway. I went to some schools that were SO liberal. Dr. Ruth came to one, and we thought it would be cool to see her speak, hear what she had to say.

These colleges had a lot of courses on sexuality, but I will tell you that I can’t remember the word “abstinence” coming up, unless it was to ridicule it. If you had any innocence in you at all, you didn’t after you finished these classes.

My first main teacher was a modern, liberal woman and encouraged all of us women in her class to come with her to see a male stripper. I was the ONLY one in my class who didn’t go.

However, ultimately, I also caved in and became a full-fledged liberal like everyone else in my class! Yes, we all looked up to that teacher so much that we all eventually followed her wherever she led.

She used to make pro-choice jokes, and we would all laugh, thinking this was funny!
Our group had to come up with a motto for our T-shirts, and ours, of course, was very sexual.

I once had one professor show a video, in class, of people having perverted sex. Some people walked out. He criticized these people, asking how they ever expected to counsel people on their sexuality if they couldn’t even watch the sexual act between two loving people.

We learned about all kinds of deviant sexual behaviors, in much detail.

We had a teacher in one class on sexuality who said how she had to do all these things in order to teach on sexuality, how she once even went to a gay place so she could experience it and be a “better” teacher.

**If students, and parents, only realized what often goes on in universities these days, they’d think twice about going or sending their kids! Often, kids are fine but come home a changed person, and not for the better in large part BECAUSE of these places that teach all this without any moral values whatsoever. **

What the heck were you studying?

 

[thequietsinger]

What the heck were you studying?

I second that…and where did you go to college?

 

[Xantippe]

Would it be possible to do both English and theology and teaching certification, or an education degree with concentrations in English and theology? Have a good look at your target universities (and maybe a talk or an email) and see if that is feasible. It doesn’t sound crazy to me. With your plan, it’s quite essential to avoid any substantial debt–Catholic school teachers are not raking in the bucks.

Ask yourself, do you like high schoolers? Can you imagine spending all day with them for the rest of your working life? Not just the smart ones or the nice ones–all of them. Also, in the current economic climate, it would be wise to have a backup just in case you can’t get a teaching job. The good news is that this article says that “There are chronic shortages [of teachers] in math and science, special education, and English as a Second Language. There are also shortages in high poverty urban schools, where turnover is high, and in rural schools.”

roomfordebate.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/04/19/teaching-no-fallback-career/

If you go into teaching, I would suggest making sure to get certification in at least one of those high-demand areas. ESL would probably be the most natural fit, given your interests, but some of the other areas might also suit you.

Also, think about what kinds of clubs and extracurricular activities you would like to supervise as a teacher and plan your college extracurriculars accordingly.

Teaching has a huge burnout rate, so proceed with caution.

 

[thequietsinger]

Would it be possible to do both English and theology and teaching certification, or an education degree with concentrations in English and theology? Have a good look at your target universities (and maybe a talk or an email) and see if that is feasible. It doesn’t sound crazy to me. With your plan, it’s quite essential to avoid any substantial debt–Catholic school teachers are not raking in the bucks.

Ask yourself, do you like high schoolers? Can you imagine spending all day with them for the rest of your working life? Not just the smart ones or the nice ones–all of them. Also, in the current economic climate, it would be wise to have a backup just in case you can’t get a teaching job. The good news is that this article says that “There are chronic shortages [of teachers] in math and science, special education, and English as a Second Language. There are also shortages in high poverty urban schools, where turnover is high, and in rural schools.”

roomfordebate.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/04/19/teaching-no-fallback-career/

If you go into teaching, I would suggest making sure to get certification in at least one of those high-demand areas. ESL would probably be the most natural fit, given your interests, but some of the other areas might also suit you.

Also, think about what kinds of clubs and extracurricular activities you would like to supervise as a teacher and plan your college extracurriculars accordingly.

Teaching has a huge burnout rate, so proceed with caution.

According to the FUS website, I can minor in any of the majors they offer. So, if I choose to major in Theology, I can minor in English, and finish both degrees at the same time. Not quite dual-enrollment, but very similar. However, I believe I need to choose one, because the tuition will more than likely double, and I don’t see the outcome ending very well.

I have worked with elementary, junior high, and high school students, of all ages and speeds of learning capabilities. I am much more fond of working with high school students rather than elementary, because I have volunteered/taught in K-5 grades for the past 5+ years. Junior high students I haven’t had as much experience with, only about 2 or so years, but those grade levels are quite the hassle with all of the changes in moods and other things relating to growing up. From all the troubles and hassles of high school students, I know the high school level is where I want to be, even if I’ve only worked with them, also, for about two years.

Thank you so much for the advice. I am looking into what my second choice(s) would be. I pray that I won’t have to fall back on it, but I do know to expect the worst, and hope and pray for the best.

 

[KendraDZ1902]

According to the FUS website, I can minor in any of the majors they offer. So, if I choose to major in Theology, I can minor in English, and finish both degrees at the same time. Not quite dual-enrollment, but very similar. However, I believe I need to choose one, because the tuition will more than likely double, and I don’t see the outcome ending very well.

I have worked with elementary, junior high, and high school students, of all ages and speeds of learning capabilities. I am much more fond of working with high school students rather than elementary, because I have volunteered/taught in K-5 grades for the past 5+ years. Junior high students I haven’t had as much experience with, only about 2 or so years, but those grade levels are quite the hassle with all of the changes in moods and other things relating to growing up. From all the troubles and hassles of high school students, I know the high school level is where I want to be, even if I’ve only worked with them, also, for about two years.

Thank you so much for the advice. I am looking into what my second choice(s) would be. I pray that I won’t have to fall back on it, but I do know to expect the worst, and hope and pray for the best.

Just so you know, you really don’t get to pick the grades you teach, especially when you first start out. I know of many high schools that start out in the 7th grade. I am certified to teach pre-k-3rd grade. I prefer to only teach pre-k through 1st grade. If I find my choices are teaching 3rd graders or no job, I will definitely be teaching 3rd grade. Don’t have your mind made up that you only want to teach 11th&12th graders. That will more than likely not happen until you have been at a school for many years and that spot opens up.

 

[thequietsinger]

Just so you know, you really don’t get to pick the grades you teach, especially when you first start out. I know of many high schools that start out in the 7th grade. I am certified to teach pre-k-3rd grade. I prefer to only teach pre-k through 1st grade. If I find my choices are teaching 3rd graders or no job, I will definitely be teaching 3rd grade. Don’t have your mind made up that you only want to teach 11th&12th graders. That will more than likely not happen until you have been at a school for many years and that spot opens up.

I do understand, and accept that. It is a preference of mine, but if it means teaching 7th grade or no job, I will most certainly teach 7th grade, and have no hard feelings about it. Thank you for reassuring me of that, though!

 

[phil19034]

My parents cosigned a loan but allowed me to go to the public school of my choosing.

My story is different. I used to live in New York State, which is very liberal, anyway. I went to some schools that were SO liberal. Dr. Ruth came to one, and we thought it would be cool to see her speak, hear what she had to say.

These colleges had a lot of courses on sexuality, but I will tell you that I can’t remember the word “abstinence” coming up, unless it was to ridicule it. If you had any innocence in you at all, you didn’t after you finished these classes.

My first main teacher was a modern, liberal woman and encouraged all of us women in her class to come with her to see a male stripper. I was the ONLY one in my class who didn’t go.

However, ultimately, I also caved in and became a full-fledged liberal like everyone else in my class! Yes, we all looked up to that teacher so much that we all eventually followed her wherever she led.

She used to make pro-choice jokes, and we would all laugh, thinking this was funny!
Our group had to come up with a motto for our T-shirts, and ours, of course, was very sexual.

I once had one professor show a video, in class, of people having perverted sex. Some people walked out. He criticized these people, asking how they ever expected to counsel people on their sexuality if they couldn’t even watch the sexual act between two loving people.

We learned about all kinds of deviant sexual behaviors, in much detail.

We had a teacher in one class on sexuality who said how she had to do all these things in order to teach on sexuality, how she once even went to a gay place so she could experience it and be a “better” teacher.

**If students, and parents, only realized what often goes on in universities these days, they’d think twice about going or sending their kids! Often, kids are fine but come home a changed person, and not for the better in large part BECAUSE of these places that teach all this without any moral values whatsoever. **

This is SO true. As I mentioned before, I went to public University. I also took a “human relationships” class with was cross referenced as a “Women’s Studies” and as a “Sociology” class. The first day of class, the professor had us watch a documentary showing a man and woman having sex. She said she believed in the “shock value” of showing this as the first thing in class.

After lecture, there were always break out groups where we were forced to talk about masturbation, if female students were wearing thongs (this was when thongs were still not as mainstream as they are today), etc.

Outside of the classroom, my first year living the dorms, the RAs had a “talk about the differences with men and women” discussion where the female RAs would talk about how it’s healthy to masturbate and one female RA would talk about how she masturbated often.

Honestly… Catholic universities are the only way to go!

 

[phil19034]

This is SO true. As I mentioned before, I went to public University. I also took a “human relationships” class with was cross referenced as a “Women’s Studies” and as a “Sociology” class. The first day of class, the professor had us watch a documentary showing a man and woman having sex. She said she believed in the “shock value” of showing this as the first thing in class.

After lecture, there were always break out groups where we were forced to talk about masturbation, if female students were wearing thongs (this was when thongs were still not as mainstream as they are today), etc.

Outside of the classroom, my first year living the dorms, the RAs had a “talk about the differences with men and women” discussion where the female RAs would talk about how it’s healthy to masturbate and one female RA would talk about how she masturbated often.

Honestly… Catholic universities are the only way to go!

BTW - when my home pastor learned where I was going to college, he asked me “so what’s it like being with all of those pagans?” I first I didn’t understand (it was before the “sex” class), but now looking back… wow, he was so right!

 

[thequietsinger]

This is SO true. As I mentioned before, I went to public University. I also took a “human relationships” class with was cross referenced as a “Women’s Studies” and as a “Sociology” class. The first day of class, the professor had us watch a documentary showing a man and woman having sex. She said she believed in the “shock value” of showing this as the first thing in class.

After lecture, there were always break out groups where we were forced to talk about masturbation, if female students were wearing thongs (this was when thongs were still not as mainstream as they are today), etc.

Outside of the classroom, my first year living the dorms, the RAs had a “talk about the differences with men and women” discussion where the female RAs would talk about how it’s healthy to masturbate and one female RA would talk about how she masturbated often.

Honestly… Catholic universities are the only way to go!

I honestly don’t want to be forced to take any classes like that. I’d never make it through the first one. I have a feeling once I explain to them how Catholic colleges have the same morals as I do (and the Orthodox do, as well), they will be somewhat pleased with my decision, though I can’t be sure. I do agree with that last part!

 

[jmcrae]

Sorry about that. I should have been less vague about that Forbid me, as in doing all they can to prevent me from going to a specific college.

How would they even do that? If you’re paying the tuition and getting yourself there, what say do they have in the matter?

I’m not sure if my parents even knew what college I went to, until I invited them to my graduation. They made suggestions about schools they thought were good, but it was my decision; not theirs, and when I left, I didn’t really keep in touch all that much, except at holidays.

 

[phil19034]

One last thing… if it helps, here is the list of all Catholic Colleges in the US, from the US Catholic Conference of Bishops’ website.

usccb.org/beliefs-and-teachings/how-we-teach/catholic-education/higher-education/catholic-colleges-and-universities-in-the-united-states.cfm#geo

There are some on this list that even I didn’t know were Catholic colleges

Good luck and God Bless!