Well, the "headhunter" came and went. Fear of the unknown and lack of discussion had me stressed out more than I should have been. My hubby knew about this school but never even mentioned it to me. My hubby has the idea that if he thinks it to himself then I know it too. It can be extremely frustrating, especially when I don't know what questions to ask to drag the information out of him. I kept bringing this visit up and he never said a word.
When this man came to the school two years ago and told about the program DS was so excited it is all he talked about. Hubby's attitude then was "no way, he's going to be an electrician". That was hubby's idea of what he should do. I knew by the way the boy was excited that he really liked the idea of this school. But then again I know it is a slick presentation geared to get the boys excited...kinda' like the military. Plus of course he was just driving and you know how boys get into the cars and such at that age. Is this something he'd want to do the rest of his life?
This year the man came back and ds mentioned it again, mentioned he knew someone in the program. They have been traveling to career/school fairs and the such and he kept coming up mechanic in testing. I know how that testing works, it isn't always accurate, certainly wasn't for me because they don't have a category that says "at home mom" or "farm wife". Anyway, the pressure was on and it was overwhelming him. On one hand he wants to work out of school to earn some money. On the other hand he is interested in this school. Then there is the looming cost of it all and he'll have to go to Chicago.
How it works out is the guy (Brian) has to have two recommendations from the school that they think this would be a path for our son. Before that he wouldn't even be considered. That is how the ball got started. Then they re-contact the kid and feel him out. They then make the appointment to discuss it with the parents and see what we are thinking. Is he ready? Is he responsible enough? Would we support this? Can he do his own laundry, housekeeping, cooking, hold a part time job and school too?
They have a list of rules a mile long. Hair cut a certain length, must hold a job while in school. Must be prompt and no missing classes. Must wear a uniform. Must have an excellent driving record. May be subjected to random drug tests, etc. So it is not only learning a trade (and no other classes like english, math etc., strictly trade for 73 weeks) but how life really is, no horsing around, no partying, they take this very seriously. Kind of like a mechanic boot camp.
This Brian had a kid in the program so he knows how it works. The boy our son knows who is in the program has turned out to be one of their top students of his class.
So we signed him up for a seat in the program. In February we have to travel to the school for their open house (mandatory), find an apartment (the school works with several buildings), financial information etc. After the open house we can make the final decision whether he goes or not. That gives him plenty of time to mull it over and decide. He'd not start until mid September so he can work with hubby all summer earning a state construction wage which would help immensely!
We also got a book of scholarships he can perhaps apply for. We will be doing a lot of hunting for more scholarships. I know our 4H has one and I am sure there are more just waiting to be applied for. After taxes we will see if we qualify for any sort of grant too.
I do not know how we will finance this but I will leave it all up to God. God hasn't steered us wrong yet and this right now seems like a good fit for our eldest.
The question now is...is his mama ready to let him go...
Comments
Thursday, November 29, 2007 - Untitled Comment
Posted by homesteadinthemaking
Oh,my, it sounds like a great opportunity and then you get to that last line, Are you ready to let him go? Oh, that just tugs at my heart. I pray that God will lead your family. These are tough times.
Blessings,
Trixi