tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10348701.post9164547781655431349..comments2024-03-13T21:26:03.011-07:00Comments on Right on the Left Coast: Views From a Conservative Teacher: How Whiny Can Some Teenagers Be?Darrenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15730642770935985796noreply@blogger.comBlogger3125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10348701.post-8423589848359940442009-03-08T10:57:00.000-07:002009-03-08T10:57:00.000-07:00You bring up a valid point, that the self-esteem m...You bring up a valid point, that the self-esteem movement, the molly-coddling,and the pressure put on by some adults helps create this situation.<BR/><BR/>However, at some point we need to stop making excuses and take control of our own lives. Saying that the way a particular school notifies a student about rejection is "hurtful" seems just a bit too narcissistic to me. You can point the finger of blame wherever you want, but other <I>adults</I> aren't going to look favorably on someone who acts that way.Darrenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15730642770935985796noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10348701.post-42403829557209463672009-03-08T00:03:00.000-08:002009-03-08T00:03:00.000-08:00You might be right that students should have more ...You might be right that students should have more composure regarding their admissions outcomes, no matter the medium or style, but your attitude of pinning full responsibility on the students is unproductive. "How whiny can some teenagers be" removes all responsibility from the parents, counselors, and teachers in spite of the emphasis these influences placed on college success. We owe the existence of Private Guidance Conselors and noxious sites like College Confidential to elitism in the communities that nurture these students. "you're responsible for your self-esteem, not some university" is an admirable sentiment, but it has taught.A Ramblerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01970315180044900403noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10348701.post-75267456846407028962009-02-28T13:12:00.000-08:002009-02-28T13:12:00.000-08:00In the cases of the suicides, those sound like peo...In the cases of the suicides, those sound like people who are on the brink anyhow. But I do think that a refusal letter can be couched in words that aren't so damning as 'Deny'. How about this: "Thank you for your application. Unfortunately we are unable to offer you admission at this time. We wish you success in your future endeavors." Was that so hard? We have lost the ability to communicate in writing and colleges are no exception. There is a certain degree of respect and courtesy that even the most annoying applicant should receive in my view. On the other hand, there are students who have been (mis)led to believe that their every word or act is golden. They truly don't understand that some universities seek true diversity. And sometimes that means that the kid who wants to go there the most, just doesn't fulfill a perceived need. This also gets back to the mass assumption that all kids should go to college. Now more than ever we need technicians in fields such as electronics, HVAC, communications and computer technology. Not all of these jobs require a college degree. How about we return to the idea of offering a true vocational program for kids that want and need to work the day after they get that diploma?Ellen Khttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02845981491726296767noreply@blogger.com