The Real Value of Higher Education
Having worked with numerous successful professionals throughout my career in sports and entertainment, I’ve noticed something important: people rarely ask about college grades in the real world. Instead, they care about your network, your experiences, and what you’ve learned about yourself.
I want my children to join that sorority if it interests them. Play that sport if they’re passionate about it. Join clubs, attend events, and build relationships that might last a lifetime. These connections often become the foundation for future opportunities that no perfect GPA could provide.
My perspective comes from personal experience. My parents couldn’t afford to give me the full college experience—I worked through school and missed many opportunities for extracurricular involvement. Now that I can provide differently for my children, I want them to have what I couldn’t.
Freedom Without Pressure
My philosophy for my kids in college is simple:
- Do your best academically, but don’t stress about perfection
- Learn something valuable every day, inside and outside the classroom
- Have fun and enjoy this unique time in your life
This approach doesn’t mean I don’t value education—quite the opposite. I believe proper education extends far beyond textbooks and exams. Some of life’s most important lessons happen during late-night conversations with roommates, through leadership positions in campus organizations, or while navigating social dynamics.
If I can afford to send my children to the best camps or get them the best coaches to develop their talents, why wouldn’t I? But these opportunities come with no strings attached. I refuse to be the parent living vicariously through my children’s achievements or pushing them toward my unfulfilled dreams.
Balance Is Everything
Of course, this doesn’t mean giving them a four-year vacation. College is expensive, and I expect them to take their studies seriously. But I measure success differently from many parents.
Success in college, from my perspective, means:
- Discovering passions and interests that might shape career paths
- Building a diverse network of friends and mentors
- Developing independence and problem-solving skills
- Creating memories and experiences that bring joy
- Learning how to balance responsibilities with personal fulfillment
Too many students graduate with perfect transcripts but no idea who they are or what truly makes them happy. Others finish with crushing anxiety and burnout from years of relentless pressure. Neither outcome serves them well in the long run.
My message to my children is consistent: I believe in you, I support your journey, and I trust you to find your path. The grades will take care of themselves if you’re engaged in learning that matters to you.
College should be challenging, but it should also be a joyful experience. It should stretch your abilities while also giving you space to breathe and grow. The best education occurs when students feel supported yet not overwhelmed by expectations.
So to my kids and any young person heading to college: Do your best, learn something valuable, and don’t forget to have fun along the way. The rest will fall into place.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Aren’t good grades important for future job prospects?
While grades can matter for specific career paths (particularly graduate school applications), most employers are more interested in relevant experience, interpersonal skills, and demonstrated capabilities. A student who maintained decent grades while actively participating in meaningful extracurriculars often has more to offer than someone who achieved perfect grades but did nothing else.
Q: How do you balance encouraging freedom with ensuring your children take education seriously?
I maintain open communication about the value of education while emphasizing that learning happens in many forms. We discuss their interests and how college can help develop those interests. I also share stories about how networking and experiences have shaped my career more than grades ever did. The key is to trust them to find their own motivation rather than imposing mine.
Q: What if your child is struggling academically in college?
I would first try to understand the root cause. Are they struggling because they’re disengaged with their major? Dealing with personal issues? Need better study skills? The solution depends on the problem. I’d encourage them to seek campus resources, such as tutoring or counseling, but I might also suggest they reconsider their academic path if it’s truly not the right fit.
Q: Do you think this approach works for all students?
Every student has different needs and goals. Some thrive under more structure and clear expectations. Others need freedom to explore. My approach reflects my values and what I’ve observed to be effective in the real world. Still, parents should consider their child’s unique personality, strengths, and challenges when deciding how to support their college journey.
Q: How do you justify the expense of college if grades aren’t the priority?
College is an investment in the whole person, not just in a transcript. The return on investment encompasses the knowledge gained, the network established, the experiences gained, and the personal growth achieved. These elements often contribute more to long-term success and happiness than grade point averages. That said, I expect my children to take their education seriously and make the most of the opportunities provided to them.