Due to Americas life long goal of continual progress, Americans in the 60's found billions of their tax dollars going towards the growth and improvement of colleges. Anything and everything was done to push and prod every young person to receive a "higher education" after high school. This in itself is a very noble goal, in my opinion, but Bird brings to light a few facts that made me think a little differently on the matter. Some where down the line of trying to achieve this "goal," the feelings of students as individuals were forgotten. As just another face in the crowd the college student found it very hard to speak out about any problems they may be having with the university. So instead, they blame themselves for what ever the problem may be and " simply hang around college unhappily and reluctantly," as Bird says. I have to agree, these feelings are very prevalent on the campus that I attend as well. It's definitely not the most cheery place in town. .
A small comparison was then made. The author tells us of how women were hurt in previous years because society told them that there place was in the home. I believe there is some justification there. Anytime some one is told that they have to remain in a certain state, or sphere, it dramatically limits their ability of achieving above and beyond what is expected of them. In this sense Bird says, " so we may be systematically damaging 18-year-olds by insisting that their proper place is in college." How many people are robbed of their dreams and talents because they are told that college is the best place for them? How long will this deprivation continue? .
It's pointed out that kids today are basically tricked into thinking that college is the place for them, and because of this, I feel that even the teachers and administrators have become unhappy. Through Caroline Bird's extensive research of universities around the U.
