A Rocket Scientist or a Plumber?

As I was browsing the Internet yesterday, I stumbled upon an article from the New York Daily News discussing a controversial quote that was made by Mayor Bloomberg on his radio show this past Friday. He was quoted saying “Compare a plumber to going to Harvard College — being a plumber, actually for the average person, probably would be a better deal”.  His comment struck a nerve for me. While there is nothing at all wrong with being a plumber, there is nothing at all wrong with attending Harvard, despite the steep tuition prices. It is obvious that Mayor Bloomberg thinks a plumber is getting a “better deal” because he or she will not carry a financial burden of spending $200,000 over four years. I, however, think “better deal” can mean different things for different people. To me, a “better deal” would mean living on a college campus for four years, conversing with all types of people from different backgrounds, and experimenting with new classes to figure out life goals and ambitions.

Bloomberg doesn’t stop there, but begins to explain his thoughts by saying “You don’t spend ... four years spending $40,000- $50,000 in tuition without earning income.” He’s partially correct according to James Surowiecki, author of the piece we read in class, Debt by Degrees. College is becoming more and more expensive, and exceeding rates of inflation. Surowiecki claims that people are overestimating what a college degree will ensure them. Even more problems arise when students don’t finish school and end up with exceeding large amounts of debt and an incomplete degree.  I do agree that prices of college are going up, and oftentimes we use money that we don’t really have to pay for college. However, this is not to say that a financial issue should stop students from attending college and getting a higher education. The article in the New York Daily News also states that not ALL colleges cost $50,000 dollars. There are plenty of state schools, which are less than half that price in tuition per year. It doesn’t have to be as extreme as Bloomberg is saying. People should find what suits them best, whether it is a vocational school, a two-year college, or a four-year university. For me, his words seem discouraging.

Price of college tuition aside, Bloomberg also adds that professions like plumbing won’t ever be dictated by technology, and can ensure job security. Yes, I can admit that maybe college graduates aren’t guaranteed jobs like they were once used to, but what bothered me most was the message that he was sending to young high school graduates. He says, “The people who are going to have the biggest problem are college graduates who aren’t rocket scientists, if you will, not at the top of their class.” Just because someone doesn’t graduate college with a bachelor’s degree in a science field, does not mean they are any less likely to work with technology. In fact, I feel like every degree can be adaptable, especially with there being so many different types of jobs requiring a vast range of skillsets. Majoring in something other than rocket science does not mean you are less competitive in the job market. Mayor Bloomberg should be advocating for all students to aspire to complete a higher education. Today’s jobs require math, science, critical thinking, writing, and communication skills. We are no longer in a world that sees everything in black and white. There is now an intersection between the sciences and the arts.

Yes, college is not for everyone. Yes, there are better options for some people financially. And yes, it is totally okay for people to decide to become a plumber, but only if they feel as though that is what they are satisfied with doing in life, and not because of a fear of outsourcing or never “beating” the rocket scientist.