My oldest refused the offer of college. He went off and joined the Navy. Today he is going to night classes to obtain his degree, compliments of Uncle Sam.
The youngest realized early the importance of a degree. He wants to be a military pilot, and a degree is required. The wife and I had saved all his Permanent Fund Dividends, and put aside enough for him to get his degree. He discovered my Veterans Status will pay for it so he has not touched his college fund as of yet. He says that will be the downpayment for his house. He thought of moving into the dorm on campus, but decided that was too much money. He is staying at home, and commuting each day.
College is not for everyone. Eric, my almost third son, is making far more than he ever expected operating equipment at a big Gold Mine. Eric took four years of Automotive Shop in high school. Upon graduating he went to work in the Chevy Garage, in the quick lube shop. After a year he moved over to the John Deere Dealership as a Mechanic. A couple of years later an opening came availiable at the Gold Mine and he jumped at it. Several other of Sky's friends went into the Trades, after high school. They are doing well as Plumbers, Pipefitters, Carpenters, and Welders.