Bahahah well I am the perfect person to respond to this since I graduated with a degree in Public Relations and Spanish, worked for a PR firm in Miami for a few years after graduation, hated it, then quit at age 23 to go back to school for a degree in Marine Biology lol! I am still paying off my student loans 10 years later, but I now do work in my field for a whale watching company and while I don't make a ton, PR wasn't exactly lucrative either. I am a HUGE proponent of doing what you love. As long as she is aware that school is expensive (and DIFFICULT because it's mostly science courses), and that career prospects are slim, then it's her choice! I was able to graduate with the Marine Bio degree in 2.5 years because all my core classes transferred over.
My DGD is seriously contemplating a career in some aspect of Marine biology. Like you, she knows exactly what she is getting into in regards to classes, study and bills, but her parents plan to help her navigate some of these roads. As an Ag student she is already leaning towards a field heavy in science classes.
I think if anyone tried to dissuade her from choosing a field that she has an interest in I would be very angry. At such a young age, and 25 is young, passion for your career is so important.
My DD is really a hands on parent in most ways, but she has tasked my DGD with making choices that are not just based on location and classes, but also on total costs and financial aid, if any. SHe feels that if my DGD knows the cost, and she is going to be involved in that discussion, she will make an informed choice for her college: one that offers the classes she wants and needs, is within their price range, and that will be located in an area that allows her to return home for visits.
I do not regret what happened to me. And I don't know why I'm so against this. I really don't. I think part of it is moving to another state to go to school for something she can get 20 min away (and get in state tuition for too). I think that is what's bothering me. The only thing we don't have in PA and what FL does have is an ocean surrounding is. But we have NJ ocean which is a 2 hr drive and she's not even looking at costal schools either. All of them are inland which are a distance from ocean anyway. Oh well. I guess we'll see what happens this time
Next year. If she's in FL or back here.
I think you would do well to consider why you are so opposed to your friends decision, and why you are so invested in it. One of your prior posts seemed to almost anticipate her failure and your "told you so" reaction if it happened. For me, this is the one that stands out and is the one that has me wondering what else is in play here. If you do nothing else, I would suggest you look into your own reaction and give it thought.
There is a lot to consider when making a choice like this, not the least of which is hands on experience and the ability to secure an internship in the field your friend may want. Can she do that from PA? There are many areas of marine Biology, and not every college of University offers programs for every one, so that is also a consideration. My DGD interned at Mystic Seaport and while she loved that experience, she also learned what areas she is NOT interested in, and was also learned what she needs to do in college to assist her in securing a job after graduation. My DD and DSIl will pay more for her to be located in an area that she can intern in her chosen field, or that offers her the opportunity to gain experience in her field. I am lightheaded just thinking of the research my DGD is putting into her choice now, so I can imagine what your friend has also invested.
If you truly are her friend you will be supportive in her decision. Let her know that you want her to succeed and to be brave in her choice. I have found that people tend to work up to their potential if they are encouraged to do so, and will often work towards their lowest potential when they are expected to fail. Be your friends bright light.
