“Napoleon Dynamite Knows College…”

“Napoleon Dynamite Knows College…”
Darrel L. Hammon


Like many of you, my two daughters loved the movie Napoleon Dynamite, starring Napoleon, Pedro, and a cast of other intriguing characters. After they saw the movie, there was seldom a day that passed that we didn’t hear some snippet from the movie. After listening to some of Napoleon’s and Pedro’s phrases, I realized they have some significance in describing the reasoning behind going to college.

Napoleon’s “Heck yes” to scholarships—To quote Napoleon, “Heck, yes” to answer whether you should apply for scholarships. Ironically, I have discovered that many communities offer local scholarships. For example, one community in Montana has an educational foundation that promotes “Dollars for Scholars” each year. Each year, the Foundation gives out numerous $1,000 scholarships to graduating seniors from the local high school. These scholarships are transferable to any institution. Amazingly, many students do not apply for them because “it takes too much time.” Now, in my thinking, working on a scholarship application of this nature for two to four hours is worth it. To earn $1,000 at $8.00 an hour, you would have to work almost 125 hours.

Also, many community colleges offer scholarships to students who live within the college district or area. With some of these scholarships, coupled with federal financial aid, state scholarships, and other scholarships, students can go free to college. Now, if you are a parent, “free education” is worthwhile.

So, should you apply for scholarships? “Heck yes!” Go visit your high school counselor or your local college. For you high school seniors, Sign up for FastWeb.com, which matches students to scholarships. Apply often and apply early.

“Flippin’ sweet”—Napoleon says this about a zillion times; but when you think about how “flippin’ sweet” it is to invest in your future, then you will begin investing now. Yes, I understand that high school can be a drain on the brain cells, and many of you want to spend some time to wind down. If you think you want to do this, then set a specific time, and try not to go into debt. The challenge becomes when you decide to work and then fail to save anything for college. The only thing you have after a year or two working is debt, and that is a difficult thing to crawl out of.

Attending college is truly a “sweet investment.” Statistics show that over a lifetime, high school graduates make more than high school dropouts; college graduates make more than high school graduates; and people with graduate degrees ultimately make more money than baccalaureate-prepared people. Thus, an investment in your education definitely is an investment in the future, and sometimes a large one. So, don’t procrastinate; just enroll now.

Another “sweet” thing you should be aware of is the dual-enrollment/dual-credit options you might have with your high school and the local college. What this means is that you enroll in an articulated course, either at the high school or at the college and receive both college and high school credit. The “sweetness” of it all hinges on the fact that dual-credit course are normally less expensive and transfer to any college or university. I know of one student recently who had already earned 35 credits by the time she graduated from high school. She needed just one year at her local community college to earn her Associate of Arts (A.A.) and Associate of Science (A.S.) before she transferred to a large, private university. And her credits transferred. Sweet!

“If you vote for me, your wildest dreams will come true.”—Wasn’t Pedro wonderful when he said this as he campaigned to be student body president? Mottos or slogans at colleges and universities usually are motivational and attempt to encourage people to attend. Often students begin college without a clue what they want to do. College and universities try to help you either find your dream or help you fulfill your dream.

Also, for those of you who think you might be too old to attend college, the average age at many community colleges around the countryside hovers around 27-30 years old. Age shouldn’t matter. What is most important is this: Those of us in higher education want you to succeed so you can make a difference in today’s workplace, which continues to constantly change, and we’ll do what it takes to maneuver you from Point A to Point B and then on to Points C through whatever. Thus, if you attend college, your wildest dreams will come true (Thanks, Pedro).

Napoleon and Pedro learned some valuable lessons in high school, and you will, too. The important thing is to start now in addressing your future as it relates to attending college. No matter what the college, attend as soon as possible. And if you have been out of school for a while, set a goal to goal. Colleges and universities will help you make the transition. Obtaining an education is truly an investment in your future.

Sweet!

Intellectual Aristocracy

Want to be part of the new aristocracy? 

The new aristocracy is called the intellectual aristocracy, filled with people who have invested in acquiring knowledge. Some years ago, Jaime Escalante, whose life was depicted in the movie Stand and Deliver, spoke about a poster hanging on a wall in his classroom. It read: “Free, free, free—knowledge. Bring your own containers.” How apropos for high school students on the brink of entering college and transitioning to the new world economy. 

Knowledge is abundant in the new economy, but we have to be willing to obtain it. Since the knowledge-based economy has engulfed us, we must prepare ourselves to not only to survive but to thrive. Unfortunately, mom and dad are not always going to support your habits. 

Soon—for some, sooner than you think—the responsibility will fall to you. Are you ready? At eighteen, I knew I wasn’t ready. After two years in southern Chile and a year of work, I was ready to enter college to gain knowledge. Had I heard about Escalante’s admonition, I would have brought along more containers. 

Consider these suggestions: 

One, understand that going to college should not be an option. It is a must, a prerequisite to being a part of the new intellectual aristocracy. Our family has always focused on the phrase: “Not if you are going to college but where.” 

Two, while in high school, take a rigorous set of courses. If you can, take those that count for dual-credit, credit for high school and college. You will be further ahead when you enroll in college. In fact, some students in other states earn their high school diploma one day, and the next day they receive their associate degree in other states. Invest now in obtaining the best grades and being involved, thus enhancing your chances to earn scholarships. 

Three, when you go to college, take advantage of the most affordable one you can attend, even if it is close to home. Because most college programs require two years of general education, it is more affordable to attend a two-year college. Community colleges offer a wonderful array of core courses taught by extremely gifted professors. 

Four, take a variety of courses, particularly those that require hard work and critical thinking skills. In the global market, most employers seek talented people who can think, adapt to change, and maneuver within the organization. Possessing good skill sets will enable you to succeed. 

And five, think of your education as an investment that should be replenished often. If you don’t reinvest in yourself and upgrade your skills along the way, you will succumb to the plight of dinosaurs who couldn’t adapt to change. Graduating from high school is truly a huge step. But begin strategizing now how you are going to maneuver successfully through our knowledge-based economy. The best part of being part of your lifelong educational investment is that you become part of the new intellectual aristocracy. 

Remember to bring lots of containers.