Growing up, the author's parents instilled the importance of education, even whispering to her as a baby that she would one day attend their alma mater. True to their word, they paid every penny of her college tuition, allowing her to attend her dream school. However, this generosity came with an unexpected consequence – the author's lack of appreciation for the value of her education, leading to poor academic performance and a prolonged college experience. Now, as the author contemplates her own future as a parent, she is determined to ensure her children learn the true worth of a college degree.

Paying the Price of a Free Ride

The Burden of Parental Generosity

The author's parents spared no expense when it came to her college education, spending a staggering $210,000 over the course of 10 semesters. This included covering tuition, room and board, and even an unpaid internship during her final semester. While their generosity was unquestionable, the author now recognizes that it came at a cost – her own lack of appreciation for the value of her education.

The Consequences of Carefree College Days

Without the financial burden of paying for her own education, the author found herself prioritizing social activities over academic pursuits. She dedicated herself to extracurricular activities, neglecting her studies and allowing her grades to plummet. The transition from a high-achieving high school student to a mediocre college student was both emotional and confusing, as the author struggled to find her identity.

A Tale of Two Experiences

The author's experience in graduate school, where she paid for every penny, paints a stark contrast to her undergraduate years. Suddenly, she was a dedicated and engaged student, passionate about her program and understanding the true cost of her education. This realization led the author to conclude that if she had been responsible for funding her college education, she would have been a far better student.

The Parental Perspective

In speaking with her parents, the author gained a deeper appreciation for the sacrifices they made to ensure her college experience. They refinanced their mortgage, put retirement savings on hold, and even had the author's mother take on a real estate career to help cover the costs. Despite the financial burden, the parents remained steadfast in their belief that education was a worthy investment.

A Lesson Learned, a Future Approach

The author's experience has shaped her perspective on how she will approach her own children's college education. She firmly believes that a financial investment in one's education can foster a greater sense of appreciation and responsibility. As a result, she plans to have her future children contribute at least half the cost of their college education, either through scholarships, part-time work, or even running their own small businesses.The author's journey serves as a cautionary tale, highlighting the unintended consequences of parental generosity and the importance of instilling a sense of ownership and responsibility in one's education. By sharing her story, she hopes to inspire other parents to consider a more balanced approach, one that empowers their children to value the true worth of a college degree.