Education and Preparing for College Early - Parents Can Help Their Children Deal with the Unexpected- Finishing College in High School, a New Resource Guide

This is the story of how a parents unexpected death changed his childrens lives. From this experience they learned important information about dealing with the unexpected and the importance of education, college and preparing for ones future. http://gradaenterprises.com/finishcollegeinhighschool/ By Rachel Hayon, MPH

(PRWEB) April 5, 2005 -- This is the story of how a parents unexpected death changed his childrens lives. From this experience they learned important information about dealing with the unexpected and the importance of education, college and preparing for ones future.

http://gradaenterprises.com/finishcollegeinhighschool/

By Rachel Hayon, MPH

Hes not looking too well."

How bad is it??"

Jules...Dad, hes, hes gonna die. I just know it. Hes not opening his eyes anymore, or moving...Moms a mess please come home."

Ill be home soon Shorty, as soon as I can get a plane ticket...."

Such was the news I received on my-present-to-myself graduation trip. I was overseas, away from my family about one month when my father fell ill. He had a stroke and in the end, he went into cardiac arrest. Just like that he was gone. I hadnt planned on that happening, I mean, I suppose no one ever PLANS these things, but you know what I mean, its always a shock. He was overweight, out of shape and his overall physical state was not good, but I suppose its human nature to hope against hope that your loved ones will overcome all odds and be with you forever. Unfortunately, reality often steps in and you realize that things dont always work out the way youve planned them. Too bad, but as my father might have said in his native tongue Cest la vie"

I came home to a totally changed reality. Just goes to show the old proverb Man plans, G-d laughs" has more truth to it than we ever want to admit. For instance, I had planned to start a PhD program. I was going to be a psychologist, open up my own practice and live happily ever after. This new predicament nipped that course of action in the bud. Why? One main reason- money.

You see, my father was a smart man. He spoke six languages and traveled the majority of the world in his life time. He was an immigrant, as is my mother and they were here to capture the American dream. Despite all of his good intentions and his vast intellect, he died, with no money to his name. Not that life is all about money, of course it isnt, I would never suggest such a thing. But, as those of you out there who have ever been in a financial bind know, having money sure does lower your over all stress level.

I figured out at an early age how high stress levels correlate with a low money reserve as I saw my parents struggle, time and time again. In fact, I think my fathers health deteriorated so quickly because of his high stress levels. They struggled both because of a lack of formal education and poor business decisions and of course that unavoidable con-artist who WILL approach those individuals who most want to get ahead in life. Thats what happened to my father. Time and time again he tried to get ahead, looked into new businesses, worked his fingers to the bone, and trusted the wrong people. The end result: breaking even if youre lucky.

Speaking of being lucky, I decided that is exactly what I would be. I was going to stop the cycle my parents had started, get a formal education, go to graduate school and be livin large. Well, at least larger than they had. See, I never wanted wealth; all I wanted was to be comfortable, have a gratifying career in which I could help other people and be able to pay the bills. Being that neither of my parents are college educated, I had to figure out the university system on my own. Let me tell ya, there are lots of twists and turns, not to mention hidden entry ways, no one tells you about on that path. Regardless, after doing lots of things I shouldnt have done and not doing things I Should have done, I was able to get myself into a reputable college, got a scholarship, and even got myself into graduate school. Sounds good right? Well, it was, until the unexpected happened.

Im not trying to imply that my situation is helpless, I do after all possess a college degree and I will plow my way ahead. However, I now have to think of my mother and brothers well being and cannot concentrate solely on the career I had planned on. Some good has come from my fathers death and my college experience. For instance, seeing the mistakes he made is helping me to reevaluate my choices and my life. I am also happy to report that my experiences having given me the knowledge to guide my little brother past the potholes I fell into. Im happy to say, he is now a junior in college and doing great.

So whats the moral of the story?? First, know that in an instant your life can change and be prepared. Second, take Every opportunity to can get. See, my Dad was right, we do live in the United States and this is a land with much opportunity. The only problem is, though the information is out there, most parents (especially from other countries) dont know how to guide their children to the better future they so want them to possess. For instance, did you know that high school level children can start earning college credit while simultaneously earning their high school diploma?? No, you didnt know that? Well, neither did I. Thats why Im passing on the information. Because I want to make sure other peoples children dont miss what I did. A word to the wise- the earlier you start building your future, the better.

Based on a true story.

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