Closing the distance or education?

[kelbug73029]

I have the opportunity to close the distance, but at the expense of my education. My SO and I are going to college next year at colleges in our respective states. His college specializes in music, which is what he wants to study, but also has a teaching program, which is what I want to do. My college, however, specializes in education and is nationally recognized for their education program. So, my question for you is, what would you do? Do you think it would be worth it to get a lesser education, and therefore a lesser job causing hardship on us in the future, but to be with the man I plan on marrying?

[Gurl]

Education handsdown. you will never regret having the best education you can get. if something were to happen between you two (which I hope and pray it never does) you would regret giving up this opportunity. Get your education, all things being equal you two have a long life ahead to be together.

[milaya]

For me education always come first. To be able to enjoy your future, you should secure it.
If you chose to attend the college in your area it doesn't mean you won't be with "the man you plan to marry", it will just be delayed for some time. Once you graduate you'll have the opportunity to move and from there start your lives together.
You're still very young, there's no need to rush anything, especially not when it comes to things you might regret later on. You've might heard this thousand of times, but you'll go through a lot of changes from now on as well and you don't know what the future holds, also when it comes to love - because to be honest love can be a fickle thing, but an education is stable and might be the main thing you rely on in the future.
Why cause yourself hardships when you have a choice?

[loneliestgirl]

Go to the college that you have wanted to go for your career.

No matter what happens, that would be a win situation for you.

This college would give you a great chance at a better paying and quality job in your career field. It would open doors for you more easily. That, in turn, would put you in place where the financials of closing the distance and marrying and family will be less of burden. There would be less scrambling.

If things happen to not work out between the two of you, for whatever reason, even temporarily, you will be kicking yourself for giving up a dream and a better career path for the relationship, while he gets his ideal education in his field. You end up with the short end of the stick and may harbor very deep and long resentment and bitterness.

[ThePiedPiper]

Which one would you go to if you weren't romantically involved with him? Which one would you regret not going to if he dumped you tomorrow? That's the college you should choose, and yes, you should put your education before a boyfriend who might not even last for all four years of it.

[lucybelle]

I'm a teacher. I didn't go to a special teacher school. In fact my school was an engineering school. I've never had a problem getting a job.

You won't get a "lesser" education. And if youre a good interviewer you'll not have an issue getting a job. A degree is important, where you get it from- not so much.

[Sukkerklumpen]

Education first and foremost. Your education won't wake up one day and tell you " I don't love you anymore " It will forever be to your advantage. If your SO truly cares about you, he won't mind. He'll understand the importance of it.

[Zephii]

I chose closing the distance over my education and most days I don't regret it in the slightest. I figure you won't do your best if you're always mopeing about him anyway, besides I think Lucybelle makes a good point.

[Jazi]

I chose closing the distance over my education and most days I don't regret it in the slightest. I figure you won't do your best if you're always mopeing about him anyway, besides I think Lucybelle makes a good point.

Was starting to feel like the only crazy person around here choosing CDR > Education . Totally agree with Zephii and Lucybelle. You and your SO seem to be in a great position where you would still be getting a degree in your chosen field regardless, I say you have to make the decision where you will have the LEAST amount of regret, whichever speaks to you is the right choice, nobody can choose it for you/tell you what is the right choice for YOU.

[Tooki]

Will the education degree at your SO's school still get you the job that you want? Would you go to that school if you weren't dating your SO?

If so, close the distance!

[digitalfever]

Normally I'd say go to the special university BUT I believe that a teaching degree from a specialised scho is just as good as a degree from a non specialised school. I'd also point you in the direction of the program that is cheaper and in a more economical town/city.

I don't think teaching is a career where your degree came from matters. What matters is how you interact within the classroom. It's a vocational degree and therefore where you learn doesn't matter as much as how you a apply what you learn. I think the proof is in that teaching is a very "moveable" career. You can go abroad and come back. A teaching degree in itself is a door opener from that stand point.

So..., I'd say go be with your SO.

[kelbug73029]

I'm a teacher. I didn't go to a special teacher school. In fact my school was an engineering school. I've never had a problem getting a job.

You won't get a "lesser" education. And if youre a good interviewer you'll not have an issue getting a job. A degree is important, where you get it from- not so much.

This is something that I have always wondered about. People always tell me to go to a better school to get a better job, but it always seemed to me that where you go to school isn't quite so important as how well you teach.

[loneliestgirl]

This is something that I have always wondered about. People always tell me to go to a better school to get a better job, but it always seemed to me that where you go to school isn't quite so important as how well you teach.

How well you teach can be affected by the program you go to. Not every program is created equal, especially if you want to get into the more specialized field with education. If your goal is to teach in a very prestigeous school when you complete your degree, then the reputation and prestige of your school's program will matter, at least at first. Otherwise, a license is a license and eventually experience counts for more than where you went to school.

Also, bear in mind if you haven't researched this yet, does your SO's school program qualify you to teach back home or in your state? License requirements and certifications can vary state by state.

[charly]

Without reading any comments I would say: alway education first. But I think the points mentioned below are definitely worth considering. With a lot of effort, even though the program might not be specialized, you can still get there I presume? In any case you should make sure that you can get where you want to be later in life. If that is still possible with the program at that uni, then go and be with you SO

[Alsfia]

My SO and I are planning to take a year off where Ill move to England to be with him. I have even delayed my graduation 6 months to sync it with his. With that said, I have been planning to study here in Finland even if he will study in England. I havent decided yet, but thats the primary plan. Id say pick the college you like better and would feel more comfortable taking courses in. Besides, atleast I work harder when my SO isnt here since I need the distraction, but thats just me...