Usually I’m able to come up with something because I came across an article or other blog post. As I type this, I haven’t yet. Weird.
I’m thinking about ‘university’. And the discongruity between that and ‘college’. Like most people, we think there is little to no distinction between the two. There is a (not so?) subtle difference.
From the Online Dictionary:
University:
- an institution of learning of the highest level, having a college of liberal arts and a program of graduate studies together with several professional schools, as of theology, law, medicine, and engineering, and authorized to confer both undergraduate and graduate degrees.
Versus
College:
- an institution of higher learning, especially one providing a general or liberal arts education rather than technical or professional training. Compare university.
- a constituent unit of a university, furnishing courses of instruction in the liberal arts and sciences, usually leading to a bachelor’s degree.
- an institution for vocational, technical, or professional instruction, as in medicine, pharmacy, agriculture, or music, often a part of a university.
- an endowed, self-governing association of scholars incorporated within a university, as at the universities of Oxford and Cambridge in England.
Anybody notice the difference? One places it above the other; a college is part of a university, specializing only in the undergrad degree. Almost as if said degree doesn’t matter in the long run. They even go so far as to equate an undergrad college program as on the same level of a vocational degree.
As a graduate of a vocational high school and then (here’s the kicker), the University of Maryland University College, what am I supposed to think about the value and time I spent making the achievement? Did I go to college or university? All I truly understand is my goal of receiving a Batchelor of Science – which I did (3.3 GPA) 👏🏻
It served me well for ten or so years. Proves my ability to solve problems, investigate ideas, propose logical opposition to forwarded projects. And yet, by events, I am forced to rely on my vocational school talent to support my family. So what is the point of a liberal arts degree? (I still argue mine is more than that, even if it didn’t include lots of the classical sciences).
What makes life interesting is its unpredictability. There are no guarantees, no matter who promises what. Advanced schooling promises better employment, but cannot actually deliver. The human, unpredictable element asserts itself. The sociological sub-equation interferes, and if you’re lucky, you can work the fryolator at a fast food joint.
Which explains those links above. Mostly unconnected.
#atozchallenge
Rants Unto the Ether 
It’s strange how some letters are just more challenging than others. I mean so many words start with each letter, but when it comes to blogging them…sometimes it’s like they all vanish from the English language.
I think you did really well, though!
@IsaLeeWolf
A Bit to Read
Went to look over your U post. I felt like I could put up an argument for the solidity and permanence of your three un suggestions. I do get your drift; just that the undone-untold can be construed as permanent. Uneasy – yeah, definitely soft edges.