<p>Hmmm. I just don’t see that much difference between my kids’ generation and my own when it comes to college maturity. In some ways, it was more of a protected bubble in my time, as campus populations are much more diverse now than they were then, and the world is smaller and more competitive. I went to college in the early seventies, nearly 40 years ago now, and we were famous for perpetuating our childhood- the original flower children ;)</p>
<p>I do think for those going on to grad school, a gap year or two after college is an excellent idea. Let the graduates work for a year or two and support themselves as young adults before committing themselves to several more years of schooling.</p>
<p>The author suggests having our kids get a real job and “support themselves for a few years,” right out of high school. I’m not sure there are that many jobs where young people can make a living wage, especially in Los Angeles, with neither a college education nor relevant work experience.</p>
<p>I do think it can be a good idea for kids who don’t seem ready for another four years of college, for various reasons. But to say colleges coddle more now than ever, I just don’t buy it.</p>