Podcast Summary: Everything’s Perfect… Except College
Podcast Information:
- Title: Everything's Perfect
- Host/Author: Everything's Perfect
- Episode: Everything’s Perfect… Except College
- Release Date: July 29, 2025
Description: In this insightful episode of Everything’s Perfect, hosts Jordan and Taylor delve into the multifaceted experience of college life. They explore personal journeys, the financial burdens of higher education, the relevance of college curricula in today's rapidly evolving world, and alternative paths to success. The conversation is candid, filled with personal anecdotes, critical analysis, and practical advice for listeners contemplating their educational and career paths.
1. Personal College Experiences
Jordan’s Community College Journey: Jordan shares his brief stint at a community college, highlighting the contrast between homeschooling and the structured environment of college. He recalls, “It was the first time I ever went to school... I was doing great, and I didn't do any homework. It was just charm that got me through that thing” (00:28).
Taylor’s Experience at Webster University: Taylor recounts her time at Webster University, a performing arts college in St. Louis, where she was a dance major. She discusses the challenges she faced, particularly with her ballet program. “I left a semester before I graduated because I was a dance major. And my ballet master... let me know he was never going to let me graduate” (01:35).
2. Critique of the College System
Irrelevant Curriculum: Both hosts express frustration with the general education requirements in college. Taylor emphasizes, “I can't spend what, $300 a credit to sit in this class and learn about this. Like, what does this have to do with helping a dancer?” (10:05). Jordan adds, “Why do I gotta learn about the water cycle again?” (10:00).
Overemphasis on Debt: A significant portion of their discussion centers on the financial strain caused by student loans. Jordan cynically remarks, “Who doesn't love crippling debt entering adulthood” (07:58), while Taylor highlights the long-term implications, “I left with... $70,000 in debt” (23:36).
3. Mental and Physical Health Impacts
Taylor’s Struggles: Taylor opens up about the emotional and physical toll college took on her. She shares a harrowing experience with her ballet master, “He shoved my leg up... and I was like... maybe you should be a secretary” (02:27). This led to a bulging disc and long-term self-doubt, which she had to overcome later in life. “It was really hard for me because I had so much passion and so much heart... I was broken physically and emotionally” (23:50).
4. Alternative Paths to Success
Non-Traditional Routes: Jordan advocates for exploring alternatives to the traditional college path. He shares his own experiences working various jobs and traveling, stating, “Instead of going to college, I performed on a cruise ship and I traveled around...” (22:21). Taylor echoes this sentiment, emphasizing the value of trade schools and hands-on learning, “I'm a huge fan of trade schools. Like if you want to be a hairdresser, yeah, go, that's great” (12:00).
Real-World Skills: Both hosts argue that essential life skills are often neglected in traditional education. Taylor points out, “Teach somebody how to balance a checkbook, please” (14:21), while Jordan adds, “Nobody taught us how to do taxes” (16:59).
5. Societal Pressures and Personal Choice
Pressure to Attend College: The discussion highlights the societal expectation to attend college, often without considering individual passions or financial implications. Taylor mentions, “College was talked about in my household all the time” (28:04), while Jordan advises, “Think about it. If you want to be something, maybe you go into the workforce for a year and see what sounds good to you” (28:24).
Personal Narratives: Taylor shares her family's perspective, detailing how her parents valued college despite not having attended themselves. She also discusses her son Dom’s non-traditional educational path, supporting his interests in firefighting and photography over college education. “He wants to be a firefighter. That's where he's at right now” (32:33).
6. Positive Aspects of College
Social Connections and Experiences: Despite the criticisms, both hosts acknowledge the potential benefits of college. Taylor reminisces about the Disney college program, highlighting the fun and real-world experiences it provided. Jordan recalls, “I went to a company that was a talent agency... that was really exciting” (42:49).
Personal Growth: Jordan reflects on how his limited time in college allowed him to embark on diverse life experiences that shaped his personal and professional growth. “Living life and seeing how I was in different circumstances in places that I've never been” (44:11).
7. Conclusions and Advice
Thoughtful Decision-Making: Both hosts encourage listeners to carefully evaluate their reasons for pursuing higher education. Jordan advises, “Use your thoughts of do I have any idea what I want to do with my life” (41:46), while Taylor emphasizes fostering personal interests outside traditional educational frameworks.
Changing Perceptions: They discuss the evolving stigma around non-traditional education paths, especially highlighted during the pandemic when many students had to adapt to online learning and homeschooling. Taylor notes, “The negative stigma... is starting to change” (35:10).
Notable Quotes
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Jordan (00:28): “I was doing great, and I didn't do any homework. It was just charm that got me through that thing.”
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Taylor (01:35): “My ballet master... let me know he was never going to let me graduate.”
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Taylor (10:05): “What does this have to do with helping a dancer?”
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Jordan (07:58): “Who doesn't love crippling debt entering adulthood.”
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Taylor (23:50): “It was really hard for me because I had so much passion and so much heart... I was broken physically and emotionally.”
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Jordan (22:21): “Instead of going to college, I performed on a cruise ship and I traveled around...”
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Taylor (14:21): “Teach somebody how to balance a checkbook, please.”
-
Jordan (16:59): “Nobody taught us how to do taxes.”
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Taylor (28:04): “College was talked about in my household all the time.”
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Jordan (28:24): “Think about it. If you want to be something, maybe you go into the workforce for a year and see what sounds good to you.”
Conclusion: In “Everything’s Perfect… Except College,” Jordan and Taylor provide a balanced exploration of the collegiate experience, weighing its benefits against its drawbacks. They advocate for personalized educational journeys, emphasizing the importance of aligning one's career path with their passions and practical realities. This episode serves as a valuable resource for listeners grappling with the decision of whether to pursue higher education or seek alternative avenues for personal and professional growth.
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