Jim Bouchard, who dropped out of college twice, argues that a degree is worth about $1 million in lifetime earnings. He teaches students to think like a black belt to stay in school, and says in-person training works better than books because people actually do the work when someone is there.
Can you help more students complete their degrees? Can you ease the transition to independent college life? Can you help students develop the mindset they need for academic success? You can, when you teach them how to think like a black belt. So if a student knows how to think like a black belt, how is that going to help in college?
It's the same mindset whether you're earning a college degree or a black belt. You learn how to learn, and you can apply that process to anything you want to do for the rest of your life.
You dropped out of college. Twice. How are you qualified to talk about how important it is to earn a degree?
That's exactly why I am qualified. I've lost jobs because I didn't graduate college. I lost a lot of opportunities because I didn't have a diploma.
Can't you succeed without a college degree? You did.
Well, sure, but it's a lot harder. It's tough enough out there already. There are people with college degrees competing for what we used to call menial jobs. Look, I know what it's like to sweat out the week not knowing if I can pay the rent. I know what it's like to try to stretch a loaf of bread and a can of beans into 3 3 days' worth of meals. Would my life have been different with a degree? I have absolutely no doubt.
Given the high cost of college education today and the high levels of student debt, is it worth it?
College is cheap. That's right, I said it. College is cheap. I know you can spend a lot, and if you're looking at college as an investment, you should choose your course of study with return in mind. The average college graduate with a 4-year degree still earns about $1 million more over the course of a lifetime than someone with just a high school diploma. A million! I'm not saying you have to bury yourself in debt. You don't. College is an investment, if you choose to look at it that way. Invest wisely.
But that's no guarantee.
Well, there aren't any. You're investing in greater possibilities. You expand possibilities through preparation. Opportunities are everywhere for people who are prepared to take advantage of them. And that's what college is all about. If— You think like a black belt.
So why should a college invest in bringing you on campus? Why can't students learn to think like a black belt from reading your book or from watching your videos?
Well, they can, but will they? Look, we still value direct human interaction. If you read the book or watch a video, you might do the work, or you might not. When you're in the room with me, I guarantee you'll do the work.
Keynotes for orientation and campus events. Half and full-day training packages available. And we can service multiple campus locations. Plus, we offer a full slate of programs for staff and faculty development. Call 800-786-8502 or visit thatblackbeltguy.com for more information.
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