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I think the real problem with for-profit colleges lies in the enrollment process. I attended what was once known as Western Business College in my twenties and found a great disconnect between the admissions office and the school.

I met with an admissions officer to simply get information on the school, but was pressured into signing up with phrases like "what are you afraid of?" and "don't you deserve more?"

Within 2 hours of my "informational meeting" I had enrolled in classes and signed away for several thousand dollars in loans (which I am still paying off 10 years later). Years later, when I attended a 4 year university, the experience was completely different. The enrollment process was slow and methodical. The financial aid process was complicated and required a lot more paperwork on my part.

In retrospect, I was given very little time to consider the commitment I was making both in terms of my finances and my education. And most frustratingly, I was never informed that my credits would not be transferable.

In my experience, for-profit colleges are the used car salesman of education system. They will absolutely sell you a lemon if you are not careful.

posted 2 years, 7 months ago
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As a refugee of the profession formerly known as "the media", I have had the opportunity to re-evaluate who I am. I wrote a book, but have struggled to identify myself as a "writer" without cringing.

But I have noticed that people in Portland seem more likely to define themselves by their passions than their professions. People tend to say, "I'm a photographer" not "I'm an administrative assistant." Creativity and passion are key here and it makes it easier to embrace the things that mean the most to us.

posted 3 years ago
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