nick...college?

kyle · Posted: Jan 05, 2009 7:30 am Post subject: nick...college?

I know your schedule must be more hectic then about anyones on this board but have you thought about going to college? I know this is a weird question, but you seem like probably the most educated "pro wakeskater" out there, and that you would really actually enjoy college. Just a thought. I know you really do not have time, and you seem smart enough as it is, but I don't know, it seems up your alley. I'm sitting on the toilet at 7:30 am killing time before class, and am bored.

-=AlexXx=- · Posted: Jan 05, 2009 10:06 am Post subject:

i remember back in the day, scotty and i had to like convince him to try to qualify at the like.. 03 or 04 pro tour, and he didnt want to cuz he would lose a scholarship or somthing for missing school.... we ended up going to the pro tour Smash

taku · Kickflip Joined: 10 Mar 2007 Posts: 2868 City: Central FL

This is a very interesting topic to me.. I have wondered what the thought process is for top Pro's (any sport) and education. I mean they have careers that don't require the additional education, but I'm curious about their pros and cons for attending higher education.

mojo · Posted: Jan 05, 2009 10:32 am Post subject:

brandon thomas has a college degree and im not sure when he started, but he definitely finished while he was riding pro. you cant ride for a living forever. if you're one of the lucky ones you get a good job in the industry, start your own company, or something alone those lines. however, there's only one time to be young and plenty of time(sort of) to go to school.

jonnyUTAH · Backside 180 Joined: 27 Aug 2004 Posts: 1951

Both Danny H and Nick seem like very smart kids. I think Danny has an excellent writing style which helps in College.

For me ... I took a year off after high school to focus on my snowboard career. I made a promise to myself that I would go to college after a year of snowboarding, but if I got good sponsors and won at least one major pro competition, I would keep snowboarding. I managed to meet both my criteria for the most part, but 3 concussions in 3 months forced me to go to school. Best decision I ever made. University is incredible.

There are plenty of snowboarders that have done both, i.e., had snowboard careers and went to school: Leann Polosi, Jon Cartwright, Mike Scott, Dionne Dellasal, Max Jenke, etc...

For wakeskating, I am guessing that you could do both -- given that most major competitions are in the summer. Either way -- it depends on the individual. University is not for everyone.

sk8tehwake · Posted: Jan 05, 2009 11:32 am Post subject:

OMFG. i cant believe u just called somebody out on their personal decision. i think nick knows what he has done, and has thought about this. Did this really need its own topic. I mean to say Pros and Education. But how r u going to call Nick out alone. LAME

kyle · Posted: Jan 05, 2009 11:55 am Post subject:

sk8tehwake, are you retarded? I asked him if he considered going to college because he always comes off very smart in all of his posts and seems like he would really enjoy college. I wasn't questioning his decision and being that he hasn't responded yet, we don't know what that decision even is. Brandon Thomas graduated when I was a sophmore in college I believe which was 04. He would always ride at Rixen when he was taking classes. I think you completely misinterpreted my post buddy.

stompin9s · Posted: Jan 05, 2009 12:07 pm Post subject:

nick is super smart, but his opportunity is NOW for wakeskating
put college on hold...or do both if u can

taku · Kickflip Joined: 10 Mar 2007 Posts: 2868 City: Central FL

JonnyUtah, thanks for the insight, that's interesting.

*RANT WARNING*
This is a dilemma some non pro, regular people have as well when it comes to already being in a promising career but not having the degree yet. I have this problem. I'm a personable dedicated hard working employee and that has brought me to where I am today in the company after 6.5 years and 4 promotions to new positions.

Now I'm in my L4yer Cake at this corporation, great salary, 5 weeks paid vaca/yr, work from home anytime I want etc etc. I've been toying with the idea of going back to school for my BA because the way corporations are today, I probably won't be able to work here until retirement. I have 3 classes left to get my AA (signed up already for spring) and then start my BA in Computer Science or Engineering in Fall. It's daunting to me because I loathe the "college learning experience".

But the other side is I am really good at what I do, but it's not exactly my passion anymore. So I'm at a crossroads.. should I get my BA in something that benefits my career path now, or likely what I'll be doing in the future if I ever lose this job? Biz management maybe... gah Smile

sorry for the rant, just needed to take up some bandwidth and get it off my chest

David_Roehm · Backside 180 Joined: 14 Jul 2007 Posts: 911 City: Austin

Burt little.

brassmonkey · Posted: Jan 05, 2009 12:18 pm Post subject:

People seem to think that when you graduate college the magic career fairy comes down and hands you a job.

senorbueno · Backside 180 Joined: 28 Sep 2004 Posts: 1593

brassmonkey, it did for me...

taku · Kickflip Joined: 10 Mar 2007 Posts: 2868 City: Central FL

It depends on your field. Some require experience and a degree, some don't require any experience, some only want experience with a degree being Z"extra".

Senorbueno, what field of work are you in?

slightly_soaked · Posted: Jan 05, 2009 12:33 pm Post subject:

i start next week im pretty nervous! Neutral

but i cant wait to see all the great things i can do with my art after some learning!!

Im going to the Art Institute of Austin. I wanna get my Bachelors in Graphic Design.

Anyone else on here been to an Art Institute near them??

Le Jalapeno · Guest

slightly_soaked, headed to the art institute of california: Inland empire in 3 days!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

heading for my associates in graphic design, should be well enough to get a good job

OLLIES WAKE · Pop Shuvit Joined: 09 Jan 2008 Posts: 225 City: Nokomis

I am going back to school after 8 years. I start on Tuesday. jsut taken a couple classes each semester to stay freed up enough for traveling and riding.

slightly_soaked · Posted: Jan 05, 2009 12:50 pm Post subject:

Le Jalapeno, SIIIICKKK!!! i think were gunna have some fun!

senorbueno · Backside 180 Joined: 28 Sep 2004 Posts: 1593

taku, mechanical engineering. I was being a little sarcastic... engineering has been rough, and I had to work my ass off in both school and internships... but I have been very fortunate to have the job offers that I've had. A lot of work has gone into getting my degree (still have one more semester) but it is all going to pay off in the end.

For anyone that wants advice about school, you can only get out of it what you put in. It took me a couple of years to figure that out.

Le Jalapeno · Guest

slightly_soaked, come to San B with me!, its not like there are out of state charges, because its a private school!

slightly_soaked · Posted: Jan 05, 2009 1:07 pm Post subject:

Le Jalapeno, this is true!!!!

the rents want me in town to see how it goes but hey, transfers are always possible!!! that would be sooooo soooo sick!!!!

what are the riding locations like out there?!?!?!