Is our childhood determining our university preferences?

As you might guess, one of the topics we have been discussing the most lately is the YKS Placement Results. Even if we do not personally participate in the YKS, or as it is commonly known, the "university entrance exam," we are somehow aware of all the processes related to this exam due to our family, relatives, professional life, or social circle. 

I am also closely involved with the YKS due to both my profession and my social circle, and I am aware that, given the conditions of our country, great significance has been attributed to this exam for years. My purpose in this article is not to discuss this significance or lack thereof; it is simply to draw attention to the fact that even our university preferences are determined by our childhood.

We are in a process where education is undergoing a very rapid change and transformation both in our country and all over the world. Naturally, this change is also reflected in higher education, and people's approaches to higher education and their expectations from it are diversifying. This differentiation across the world is also valid for our country, but unfortunately, the most fundamental reason for the difference in expectations in our country is the economy! Leaving aside technological developments; it is not actually very surprising that people's economic and professional expectations regarding higher education have changed significantly, as we have moved from periods where one could have a good job after finishing middle school or high school to these days where one cannot find a good job even after completing a master's or even a doctorate. 

For developing countries like Turkey, higher education is still a means of acquiring a profession or finding a job, whereas the perspective on higher education in developed countries is different. In these countries, the expectation from higher education is not only to provide professional competence but also to complete personal development and increase social benefit. Since social welfare is provided in developed countries, individuals' level of economic anxiety is almost non-existent, and they can focus more on their personal tastes and talents. In fact, this ability to focus starts in childhood and brings success by being woven stitch by stitch. Children who can dream and are given the opportunity to reach their dreams or ideals can self-actualize, and the societies in which these children live always win.

As for our society, the situation is not very bright for now, but it is not too late to take action! At this point, the words of Tom Peters, who said, "If things are going well, double your training budget; if things are going poorly, quadruple it," come to my mind. I agree with this statement and would like to continue by adding one more thing: "If things are going well, double your training budget; if things are going poorly, quadruple it, and if your children cannot even dream, increase it eightfold!"