Couldn't agree more, tweez. I don't understand the jumps made so far on this thread based off of the limited information provided by the OP. For all we know she's a minimalist who doesn't care about 'puters.

And BTW, the thread title seems inaccurate. Seems the student is thinking very clearly and knows exactly what she wants.

is it because of low income she does not have something better? could just be someone trying to better themselves and does not know better and has no one to guide them.

My "free" comment was based on this:

University students: iBribed with a free iPad? | ZDNet

Some schools are offering all incoming students computers or tablets as part of their tuition. I think an on-line university was offering this kind of "freebie" as part of the tuition for on-line students. Could be wrong though.

[QUOTE=Baz;7718563]I was at a job site this morning and a crew showed up to lay block. I couldn't help but think to myself as I looked at their faces....these are the faces of the kids who either goofed off in school or skipped class.

That said - I respect them for working in a trade - even if it is mostly labor.


Well, around the job sites I've seen, those unskilled young workers are named Hose, Jesus, Migel, and more. THATS the problem for all the goof-offs or uneducated young people. Those jobs are gone now for those kids, taken by people who have less education and who are scammed by low wages by people who are unethical to say the least.

The system is designed so they do not get accepted to a college unless they have the basic tools for success. Or is this some low-level for-profit college?

BTW graduates of quality private liberal arts colleges usually spend time in the PeaceCorps...

Baz - the joke in this town is that it takes a Master's degree to get a job as a truck driver.

I am a Professional Engineer, I also have my MBA. I make good money, not great, but good.

The toolmakers and electricians that work for/with me typically end up making more money than me, and they probably sleep better too, as all the 'problems' on the job are mine. They get paid overtime, travel time, and a good per die. I am on salary and 'expenses' when I travel.

At one time they probably goofed off and skipped school, they learned a trade later in life and turned out fine for them. Sure they work hard (at times), but so do I.

The road of life has many twists and turns.

Santa Fe is a state college, formerly community college but we recently started offering 4 year degrees. Accredited via SACS. Unfortunately with all of our cool stuff (only teaching zoo in teh country), we are still "the other college" in Gainesville. Go gators.

She does have access to lab facilities, but they are not 24/7, more like 14/5 or /6.

Our on-campus students use the same course delivery system as our online students, and as far as SACS is concerned (and the way we treat it) our online classes are simply at a different branch campus. For a while, I even had a animated gif of a server rack w/ lots of blinkenlight as our "campus location" picture on the main website.

Our schools offer students iPads and my undergrad outfits every dorm room with one for each student...

If the OP can determine that the student truly has the desire for an education and does not have the funds to buy a computer, I suggest that we start a Pelican scholarship fund of sorts to help this young lady.

I'll start and donate $100 if the need is truly warranted.

I will drop in $20

Maybe $40 if you have pictures.

Someone had to ask.

Love you! This is what I am talking about. I don't want to hand out to people who don't help themselves but it seems like this girl wants to go to school.

What a great move by you! You have earned my utmost respect.

I will donate as well. :) Thanks for the motivation and move to action! Love it!

I'm an aerospace engineer, MBA in progress. Same setup here, when I was managing the flight test portion of a former project all of our flight mechanics made more than me. They had an informal competition to see who hit six figures first based on heavy OT, I think it was normally around June. Fantastic guys and totally deserved, the success of that program was just as much due to their hard work as ours. One of them has since started college to get an engineering degree, I always give him crap about taking a pay cut.:cool:

There is a difference between "stupid" and "untrained."

I worry about humans in general. We are great at challenges. We react poorly to things made easy for/by us, given to us.

Challenges bring out the best. Ease brings out the worst.

Twist of caps on beer bottles are a perfect example of that. How much better would society be if it was harder to open just one more beer?

I would suggest that she get a credit card and purchase a $2K+ MacBook Pro 'cause she "needs" one...err maybe not :D

To the OP...if you verify that she's willing to put some "skin in the game" (i.e. come up with "something") and isn't just looking for a freebie, then I'm willing to contribute also. Let us know...

I think it's cool folks here are so willing to help, but aren't we all being just a little presumptuous that this young lady can't afford a computer? Just because she has an old phone and a nook? Maybe she hasn't had a need for a computer? Just because she filed for financial aid doesn't mean she doesn't have money. ALL incoming students are encouraged to file for grants and aid regardless of their status. Just part of the admissions process. Just sayin'.:)

The young lady doesn't need a computer of her own. She might need a flash drive though. Fees associated with tuition afford her with an ample amount of resources to succeed. She has to get to school, but if she doesn't, I wish her well.

My brother had a stint at SF in the early 90's. Glad to hear of the accreditation status, id10t. My roots come from Gainesville.

MDH, are you back at UNT?

Also, I say good on her. She's got this far (enrolled) and things are starting to happen for her.

I remember a trick back in the early years of computing. You enrolled for any old accounting papers and the banks were all over you to come and work for them. Much the same may work for her.