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the transition Univ of Florida Gator Times by Brian Sheperd April 25, 2002 As graduation day inevitably draws closer, many students are feeling anxious about opening a new chapter in their lives and venturing into the opportunity-filled arms of the "real world." A recent study by Cap & Compass, a company formed with the purpose of preparing students for life after college, suggests that 73 percent of college seniors are not prepared for the transition. University of Florida senior, Jessica Nolan, said that although she received a good education, she does not feel completely prepared for the more practical aspects of life. "Things like HMO's and 401k's really worry me," Nolan said. "I think that it's important to learn about those kinds of things before you encounter them." After learning that life demands a combination of education and practical skills, Jesse and Nicole Vickey began a company called Cap & Compass to prepare students, from Maine to Florida, for an assortment of life's challenges. Cap & Compass teaches five different seminars in funny and quirky ways to keep the audience interested and involved. The challenge is to deliver serious and sometimes boring information in an entertaining way. Andy Ferguson, a former comedian, translates the language of car dealers and tax accountants in a way that the audience can understand and enjoy. Learning about things like health insurance and mutual funds before being forced to make mistakes can save graduates all kinds of frustration. "I think that people are just beginning to understand that all of the practical skills are necessary for young graduates," Ferguson said. Nearly half of all student borrowers graduate with credit card debts that average $3,176. If you have a $4,000 balance on a credit card with an 18 percent interest rate and you pay only the minimum balance each month, it will take you 29 years to pay it off. "I didn't learn any of the practical skills in school," Jesse Vickey said. "I found that I was learning a lot of things on my own through trial and error, talking with friends and talking with parents. I figured there had to be an easier way." The seminars have been a huge success at over 20 college campuses along the East coast. The topics of the seminars include taxes, the first day on the job, dinner etiquette, getting an apartment, and understanding money. The company recently published a book, "life after school. explained." The book is a compilation of the five seminars plus all of the additional information that didn't fit. The book is available at www.CapandCompass.com for $12.95. Ferguson and Vickey encourage graduates to not be afraid when going out into the real world. "Don't forget to relax and keep things in perspective," Ferguson said. "Everybody's learning and making mistakes." .. |
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