college running material, but not college material

Army?

http://www.thearmywcap.com

Actually any of the military are is of the question as he failed the MEPS exam because of hearing. At least that's what he was told. His trainer tried to get him and exemption, but no such luck.

Similar but not the same... wrote:

Army?

http://www.thearmywcap.com

Go to the JC and take 12 PE units. Your local JC may offer vocational programs too(auto mechanic, electrical, fire fighting, EMT)

I'm not sure where you live, but have you thought of him joining some USATF affiliated Running Club?

I mean they have Club XC Nationals and other races.

Just a thought.

Have you looked into a local running club or coach (with a club)? Unfortunately, he will develop more as a runner on a college team than he will on his own or with a club or coach. Plus he'll make friends and have a sense of identity with the school he's at. If he hasn't checked out all the academic and vocational programs at the community college, he should do that just so he knows what the options are. There are lots of good jobs that you can get into with a 2-year degree. Look into a career counseling service (at the community college or his high school or elsewhere) where he can get a sense of where his aptitudes and interests are and that will help him choose a school or work option, then he can fit in the running around that.

Some_Dude wrote:

I'm not sure where you live, but have you thought of him joining some USATF affiliated Running Club?

I mean they have Club XC Nationals and other races.

Just a thought.

+1. A running club is probably about the only option for him at this point. Look for city clubs or clubs or teams affiliated with local running stores. If you are in a big town or city there should be at least a couple of options.

Um,

What is he going to do? He should at least go to a JC and get some skills! There he can be coached for 2 more years, then join a club.

He could also work at a local running shop with some fast dudes.

enroll in the nearest college ASAP...why would anyone want to join the army is beyond me.

Thanks for the input everyone, these ideas give me something to throw at him. He is very resistant to a classroom setting, and can't seem to get over his classroom anxiety, which is why I am looking for ideas. I will encourage him to look into a club or Technical JC (again) next time he expresses his frustration over not using his talent (which will happen...). He is working full time, but not doing something that he wants to do long term.

Never stopped football or basketball players from attending college.

Just sayin...

Although I can't say I wasn't somewhat relieved he wasn't accepted, it was a passion of his. Some people feel called to serve their country and that is to be respected..

curbside wrote:

enroll in the nearest college ASAP...why would anyone want to join the army is beyond me.

We (his parents) have really tried to encouraged him to pursue at least an associates degree. We are hoping that these past two years of working a close to minimum wage jobs would spur him to take classes.

My next question is, would it be strange to contact the local JC coach behind his back to at least explore his options? I ask this, because our son would be eligible to receive extra support for classes because of his disability but I know he would not pursue this on his own. I do think he would be glad in the long run if he gave it at least a try.

It's possible that your son's poor hearing is the root cause of him not liking academics. I know stories of people who did poorly in high school but got hearing aids and did significantly better in college.

I'd recommend having your son see a hearing specialist.

My son has been seeing an ENT specialist since he was 5 and has worn hearing aids, but thanks. He graduated just fine from high school, he just finds it too stressful and doesn't like being in the classroom (which probably is somewhat due to his hearing impairment). He is a very high energy, hands on type of person and is using this time of his life enjoying being free from the classroom. I know that's hard to understand, but if you knew him, you would understand.

poor hearing wrote:

It's possible that your son's poor hearing is the root cause of him not liking academics. I know stories of people who did poorly in high school but got hearing aids and did significantly better in college.

I'd recommend having your son see a hearing specialist.