WilliamM

When I was dealing with my high school counselor she also suggested junior college and a transfer. My mother scheduled an appointment to talk to her directly. After that conversation, I was accepted to a university beyond my hopes. One of my aunts was married to a graduate of that university. I have never known whether they used the legacy issue or not. But my mother was more street smart than most people. And I greatly enjoyed college and received better grades each semester.

My dad was an engineer as well, but initially his mother wanted him to be a doctor; he attended Tufts medical school for a year and hated it. My dad told my grandmother he would walk in front of a speeding bus rather than go back to Tufts ( an extreme statement that he meant), He and my mother were fine with me majoring in political science. and history. It took a while for me to find a job. But, when I did I loved the job.

I audited courses at Penn while in the Army stationed at Fort Dix, New Jersey and much later after I retired. Mostly literature courses. I already had a masters degree in political science from Penn State from 1967.

Degrees are hardly worthless even if it is a major that does not immediately lead to a job, especially if you are an English major. Writing well is an art. I am not a good writer, so am very familiar with my limitation.

I audited courses at the University of Pennsylvania for ten years, and I talked to the students. It is very difficult to start at a college or university in junior year. You can do it successfully if you are mature for your age and quite determined.

Attending community college and transferring is a bad idea unless it is a college or university that is very, very good in his major. Arizona State on line is even a worse idea, especially for an English major. Literature is far better discussed in person in class rather than on line.

Mistakes of any kind do not bother me in one-night only Broadway concert, out of town tryouts and previews of Broadway shows. "Legends!" did bother me, not the forgotten lines -- the play itself sucked.

.I always had jobs in high school and in the summers, but I only lasted until November with a even part time job in college My Catholic university required six courses a semester. (Boston College in Chestnut Hill, MA)

I do not necessarily agree with his choice of that university. However, he should at least have the first year with the major of his choice and then decide based on grades. Rather than calling him a lard ass or air head, give the student some credit.

I was very surprised the sixth grade teacher remembered me over 50 years later when I visited her assisted living home. She said, "yes, I asked you to do the school play." Apparently the staff did not like her. By then I had not lived in Massachusetts since 1970. As to a song, ok, we were in the sixth grade. I had to think fast when the June Taylor dancers bombed. (smile).

I have seen about a dozen or more of these concerts including "Dreamgirls" with Audra McDonald and "Carousel." with High Jackman, "Anyone Can Whistle" with Madeline Kahn, "Chess" with Josh Groban. New York audiences know there will be mistakes.

The Carnegie Hall concert performances use part rehearsal tape but mostly the actual performance. The Merman-Martin 1977 concert opened with "Send in the Clown" and then the two ladies briefly become lost. The recording that was used for that brief period was from a bootleg person in the audience. It is easier for me to see these concert because I live closer to NYC

There do not tend to be under-rehearsed at Carnegie Hall especially the Rodgers and Hammerstein musicals dating back to Reba McEntire in "South Pacific."