Gordon Adam’s case is unique and rather difficult. Many
people have been in a similar situation in which they must take a class that
they believe is unnecessary. However, Mr. Adam’s situation is unique,
considering his age and life experience.
This man is not an ordinary student. Typically, University
students graduate high school and go straight into college. There are some outliers,
whether they wait a few years to begin college, they drop out of high school
and get their GED, or some other occurrence, but very few leave school after
the ninth grade and return with their GED in their 30’s. The idea of having
required courses are for the purpose of a well-rounded education and enabling
students to experience new areas of study. This is in order for students to be
able to better make big decisions regarding their future with more knowledge
and understanding of some of their options, as well as varying other reasons.
However, this is intended for the vast majority of students
who are at an age where they are possibly just leaving home, gaining independence,
and just beginning to really experience the world. This man is already 34 and has
already worked for quite a long time (where he frequently used math while
working, showing that he does have an understanding of the subject), entering
college with far more world experience and knowledge. Now, I do not believe
that he should be totally exempt from required courses, whether they be math or
other. In place, I feel that he should be offered an opportunity to earn the
credit some other way (through a test or some other option), or perhaps it
could be considered that his requirement be reduced from the two math courses,
to only one.
While his argument may be weak at points and holds some
gaps, that doesn't mean that his argument cannot be considered. Taking into
consideration his atypical student status and all of the life experience he
has, I do feel that his situation should be addressed. In my view of this, it
is not the path he is following now and whether or not he will use math that
concerns me, but what he has already proven to know and experience. If he was
able to prove his knowledge and competency, he would not need the class. The
best solution for the situation would be to grant his petition, under the
stipulation that he demonstrates his knowledge and understanding of the given
subject.
