A record number of American students are applying to colleges in the United Kingdom, this year, according to new data released last week. (Photo: Peter Thompson/Heritage Images via Getty Images)https://t.co/5y2HjQvtqn https://t.co/0HaXac082o ...

Career Path & Overcoming Obstacles - The individual overcame a lack of role models and parental discouragement to pursue astronomy [3][4] - Financial constraints required a government grant to afford living expenses while studying in Madrid [5] - Only 10% of physics students passed all courses in a given year, highlighting the academic challenges [6] - The individual faced gender disparity in astronomy, with only 28% of astronomers being women [9] - Initial postdoctoral position was short-term and not in the individual's area of expertise [11][12] - Personal tragedy (father's death) led to a re-evaluation of life priorities and a renewed commitment to pursuing astronomy [13][14][15] - Therapy helped overcome self-sabotaging patterns and build confidence [17][18] Achievements & Opportunities - The individual obtained a PhD and secured a postdoctoral position at the University of Arizona [10][15] - Experience in astronomical instrumentation, initially viewed as a failure, proved valuable in securing a staff astronomer position in Hawaii [11][12][19] - The individual worked for the James Webb Space Telescope in Baltimore, a significant opportunity [21]

A year after it took office, the Labour government’s long-term vision for higher education in Britain remains frustratingly vague. Much more focus is required https://t.co/GUW8rHiK0r ...

Britain is very good at having elite universities. Peek below the creamiest layer, however, and higher education in the country starts to look much less clever https://t.co/0VNVBFCiu3 ...

AI's Impact on Education - AI is poised to disrupt education, potentially breaking it in a similar way to how the internet democratized access to information [1][2] - AI could provide personalized tutoring, potentially offering education equivalent to a Harvard graduate school degree at zero cost, especially in regions like Africa and South Asia [3] - The core function of universities is being challenged by AI, leading to a reevaluation of the long-term viability of higher education institutions [3] Potential Transformation of Education - AI's impact may extend beyond higher education, influencing how education is approached from childhood [2] - Ubiquitous access to knowledge and information, combined with AI, could revolutionize education globally [3]

Financial Risks & Challenges - Harvard faces potential funding cuts and tax hikes, leading to a projected $1 billion budget shortfall annually [1] - Harvard's private equity portfolio almost doubled from 20% to 40% between 2019 and the current year, representing a potential asset misallocation [1] - Harvard sold $1 billion of private equity assets at a 7% discount, indicating potential distress [1] - Potential excise tax on foundation assets could reach 4%, costing Harvard approximately $25 billion annually [1] Systemic Issues & Potential Restructuring - Rampant Title 9 violations, including discrimination against Asian students, and anti-semitism are present within Harvard and other Ivy League schools [1] - The internet and AI are democratizing access to education, potentially disrupting the traditional higher education model [1] - The core function of universities, both in education and research, is being challenged by independent research institutions and alternative learning methods [1][2] - Traditional funding models for higher education are breaking down, impacting the ability of institutions to maintain their capital and infrastructure [3][4] Strategic Responses - Harvard is reportedly in discussions with the White House after initial defiance, suggesting a need to address federal concerns [1]

Education Trends - Over 50% of China's young people are completing higher education [1] - Chinese young people aim to acquire the most impressive credentials to differentiate themselves [1]

Higher Education & Philanthropy - A major donor expresses concern about Harvard University's direction, citing a loss of traditional values, the rise of "wokeism," cancel culture, and anti-Semitism [3] - The donor believes Harvard lost its way but sees potential for a return to leadership under new leadership focusing on open discourse and Western education fundamentals [2] - The donor has diversified charitable giving to higher education, managing risk by contributing to other universities with strong academic programs [6] - The donor emphasizes the importance of both STEM and liberal arts education, particularly for public service and leadership roles, highlighting the value of understanding economic, political, and philosophical considerations [7][8] Cultural & Political Commentary - The donor views the issues at Harvard as part of a larger cultural dynamic affecting America [3] - The donor appreciates the Trump administration's pushback against "wokeism" and polarizing cultural dynamics [4] - The donor hopes higher education will refocus on creating contributors to society in leadership roles [4]

Education Trends & Challenges - Globally, tertiary enrollment has doubled to 235 million over the last 20 years, while international students have tripled to 6 million in the same period [3] - In Japan, approximately 80% of 18-year-olds pursue higher education; in the Philippines, over 48 million students attend universities [3] - A significant portion (around 50%) of US graduates take jobs that don't require degrees, and about 75% remain in those roles for over a decade [6] - The rise of AI, like ChatGPT, has led to a surge in plagiarism, with cases increasing from 48% to 64% in just one year [12] - The diploma mill industry, selling fake degrees, is estimated to be a $7 billion USD industry worldwide [12] Shift in Education's Purpose - Education is increasingly perceived as a means to an end (finishing, releasing) rather than a process of learning and growth [11][14] - Degrees, once passports to opportunities, are now often seen as entry tickets, leading to diminishing returns as supply outpaces demand [4][5] - There's a growing job mismatch, leading to frustration among workers and industries [7] - The original purpose of education has been lost, with students focusing on compliance rather than genuine growth and competence [14] The Concept of Kokorosashi - Kokorosashi, a Japanese concept, emphasizes the importance of aligning one's passion and skills to create a positive impact on society [17] - It encourages individuals to consider how their skills can benefit others, transforming expertise into service and credentials into contribution [18] - A degree should be viewed as a launchpad for personal and collective success, driven by a sense of responsibility and commitment to societal progress [27][28]

When I was 12 years old, my grandfather sat me down and said, "Someday you're going to be the president. " And I laughed. He then leaned in real close, looked straight into my eyes, and said, "No, someday you will be the president. " I didn't laugh the second time. I got it. He saw something in me. real potential that I had yet to see in myself. My grandfather began to change my lens. I started looking up and around at the world with curiosity. As someone who's been living with his eyes up for 50 plus years ...