[Margaret Pilkington]

Gayle, you are right about us wanting better for our children, but we have to recognise that not all children are academically gifted, and we have to imbue them with the value of their contribution to society and work in whatever capacity pleases and interests them.
It seems to me that what we are saying, (without actually saying it in words) is that you cannot be a valid memeber of society unless you have been to Uni.

Well I have been to the university of life.....it is one where a cap and gown is unnecessary, but you have free rein to exercise your brain in whatever field of work you find interesting(and of course, will pay the bills)....in this university you never actually graduate, because there is always something new and interesting to learn. That is. of course, while you are still interested in learning.
Learning is a lifelong thing. We need to let our children know that...and that if they choose a career emptying the bins(but they are happy doing that) then that is OK.