Dream Differently: Candid Advice for America's Students

by Vince M. Bertram

To get the most out of your college education, you need to choose your classes wisely -- and increasingly, that means choosing STEM. Today's job seekers should have at least a basic understanding of trigonometry and other science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) fields. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects more than 1.3 million job openings in math and computer-related fields by 2022.

The purpose of this book is not to push you into a STEM career; it is simply to provide you with information and perspective, as well as a few questions that, if answered honestly, will help you plot out an educational and career pathway that will help you achieve your dreams.

174 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 1, 2017

Reviews

[Kathleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Informative guide to navigating higher education and making yourself marketable in our tech-heavy economy. Although written for teens/college students, parents should read this too. The old path to success--take AP & Honor classes, get good grades in high school, volunteer a few hours, get into a good college, continue getting good grades in a field you excel in, graduate and get a good job--no longer works. Bertram encourages readers to think beyond what subjects they are "good" at, and to thing long term about a field or career they want to enter. There is less focus on grades and more on students thinking about making themselves marketable by studying essential communication (writing) and tech (coding, computer literacy), but also taking courses that will make them unique in a competitive job market. A whole person approach to a career by means of internships and personal relationships is discussed as opposed to taking the "right" classes.

In essence: in order to reach for your dreams, you must be prepared to think differently.

[Choco Panda · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a great things to read right now. I am struggling with turning my college time, starting this august into something productive and help me turn my dreams into a reality. I have always dreamt of what I will do in my adult life, and because this will be a huge stepping stone leading up to my future career, I am nervous and worried of missteps and things that may cause difficulties in the future. Living in the U.S. and having to deal with the immense price that comes with college also leaves me unsteady. I know that this will be my best shot at being able to do what I love.


This book has helped me feel a bit more secure, and also helped me do a bit more deeper thinking on how I will get to where I want to be. I recommend this to anyone that has a dream - even someone that is unsure of it. It puts everything into perspective and makes it easier for you to see the whole picture as well as the details.

[Terri Fleming · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have to say that I wasn’t impressed with the beginning of this book and had very low expectations based on his last one. Not only would I recommend this book, I want to make it a part of my curriculum.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was so interesting to read. It is meant for high schoolers to prepare them to be smart about why they go to college and how to choose their studies strategically. As an educator, it inspires me to teach more STEM content.

[Michael · Rating 5 out of 5]

An insightful book that every student who plans to attend college should read.

[Jason Taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

Simple, candid advice about how people should prepare themselves to be succesful in their chosen career.

[Audrey Jager · Rating 2 out of 5]

DNF. Basically told me to get into STEM with no plan.