College as Rite of Passage and Hero's Journey During an Age of Upheaval

COLLEGE AS RITE OF PASSAGE and HERO'S JOURNEY DURING AN AGE OF UPHEAVAL: This is the most daunting time to approach adulthood in the United States since at least World War II and the Great Depression. The worst pandemic in a century, with more than 400,000 deaths by Feb. 2021. Millions of individuals out of work, with twice the number of applicants for every opening in late 2020. The most polarized American electorate since the Civil War, heightened by tensions concerning race and social justice. Rising economic inequality. Growing distrust in institutions and democracy itself, especially among young Americans. Rapidly advancing technology that is transforming what it means to be human. And looming above all, escalating climate change that threatens vital food and water resources, millions of homes and thousands of communities, national security, and the stability of the ecosystems that underpin life on earth.

Michael Weddington's COLLEGE AS RITE OF PASSAGE and HERO'S JOURNEY DURING AN AGE OF UPHEAVAL is a college student development book that addresses the critical need to better prepare our young for adulthood using the only commonly shared Coming of Age rite of passage in our society today: the college experience. Drawing from a generalist's background including two psychology degrees, doctoral research in college student development, and college and career counseling experience, Weddington integrates ancient wisdom with contemporary research and popular film to provide a timely, engaging Coming of Age resource. Filled with 996 hyperlinked, evidence-based advising, counseling, and mentoring insights, tools, and concepts, this book is designed for those who work with young people, as well as interested students themselves who long to find energizing purpose on behalf of the common good, during an era when everyday heroes have never been more needed.