How I Learned to Dream Big. And Why We Must Help Young People Do the Same

Photo: At my graduation from Brooklyn College in 1974, with my wife Evelyn. She graduated a year later, and went on to become a teacher.

I know first-hand the transformative impact of college education on individuals, families and communities. My sister and I were the first in our family to attend and graduate from college.

I grew up in a poor neighborhood in Brooklyn, the youngest of five children. My parents didn't go to college. They worked several jobs, didn’t own a car, and rarely took a vacation. My father passed away suddenly when I was 15.

Throughout high school, I had no big plans for the future, beyond graduating and getting a job. My high school guidance counselor told me not to bother applying to college. She said I’d never pass the core English requirement. But a few people did encourage me, namely the teachers of my favorite subjects, math and Spanish. In part because of their encouragement, and in part to prove my guidance counselor wrong, I took a leap and enrolled at Brooklyn College to study math. I thought I might become a teacher.

I met my future wife Evelyn on a blind date the summer between freshman and sophomore years. Her parents were Holocaust survivors, and owned their own home. They believed that great things were possible, if you were prepared to focus and work hard. Evelyn and her parents were the ones who really encouraged me to dream bigger for my career and for my future. They saw something in me that I didn't. Evelyn said: “Barry, you can do better. You’re smart.” With their encouragement, I would later switch my major to accounting and then go on to law school after graduation.

Going to college made a very big difference in terms of my outlook, my contributions to the world, my contributions to my own professional and personal growth, and ultimately to my net worth. And so I’m passionate about improving access to college for disadvantaged young people.

Too often, conversations on this topic focus solely on affordability. And without a doubt, that’s a big obstacle to overcome. But I believe a much greater issue is encouragement and knowledge of the process. Many young people grow up like I did, in families or communities that don’t talk about going to college, or making big plans for the future. They don’t believe they have what it takes, and don’t know where to start.

It’s not just a social imperative, but a business one as well. I believe our future economic and social prosperity is directly linked to our ability to develop the next generation of talent, whether they’re entrepreneurs, scientists, artists, engineers or innovators. These are the people who will drive society forward.

Businesses must act
This isn't an issue any one sector of society can solve alone. I believe the education sector, non-profits and businesses must work together to share perspectives, pool resources and find solutions.

And I’m not talking about businesses just signing a check. But rather, using the core skills and expertise of your business to make an impact. So what can your organization do to help? College Summit in the United States recently published a report on engaging business in education, and outlined many diverse ways businesses can contribute, including:

• Provide work-based learning experiences and strengthen career awareness.
• Help schools build success-oriented college and career cultures that empower students.
• Help educators align curriculum and readiness standards with business needs.
• Help youth build meaningful relationships with strong role models and mentors.
• Provide financial guidance and advice that lessens affordability as a barrier to college.

I serve as the Chairman of the Board for College Summit (as part of Deloitte’s wider support of this non-profit organization) and it’s been extremely fulfilling for me to witness the impact of the organization’s efforts on the lives of disadvantaged young people and their families. I also really enjoy mentoring young people as they seek to establish their careers. I’m certain I get as much out of it as they do. I feel strongly that I have a responsibility to young people and other first generation college graduates. It’s my hope that I can give others the same encouragement that urged me forward, and helped me to dream big.

Are you a first generation college graduate like me? Or did education have a dramatic impact on your life or your family? Or perhaps you have a great idea for engaging business in education? I’d love to hear your stories. Please add your voice to the discussion in the comments section.

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Barry Salzberg is the Global CEO of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited. Barry is also the Chairman of the Board for two non-profit organizations, College Summit and United Way Worldwide.

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