What do you want to do when you grow up?

Many kids go through 50 or more career decisions in year when growing up. This week it may be a policeman, next week a fireman, the next a wildlife biologist, etc.

Considering careers is good. However a more important decision is to plan and make the decision for education determination. In other words, make college decisions in kindergarten and the career decisions will follow and can come much later.

For many with kids, the word "college" invokes fear of pain in the wallet or a sea of information to wade through. The thought about college is also put off until high school and sadly for some thought to be out of reach. Take heart, it is College Go Week.

Learn More Indiana is led by the Indiana Commission for Higher Education and is a partnership of state and local organizations working to help Hoosiers of all ages succeed in school, complete college and connect to careers. Several organizations, including Purdue Extension Putnam County participate in Putnam County's own College Success Coalition group locally.

The truth is there are many means of assistance and hard work with planning still pays rewards. Get started early and start now with www.CollegeGoWeekIndiana.org tools and planning. Get started in kindergarten. Make the decision to go to school, do well in school, complete high school and complete some sort of post high school education.

Regardless of past, one can still make the correct decisions moving forward if one missed making the decision early.

After making such decisions, it is important to have a plan. Plans of action that will help one accomplish the goals that are set forth for educational commitments. The website provides links to tools and resources to accomplish these tasks. Go visit this week to not only be eligible for prizes but to more importantly have a plan that will impact your destiny in life.

It is certainly true 4-H plays a huge role in developing life skills in youth. During the 2014 project year, a new project titled "Career Adventures" will be available to youth grades 3-12 locally in Putnam County.

It will start with making decisions, preparing education plans while also incorporating development of job seeking skills towards the upper grade levels. It is an exciting project option and a dream I have is for youth to obtain a job or position as a result of work in the project.

Visit our homepage at www.extension.purdue.edu/putnam or you can contact the local Purdue Extension Office by calling 653-8411 for more information regarding this week's column topic or to RSVP for upcoming events.

It is always best to call first to assure items are ready when you arrive and to RSVP for programs. While many publications are free, some do have a fee. All times listed are Eastern Time.

Upcoming events

Sept 24 -- Extension Homemakers Clubs Achievement Night -- Refreshments at 6:30 pm, Program at 7 p.m., Putnam County Fairgrounds

Sept 27 -- Entry deadline for Indiana Beef Evaluation Program Winter Test

Sept 28 -- Adventures in Gardening at Hendricks County Fairgrounds

Oct 8 -- 4-H Council Meeting, Extension Office, 6:30 p.m.