Island's public schools, the features on this page today on the value of a liberal arts education underline some of the challenges facing the success stories of the school system.

The features show how Bermuda students are steered into professions at a relatively early age. That may make sense for some of them, but others will end up in careers which they are not interested in, driven by the belief that a degree in business is more marketable than a degree in history.

It is not unusual for North American university students to change their majors several of times before settling on the best subject for them.

Specialisation in a professional field at an early age means that those students will never have a chance to make that decision.

There is also a risk that even those who succeed and love their professions will emerge with a narrow focus and too little knowledge of the world.

CedarBridge Academy principal Kalmar Richards argues -- and she is not alone -- that specialising early is important because of the remarkable technological advances of recent decades. Students who see what a profession is like early can then focus on their needs.

But education is more than preparation for a profession. It should be a lifelong passion, and when people may change jobs or professions several times in their lifetimes, they need skills which they can transfer.

There is one more problem. Far too many students graduate from Bermuda's high school and attend sub-standard universities, especially in the US.

When they graduate with a degree which is not worth the paper it is written on, they are doomed to disappointment when they cannot get the job of their dreams.

Instead of a narrow focus early, Bermudian students could take advantage of the widely accepted courses offered at the Bermuda College and then attend a reputable university abroad. They can then return to Island with a chance at any number of jobs, or go on to specialise in business, accounting, law or the professional field of their choice.

GIVING SUPPORT EDT Giving support The departure of Bermuda College vice president Dr. Donald Peters, who seemed to inspire strong feelings -- they either loved or hated him -- among his colleagues, should not colour the feelings of the community towards his successor, Larita Alford.

Dr. Alford, a Bermudian, has the task of recruiting and retaining Bermudians to the College, and she deserves the support of the College and the wider community in taking on that challenge.

Ensuring that the College offers a first class education at a reasonable cost should be the focus of all lecturers and staff at the College and Dr. Alford needs to bring the sometimes divided College community together to achieve that goal.

Dr. Alford must provide the leadership to make that happen. In return, the College staff need to support her in achieving a goal in which they all have an interest.