People decide to enroll in school for many reasons. Primariliy, its the perception that its the "pathway" to a better more fulfilling life. As students enter the orientation process their perception instantly becomes their reality because the day has finally arrived. There here! Orientation/or first week of class is often the make or break point to weather or not a student stays in school. First impressions are lasting impressions! What I like to do is remind students (right from the beginning) on why they chose to come to school in the first place. Have them write it down on a small piece of paper and put in the wallet. Then, creating check points along the way and reminding students not so much the value of an education to them, but rather why what they are learning is so important to the industry and the value they now have to an employer. In the end..... are students ready for proving themselves to the industry? If they worked hard, proven themselves, and are well prepared, one can open that piece of paper tucked in the wallet, say "I did it" , and move onto the next journey in life.