The Rideshare Files: Chasing Education

My recent ride with a young man on his way to work turned into a treatise on the debate between public and private education.

I picked up Chase in the early dark of a Friday morning on the southwest side of Lansing. He was a thin, young man with oversized glasses and he chatted amiably upon entering the vehicle. Chase opted for the front seat next to me instead of the customary backseat spot that most riders prefer. No matter to me. I was pleased to have a chat to begin my day.

The ride to Chase’s place of employ was some 20 minutes away from the pickup spot, and Chase chatted with me about myriad small talk subjects. He remarked on the weather and asked me how my day was going so far. He wondered how long I had been out. Was I busy? These kinds of trivial items. As we passed a school bus in the right hand lane, Chase saw the opportunity to divert the discussion to a debate over private versus public education. I eagerly anticipated his theories.

Immediately, Chase confessed that he was not a parent, but if he did have children, he would make sure they went to private school. I listened intently as he laid o…