Ep 2. Is College Worth It?

China, IL season 2 episode 2, titled "Is College Worth It?", explores the question that has plagued many students and their families - is it really worth going to college? Set in the fictional campus of the University of China, Illinois, the episode follows the lives of the eccentric faculty and students as they ponder over the value of higher education.

The episode opens with Frank, a wealthy businessman, visiting his son, Steve Smith, who is a professor at the University of China, Illinois. Frank expresses his disappointment with Steve's academic pursuits and tells him that he shouldn't have wasted his life earning a PhD. He questions the value of education and advises Steve to quit his job and join his business.

Meanwhile, the students of the university are grappling with the cost of education and the impact it will have on their future. Pony, the feminist activist, rallies against student debt and proposes a radical solution - to boycott college and create a new form of higher education that is accessible to all. Steve tries to reason with Pony, telling her that higher education is not just about getting a job but also about personal growth and development.

As the debate over the value of higher education continues, a surprise guest arrives at the university - the famous entrepreneur and college dropout, Mark Zuckerberg. Mark shares his own story of dropping out of Harvard to start Facebook and tells the students that college is not necessary to succeed in life. This statement causes a stir, and the students start questioning the wisdom of spending years in college when they could be doing something else.

To further illustrate the value of college, Steve takes the students on a field trip to the nearby factories and shows them the harsh reality of unskilled labor. The students soon realize that without a degree, their career options are limited, and they might end up working jobs that are physically and emotionally exhausting.

Meanwhile, the faculty members are dealing with their own issues of self-doubt and insecurities. Dr. Falgot, the insecure English professor, attends a therapy session with Dr. Phil to overcome his fear of public speaking. The session doesn't go as planned, and Dr. Falgot ends up causing a scene in front of the entire campus.

As the episode draws to a close, the students and faculty members come to the conclusion that college is not just about getting a job but also about finding one's passion, making meaningful connections, and expanding one's worldview. They decide that the cost of higher education is worth it in the long run, and the journey of education is just as essential as the destination.

China, IL season 2 episode 2 is a thought-provoking and satirical take on the debate surrounding the value of higher education. The episode explores the different perspectives and challenges that students and faculty members face while attending a university. Through humor and wit, the show presents a compelling argument for the significance of college and the impact it can have on one's personal and professional growth.