Christian Slater gets GED to set an example for his kids
Categories: Celeb parenting
Did you know Christian Slater was a high school dropout? Neither did I. But though the actor of two might not need that diploma to round out his resume anymore, he recently went back to school -- to bone up on academics for the GED test. His inspiration? His children Jaden, 9, and Eliana, 7. "High school was not something that I remotely took seriously, and now I have these kids" he told Parade magazine. "I obviously care for them to get an education, and I want them to take it seriously, so I am going to have to do something."
Christian passed the test, though he claims to have just squeaked by in his most feared subject, math. He told Parade that his children make him want to improve himself. "I wanted to be able to look them in the eye and feel they were looking into the eyes of somebody who was making an effort to take care of himself and be a better person."
That's a pretty profound statement from a dad who obviously takes his job as a parent very seriously. What about you? Has being a parent inspired you to make changes for the better in your life?
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 3)
pamela 10-12-2008 @ 10:51AM
i've always liked christian slater, and now i have a newfound respect for him to do that fo his children, and for himself!!! good for you christian!!!
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haveaniceday1268 10-13-2008 @ 2:08PM
Awesome! I received my GED in February of this year. I too am 39. I did it for the same reason, a 12 year old son. As well as the feeling of accomplishment. =)
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phil 10-13-2008 @ 2:32PM
I am a volunteer tutor for the Adult Literacy League and believe me when I say it is eaiser to get your High School diploma than to do well on the GED.
My advice is stay in school for the one or two years most people drop out for and get that diploma.
Congratulations to anyone for getting the GED.
Phil
Guillermo Ramirez 10-13-2008 @ 2:27PM
Good for him!!
Most people would be too embarrassed to admit that at 39, they're getting their GED.
I don't follow his acting career, but he must be one "very smart man" & one great actor, to have made it this far without a high school diploma.
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Onyxitsme 10-13-2008 @ 4:00PM
No, he is just white.
While he was going around kicking peoples A$$es, he could have completed his GED and be bragging about finally getting his college degree.
He is not setting a good example, not in the least, he wasn't working in a factory or warehouse where he was feeding his family, he was acting, and not that often, so why the celebration?
Now the man that had to work numerous jobs to feed his family and studied for his GED, that is the man that we should applaud
lindag 10-13-2008 @ 2:30PM
Wonderful news! My mother returned to school to earn her GED when she was in her fifties. Doing that takes guts. Way to go, Christian Slater.
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b.borders 10-13-2008 @ 2:41PM
When you hear most of Hollywood speak about Politics, you wish more would attempt to get their GED. As dumb as most of Hollywood is-one wonders how they remember line. Rainman?
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jennifer 10-13-2008 @ 7:56PM
Are you saying Dustin Hoffman's character in Rainman was dumb? He was NOT dumb, he was Autistic!! These children may not communicate well with the outside world but they usually have above average I Q's. Rainman's speciality was math, remember?
momofone 10-13-2008 @ 2:46PM
I recently graduated from college at the age of 39 with a B.S. in Psychology and am going back next fall to work on my masters degree, so that I could set a good example for my son. I definitely want him to know that education is very important in a competitive world.
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momofone 10-13-2008 @ 2:47PM
So, you go Christian it is never too late to go back to school.
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Susannah 10-13-2008 @ 2:47PM
I finished high school on time, but didn't go on to college. When my daughter entered high school my son was a college freshman. I wanted my children to see that I understood their endeavors, so at the age of 40 I enrolled in college. I worked very hard taking the maximum number of credits per semester while working a 40 hour week. I graduated with honors from college just one month before my son also graduated with honors. I went on to teach high school history; teaching had been my dream from childhood. It's never too late to chase a dream. I admire anyone who doesn't let their age keep them from accomplishing something important.
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AngelaFay 10-13-2008 @ 2:51PM
My gramma recieved her GED in her 60's...and proudly told all of us grandkids how she aced the tests with perfect and near perfect scores.
Better late than never!
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cof271189 10-13-2008 @ 5:51PM
Way to go Grandma! Kudos to her!
anaile89 10-13-2008 @ 2:53PM
that is soo cool. my name is eliana too. i didn't know christian liked that name. i think ill watch his show this week.
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darlene 10-13-2008 @ 2:53PM
You go Christian!!!! Waiting on new show......bet it is a big hit....
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Doctor Bob 10-13-2008 @ 3:01PM
Wish ALL Hollywood people would get their GED before they try to tell me to vote for Obama.
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Jan 10-13-2008 @ 3:34PM
I doubt it would do any good. If you don't see the reasons we need this man, someone else becoming more educated isn't going to help you understand it. Remeber this years from now when you do wish you'd listened to SOMEONE trying to tell you to vote for Obama.
fuggiy 10-13-2008 @ 3:02PM
Great teach your kids to not finish high school just get a "GED" it's just as good. As Bugs Bunny would say it, "What a maroon."
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Beauty&Brains 10-13-2008 @ 3:16PM
Awwwwww how sweet. I have adored Christian ever since I saw him in Untamed Heart....one of my all time favorite tear jerker love stories.That is really great that he made a big effort like that for his kiddies. I took the GED when I was 18 and I scored well BUT it was challenging.Then I continued on and pursued an education.Tedious at times but the outcome was a well paying career.
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Jan 10-13-2008 @ 3:29PM
Gee, and I thought this was going to be Jimmy Kemmel.
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