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<ul class="summary-list"><li>Wall Street was tough on auto stocks after second-quarter earnings.</li><li>For years, Tesla has managed to garner valuations more akin to tech than automotive stocks. </li></ul>It's a tough time to be a car company on Wall Street — unless, of course, you are <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/tesla-ceo-elon-musk">Elon Musk</a>.Several major automakers reported second-quarter and first-half financial results this week, and regardless of the results, investors were hard on everyone.<a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/chevy-silverado-equinox-ev-flood-the-zone-competitors-pull-back-2024-5">General Motors</a> posted a significant beat Tuesday, only for its stock price to close down more than 6% that same day. Ford's financial results were dinged significantly by higher-than-normal warranty costs, and a significant earnings miss sent its stock price down 13% immediately following those results.<a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/tesla-stock-tsla-earnings-call-report-live-updates-2024-7">Tesla</a>, meanwhile, reported a mixed quarter. Musk's electric car company missed analyst expectations on earnings-per-share but beat on revenue, sending the stock price down around 7% that evening.While all three companies were experiencing a stock bounce back Friday afternoon, the difference comes down to one thing: valuation.On a per-share basis, GM made $3.06 in profit, and Ford $0.47. Those stocks were trading at $44.12 and $11.24, respectively, Friday afternoon. Tesla, on the other hand, made a similar $0.52 per share yet maintains its lofty $220 stock price as it has for years, thanks to grand promises and industry-leading tech.<h2 id="d4448993-cb66-4b63-bbfe-e16fd9d6ce52">Why valuations matter, and how Musk uses Tesla's to his advantage</h2>Legacy automotive executives and some industry experts have long bemoaned the imbalance in their valuations versus Musk's, particularly in the days before Tesla started turning a consistent profit.It makes for an uneven playing ground between massive global car companies. With less money from investors, legacy car companies struggle to raise enough capital to invest in the futuristic technology and software innovations that these same investors are clamoring for.While <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/tesla-earnings-regulatory-credit-sales-2024-7">Tesla has a few unique advantages</a> over its competitors, looking at the hard numbers can leave one wondering: how long can Musk keep investors on the hook?You can see the difference in valuations in how each of these companies talked about their future technology on earnings calls this quarter.While Tesla focused on <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/tesla-energy-generation-battery-storage-charging-regulatory-credits-revenue-growth-2024-7">non-autos revenue streams</a> in the second quarter, Ford spent much of its earnings call reassuring investors about the future value of its EV business despite big losses — $2.5 billion in the first six months of the year — even as its EV sales soared.Barclay's Adam Jonas, a longtime Tesla bull who also has an overweight rating on the Blue Oval, accused CEO Jim Farley of being overly optimistic about future EV profitability."Tesla struggles to make a positive profit in EVs. Why does Ford think it can?" Jonas wrote in a Thursday note to clients.Tesla also continues to dangle <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/tesla-robotaxi-ai-event-delayed-october-report-stock-falls-2024-7">a future robotaxi business </a>and the value of its AI technology. In contrast, <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/gm-halts-cruise-driverless-robotaxi-operations-nationwide-2023-10">GM continued its pull-back</a> on investments in its own Cruise robotaxi business, canceling production of the Cruise Origin autonomous vehicle to focus on the existing Chevrolet Bolt-based robotaxis.GM blamed the decision on a complex regulatory environment, which Musk disputed on Tesla's quarterly earnings call."GM can't make it work," Musk said. "Waymo is doing just fine in those markets, so it's just that their technology is not far."Musk's promises on robotaxis and AI technology have <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/tesla-meta-earnings-prove-power-of-musk-word-despite-promises-2024-4">largely reversed a stock slide</a> that hit the company earlier this year following poor sales results and a pushed-out timeline for its long-awaited affordable vehicle.Despite any real timeline for this technology, as is typical for Musk, the promise alone is enough for his most ardent supporters.Following Tesla's Tuesday earnings call, longtime Tesla bull Dan Ives of Webush wrote in a note to clients that Tesla's rescheduled robotaxi day in October "will unleash the beginning of the AI story at Tesla which we value at $1 trillion alone over the next few years."

Elon Musk is still being graded on a curve

<ul class="summary-list"><li>Jen Komaromi describes her parenting style as "free range" because she allows her kids more freedom.</li><li>The 51-year-old was happy for her son, then 15, to fly solo to France and change planes in Paris.</li></ul>This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Jen Komaromi, 51, who owns a bakery and a gift store in the Bay Area. It has been edited for length and clarity.My son, Jack, was invited to stay with his friend's family for a month in rural France, but the timing meant he couldn't travel with them.At first, I felt hesitant about sending my 15-year-old alone on two flights — he had a layover in Paris — but <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/mistakes-made-on-long-flight-abroad-paris-france-traveling-2022-8">when I called Air France</a>, they almost laughed off my concerns. It was almost as if they thought I was crazy.It was perfectly legal for him to travel unaccompanied. He didn't even need a notarized letter. The customer service agent was so laid-back about it that I thought, "Why not?"My husband, Kevin, 50, and I waved him off at the airport in San Francisco in the summer of 2021. Eleven hours later, Jack texted to say he'd landed at Charles de Gaulle and was waiting at the gate to transfer to Lyon.It went smoothly. He returned safe and sound — <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/british-family-raise-independent-children-japan-2024-2">proud of his independence </a>and our trust in him.<h2 id="efa5c9b7-1957-4fb1-b90b-6c124be7f406">I didn't want to be fearful in raising my kids</h2>We've long held the belief that Jack, now 18, and his sister, Evie, 14, should enjoy as much freedom as possible, as long as it's within reason.We live in a safe neighborhood. However, I've become increasingly aware of how much fear dictates people's parenting choices. I made a conscious decision not to be fearful in raising my children. The idea of <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/mom-blames-helicopter-parents-who-tried-find-her-a-job-2024-7">being a helicopter parent</a> who monitors their every step is somewhat hilarious to me.When Jack was in first grade, he started walking solo from school to the library, which was pretty much next door but involved crossing a road.<div type="image" title="A family of four take a selfie against a mountainous backfrop." height="1200" width="1600" msid="114433647" hostid="261" sizebytes="145884"></div>You have to do things in stages. One of the biggest misconceptions about <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/dad-lets-eight-year-old-grocery-shop-alone-foster-independence-2024-9">free-range parenting</a> — the method we happily follow — is that you throw your kids to the wind.For us, it was a gradual process of baby steps. In the beginning, I accompanied him to the library. Then, I'd stay behind and chat with his teacher before catching up with him.After he'd built up enough confidence, he went there alone and stayed to do his homework before walking to meet us at the shops where we worked.Evie followed suit in terms of independence. The only thing that held her back — which, I believe, is more common in the case of girls — is not having many friends with like-minded parents. She wanted to engage in activities and adventures with other children, but if their parents won't let them, it isn't as fun on your own.<h2 id="15a6b700-23dd-42cd-8279-18062f773944">My kids know to ask people for help if needed</h2>But she and Jack found their tribe. When Jack was 13, he did an all-day bike ride with a friend to a peak overlooking <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/golden-gate-bridge-noise-san-francisco-aerodynamic-improvements-wind-howling-2020-6">the Golden Gate Bridge</a>. It was about a 60-mile round trip. Last month, Evie and her friend took their bikes on a ferry and cycled 45 miles around the bay.I know they'll ask for help if they need it. They've been raised to be confident in talking with strangers.Parenting is about being your child's first teacher. You teach them how to navigate the world, but then you have to step back and let them do it for themselves.Do you have an interesting story to share with Business Insider about your parenting style? Please send details to <a target="_blank" href="mailto:jridley@insider.com">jridley@businessinsider.com</a>.

I've made a conscious decision not to be a helicopter parent. My oldest child was walking alone to the library by the time he was in 1st grade.

The advent of <keyword id="22080410" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="AI-in-the-classroom" source="keywords">AI in the classroom</keyword> has been nothing short of revolutionary. Even as we struggle to grasp the full extent of what this tool can help us achieve in the educational world, <keyword id="22965286" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="AI-powered-educational-games" source="keywords">AI-powered educational games</keyword>, <keyword id="22965287" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="adaptive-learning-platforms" source="keywords">adaptive learning platforms</keyword>, <keyword id="22965288" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="student-chatbots" source="keywords">student chatbots</keyword> and <keyword id="22965289" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="automated-grading-systems" source="keywords">automated grading systems</keyword> have already been making waves in the sector. Despite all the scepticism around flouting tradition, educators see the potential of AI and over 60% of them use AI in their classrooms, a Forbes Advisor’s survey <a href="https://www.forbes.com/advisor/education/it-and-tech/artificial-intelligence-in-school/">said</a>. But giving students access to AI can be likened to Jack getting his hands on the magic beans. Once they climb the metaphorical beanstalk, the possibilities are endless. There’s treasure there, but also the Giant. <h2>The magic beans</h2>AI’s ability to personalise learning experiences is undoubtedly magical. It’s amazing how it can analyse a student’s strengths and weaknesses, tailor lessons and practice questions to meet individual needs. This means students can learn at their own pace, focusing on areas where they need the most improvement. There’s a number of <keyword id="21521584" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="AI-powered-apps" source="keywords">AI-powered apps</keyword> and tools that can “assist” with their schoolwork. Whether it’s a complex algebra equation or a challenging essay topic, AI can provide answers and explanations in seconds. For students who struggle with certain subjects, these can provide the extra support they need to keep up with their peers. Further, students can use AI to generate ideas, conduct research, and explore new topics, making it a versatile tool in the educational toolkit. <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="112525738" title="This high school is replacing teachers with ChatGPT and AI tools to personalize learning for some students" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div><h2>Greedy Jack</h2>While most AI-tools are well-intentioned, in the wrong hands, they could be disastrous. Students are increasingly turning to AI-powered apps and tools to get their schoolwork done. Apps like Gauth, which help solve maths problems by simply scanning them, have become a hit among high school and college students. These tools offer immediate, step-by-step solutions, making homework less daunting and more manageable. However, educators are also dealing with the getting-AI-to-do-your-homework-for-you epidemic. The prospect of simply outsourcing your work to AI is something even adults struggle with, so how are children to resist? Tim Urban’s instant gratification monkey sort of takes over for most students, who would rather take the easy way out and end up heavily relying on AI to complete their assignments. The geniuses who manage to get away with it may think they have won. But this little victory comes at a hidden cost. <h2>Fee-fi-fo-fum </h2>That’s the sound the consequences of your actions make when they come. A recent <a href="https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/artificial-intelligence/articles/10.3389/frai.2024.1415782/full">study</a> conducted in Sweden found that while <keyword id="7795449" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="ai-chatbots" source="Orion">AI chatbots</keyword> can be of immense help to adolescents struggling with executive functioning, it can also hinder or delay development in students. Others have also echoed the sentiment, worrying that it can lead to the students’ potential erosion of critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Additionally, AI tools, while impressive, are not infallible. They can make mistakes, especially with more complex tasks, and students who use these tools without understanding the underlying concepts may find themselves unprepared for exams or higher-level courses. This overreliance on AI could result in a superficial understanding of the subject matter, which could hinder academic performance in the long run. There’s also the issue of academic integrity. While AI can be a helpful study aid, using it to complete entire assignments without contributing personal effort crosses into the darkly tempting territory of cheating. The ease with which students can produce AI-generated work has raised concerns among educators about maintaining fairness and honesty in academic assessments. <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="111053674" title="AI app &amp;#39;PadhAI&amp;#39; solves UPSC 2024 prelim exam paper in seven minutes, scores 170 out of 200!" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div><h2>The moral of this story is balance </h2>To harness the benefits of AI while evading its pitfalls, a balanced approach is essential. Educators should incorporate AI into the classroom in a way that complements traditional learning methods rather than replacing them. This might involve using AI to provide personalised practice questions or to offer additional support for struggling students, while still emphasising the importance of critical thinking and independent problem-solving. Schools also need to educate students on the ethical use of AI, helping them understand when it’s appropriate to use these tools and when they need to rely on their own knowledge and skills. Teaching digital literacy and promoting an "Honor Code" for AI use can help students navigate this new technological landscape responsibly. As AI continues to evolve, it’s up to educators, parents, and students to strike the right balance — leveraging AI’s strengths while ensuring that it enhances, rather than diminishes, the educational journey.

School students are loving AI tools like ChatGPT, but there are some obvious pitfalls to this!

<ul class="summary-list"><li>North Korean leader Kim Jong Un visited a state uranium enrichment facility.</li><li>Rare photos from the event offer a look inside the production base for weapons-grade nuclear material.</li></ul>Rare photos show North Korean leader Kim Jong Un visiting one of the state's uranium enrichment sites.Kim's tour of this facility offers a rare glimpse inside this part of North Korea's nuclear program. It also sends <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/putin-kim-jong-un-pact-russia-north-korea-authoritarian-world-2024-6">a clear message to the country's adversaries</a> and those who hope to restrain its nuclear ambitions, the US being at the top of that list.The photos of Kim's visit were shared by North Korean state media on Friday. It's unclear when they were taken or where exactly the enrichment site is located.<div type="image" title="North Korean leader Kim Jong Un stands in front of cylinders in a warehouse used for producing weapon-grade nuclear materials." height="1875" width="2829" msid="113332950" hostid="261" sizebytes="221026"></div>In the photos, Kim, along with Jong Sung Mu, first deputy department director of the Central Committee of the Workers' Party of Korea, and other officials can be seen touring the facility where weapons-grade uranium is made.The capabilities present in the sterile facility showcase the largely isolated nation's nuclear weapons material production.<div type="image" title="North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and four men stands between two long lines of cylinders used for producing weapon-grade nuclear material." height="1878" width="2837" msid="113332952" hostid="261" sizebytes="242608"></div>The purpose of Kim's visit to the facility, per KCNA's <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://kcnawatch.org/newstream/1726225338-814398081/respected-comrade-kim-jong-un-inspects-nuclear-weapons-institute-and-production-base-of-weapons-grade-nuclear-materials/">reporting</a>, was to acquaint "himself with the production of nuclear warheads and the current production of nuclear materials and set forth important tasks concerning a long-term plan for increasing the production of weapons-grade nuclear materials."During the event, Kim praised the work on producing weapons-grade nuclear materials needed for nuclear warheads. He also explained the state's "new important strategy for building up the nuclear force," KCNA said, citing the anti-North Korean "nuclear threat moves of the US," as well as "the security environment facing" North Korea.North Korea routinely cites the US as the motivation for its illicit missile and nuclear weapons programs.These talking points are similar to previous statements made by Kim. Just Monday, in a speech celebrating the 76th anniversary of the establishment of the Democratic Republic of Korea, Kim emphasized the need to exponentially expand the country's nuclear arsenal. Two years ago, North Korea established its <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/north-korea-law-allows-first-use-nukes-if-leadership-threatened-2022-9">nuclear status in a new law</a> that also permitted first use in certain situations.<div type="image" title="A news program shows North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and three men standing next to cylinders used to produce weapon-grade nuclear material." height="2920" width="5000" msid="113332951" hostid="261" sizebytes="554692"></div>North Korea has long made its nuclear program a top priority and, despite restrictive sanctions, has shown continued progress in the continued development of nuclear weapons.The US and its allies and partners have long worked to denuclearize North Korea, reaching a watermark moment with the Trump administration's Hanoi summit in 2019. Talks have been unsuccessful. Kim's publicized visit to a uranium enrichment facility, including the rare photos, shows his continued focus on the nuclear program despite those efforts.<div type="image" title="Vladimir Putin drives Kim Jong Un in an Aurus" height="923" width="1401" msid="113332948" hostid="261" sizebytes="51256"></div>Though North Korea's pursuit of missile technology and nuclear weapons have made it a pariah state, largely isolated in global affairs, it is not totally alone.It has long had relations with China. And last fall, Kim's high-profile meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin about an <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/russia-desperate-need-for-weapons-ukraine-win-for-north-korea-2023-9">arms deal</a> signaled the two nations would work together — with Kim offering <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/russia-new-north-korean-missiles-made-this-year-ukraine-2024-9">ammunition and other weapons to support Russia's war in Ukraine</a>. It's unclear exactly what Russia is offering in return, but North Korea could receive food, fuel, and possibly even <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/most-worrying-military-tech-north-korea-could-get-from-russia-2024-6">advanced military technologies</a>.The two countries reaffirmed their cooperation earlier this year with a mutual defense pact, which indicated either nation would come to the support of the other should they be attacked.Earlier this year, a top Korea watcher said that North Korea has likely found itself "<a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/north-korea-sitting-pretty-as-russia-china-vie-for-attention-2024-1">sitting pretty</a>" amid its new partnership with Russia and connections with China.

North Korea just gave the world a rare glimpse into where it makes weapons-grade uranium for its nukes in a blunt signal to foes

The <keyword id="19900449" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="government" source="keywords">government</keyword> will provide Rs 11.11 lakh crore towards <keyword id="19951996" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="capex" source="keywords">capex</keyword> for 2024-25, <keyword id="19956758" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="finance-minister" source="keywords">Finance Minister</keyword> Nirmala Sitharaman said on Tuesday. Presenting Union Budget for FY25, she stated that the government is aiming to maintain strong fiscal support for <keyword id="19936648" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="infrastructure-projects" source="keywords">infrastructure projects</keyword> for the next five years. Sitharaman also noted that the government will facilitate <keyword id="20138649" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="investment-grade" source="keywords">investment grade</keyword> energy audit of micro and small industries in 60 clusters. <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/budget/news/union-budget-2024-live-updates-finance-minister-nirmala-sitharaman-key-announcements-23-july/liveblog/111942008.cms" data-type="tilCustomLink" target="_blank">Budget 2024 Live Updates: FM Sitharaman announces internships for 1 crore youth in 500 top companies</a> Besides, the government will take up setting up of power projects, including a 2,400 MW power plant at Pirpainti in Bihar at a cost of Rs 21,400 crore. SEE ALSO:<a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/budget/news/union-budget-2024-live-updates-finance-minister-nirmala-sitharaman-key-announcements-23-july/liveblog/111942008.cms" target="_blank"></a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/budget/news/union-budget-2024-live-updates-finance-minister-nirmala-sitharaman-key-announcements-23-july/liveblog/111942008.cms" target="_blank">Union Budget 2024 Live Updates: Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman to present her record seventh consecutive Budget today</a><a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/news/expectations-from-union-budget-2024-25-how-will-this-budget-impact-you/articleshow/111946291.cms" target="_blank"></a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/news/expectations-from-union-budget-2024-25-how-will-this-budget-impact-you/articleshow/111946291.cms" target="_blank">Union Budget 2024-25: How will this budget impact you?</a><a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/budget/news/heres-a-quick-overview-of-pm-modi-3-0-governments-first-budget-to-be-presented-by-fm-nirmala-sitharaman-today/articleshow/111944393.cms" target="_blank"></a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/budget/news/heres-a-quick-overview-of-pm-modi-3-0-governments-first-budget-to-be-presented-by-fm-nirmala-sitharaman-today/articleshow/111944393.cms" target="_blank">Here's a quick overview of PM Modi 3.0 government's first budget, to be presented by FM Nirmala Sitharaman today</a>

Govt to provide ₹11.11 lakh crore towards capex for 2024-25

<ul class="summary-list"><li>When I was younger, I didn't understand or appreciate my parents paying my college tuition.</li><li>I want my kids to understand the true cost of college, so I devised a unique plan.</li></ul>My mom was the first on either side of my family to <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/autistic-son-graduated-high-school-cant-go-to-college-2024-6">go to college</a>. She went back in her 40s, getting her master's degree at a college an hour away from our home while raising three children. Growing up, she was expected to go to secretarial school, but education was important to her, so my mom worked hard and got her degree.She then set a family value: Education was important. My sister and I were expected to go to college, and when we did, my parents paid for it. They did so by <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/personal-finance/mortgages/when-to-refinance-mortgage">remortgaging their home </a>twice. They didn't want us saddled with debt after graduation and wanted to make this investment in us.But the thing is, I never really knew how much it cost them. They would tell me how expensive it was, and I would nod. But I never really understood the true cost. They were paying a fifth of their yearly income to give me this gift, this opportunity. I didn't truly appreciate it. I just coasted along — grades came easily to me — and did pretty <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/working-less-lifestyle-friday-productivity-burnout-efficiency-economy-commute-time-2024-4">average work</a>.I want it to be different for my four kids. I want them to be more thankful for this opportunity than I was, but I also don't want them to leave college with giant <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/ivy-league-grad-tuition-student-loans-special-privileges-2024-10">student loan debt</a> looming over their heads. So when I heard an idea from a family member about how her parents paid for her college, I seized upon it.<h2 id="29e85080-ee09-4b7e-bd46-c1e39cb919ea">The tuition payment plan is simple</h2>My kids must save and then pay for their classes each semester. My husband and I pay for their <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/personal-finance/student-loans/average-college-tuition">room and board</a>. If they get an A or B in all their classes, we pay them back upon receipt of their report card.They can then use the money for their next semester's classes. If they don't get at least a B, they don't get the money back, so there's no money for the next semester. If they get all A's and B's throughout their college careers, they will then have over $7,000 <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/graduating-college-ceremony-high-school-pandemic-virtual-2024-5">at graduation</a> to invest in a home or go on a big trip.It'll put skin in the game for them, and then they can understand just how costly their education truly is. This is an investment, something to be taken seriously. They must do their best work.When I tell friends about this plan, they are intrigued and surprised — mostly that they didn't think of it.<h2 id="322b23be-4f39-4de0-be24-3bb2d1e68318">It's working for my oldest son so far</h2>My son began his <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/how-college-freshmen-successful-first-year-professor-2024-9">first semester</a> in August. Since he started high school, I explained this plan to him, and he has been on board.I was taken aback when we found out the exact amount of his tuition. We've been putting money away since he was in first grade, and we still don't have close to what it will cost for four years. <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/taiwanese-kid-dressed-up-as-jensen-huang-won-halloween-nvidia-2024-10">My son</a> freaked out a bit, too, but he had money saved from his job at a pet store, and we figured out how much he could save from each paycheck. He worked all summer at an ice cream parlor to save over $7,000 — just enough for his in-state tuition.I can't tell yet if this plan is foolproof because he's only in his first semester. But I can say that it seems like he's working harder than he did in <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/high-school-senior-commutes-hour-school-every-day-2024-4">high school</a>. He's even told me how proud he was of the B+ he got on his biology quiz.It also seems that he fully understands how much his school costs and is appreciative of our help.We're investing in him, but he's also investing — his money, his time, and his hard work. He's investing in his future. We're equal partners. Giving him this first step toward independence is one of the best gifts we can give him, and it sets him up for making smart <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/boyfriend-financial-decisions-make-mom-understand-2024-9">financial decisions</a> throughout his life.

I make my son pay for his college tuition. If he gets good grades each semester, I pay him back.

<ul class="summary-list"><li>Mississippi teacher Shelly Gates, 49, designed her daughter's dorm room at Mississippi State in 2020.</li><li>After she posted photos of it, other moms started hiring her to design their college kids' dorms.</li></ul>This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Shelly Gates, 49, whose Jackson, Mississippi-based interior-decor firm <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.marymargaretdesigns.com/">Mary Margaret Designs</a> focuses on college dorm rooms. She posts videos of her work on TikTok, where she has over 17,000 followers. The essay has been edited for length and clarity.I always loved design. And down here in the South, people make kind of a big deal about the dorm rooms.It started with my daughter's dorm room at Mississippi State in 2020.I happened to post some pictures on Facebook for my friends, and it kind of caught everybody's eye. There was a little "dorm room of the year" contest in one of my <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/a-mom-shares-how-facebook-parenting-groups-can-be-lifesaving-2023-7">mom Facebook groups</a>, and they happened to pick my daughter's room.It gave me the confidence to think, "You know what? I can do this." Dorm rooms are easy, small, and pretty uniform compared to bigger design projects.So I just started dipping my toes in the water.<div type="image" title="A dorm room decorated with white and baby blue accents including a giant Chanel painting and luxury sofa." height="640" width="480" msid="112747016" hostid="261" sizebytes="56276"></div>I've done 20 rooms in total now including every school around here like Ole Miss, Mississippi State, Southern Methodist University, SMU, and the University of Southern Mississippi. I've also done Mizzou, <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/university-of-alabama-rush-experience-miserable-2023-8">Bama</a>, Belmont, and Arkansas.I did just one room my first year. Then I did seven, which really got me in over my head. This year, I limited it to just five projects.There are just so many little details that have to be taken care of, and so much background work, before you even really start to design.I started with a design fee, and then I charge hourly for installation. I've been able to increase my fee, but it really depends on the project, whether it's for both roommates, or how big the space is. This year it was around $5,000 total a room.<h2 id="71ee056c-d367-4e16-9419-b417b556e5e1">I'll start months in advance using TikTok to find out the dimensions of rooms</h2>A big part of the initial part of the design is determining which school they're going to and which dorm they're living in.I have to find the dimensions and layout. The measurements that the university provides are not always to scale.<div type="image" title="A preppy blue-and-red themed boys dorm room with a luxury bedside table and white carpet." height="640" width="596" msid="112747012" hostid="261" sizebytes="95868"></div>I walked into a dorm two weeks ago and there was a window seat. That was nowhere in the plan. I know it doesn't seem like a lot, but in a 9'x12' dorm room, it really affects the bed and the layout of the room.I'll scroll through <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/alix-earle-tiktok-messy-dorm-tour-viewers-were-horrified-2023-2">TikTok</a> to find the right layouts from past years.I always start with the fabric the student wants. From there, I'll scour Pinterest, TikTok, and Instagram for inspiration, but I always come up with a lot of ideas myself.In addition to the furnishings, I handle all the <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/guides/home/college-dorm-essentials">organization and storage</a>. I make sure Mom has a checklist for the batteries, the light bulbs, the trash can, things like that.I want the process to be streamlined for the parents and for the dorms to feel pretty much turnkey.<h2 id="23eedecf-2c98-40c1-bf48-9b5f71980cb2">I splurge on bedding and art, but always buy a cheap rug</h2>I spend more money on bedding and lamps because they can carry over to new spaces well. I also like the kids to have art because it has a shelf life and stays in good shape.<div type="image" title="A pink chair and in front of desk decorated with white linens and a pink butterfly painting." height="640" width="480" msid="112747017" hostid="261" sizebytes="30280"></div>Their freshman year, they might just have a room with <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/guides/home/best-twin-xl-sheets">twin beds</a>. But eventually, they'll move into an apartment or the sorority or fraternity house, where they'll need to decorate again. I want the bedding, lamps, and art to easily transition with them.On the flip side, I always try to get a<a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/guides/home/best-area-rug"> cheap rug</a>, especially during Amazon Prime Days and super sales like that. Rugs are always gross at the end of the year and you should just throw those away.I usually find really good deals for rugs around $100. These are 18-year-old kids — they don't need a Persian rug.One thing that is also a must-have is a really great bed skirt. I get mine custom-made by a fabric store down in Ridgeland, Mississippi. You're lifting the bed 36 inches to get all the storage possible — and all of a sudden have this space exposed underneath.<div type="image" title="A luxury dorm room with blue and green accents featuring high-end lime green lamps." height="904" width="984" msid="112747018" hostid="261" sizebytes="48838"></div>I like to use one with panels and hook it together with a bungee cord so the under bed storage is still easy to access, but it keeps the room beautiful.<h2 id="da1cb6cf-aa9d-4199-a5ef-13c8516ccfb3">I don't let mean comments on my Tiktok videos get to me</h2>In the South, we kind of do everything over the top. It's just what we want.I can't speak for everyone, but I just wanted my children to have a place that really felt like home. If they're going to <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/son-mother-college-across-country-dreading-empty-nest-2024-5">leave the nest and flap their little wings</a>, I want them to have a place that's a refuge for them.I think a lot of the moms see that, and also just really want to give something nice to their kids. Down here, when you walk into a dorm — and I'm in a lot of them — almost <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/college-dorm-room-makeover-2017-9">every single room is done to the nines</a>. It's just the way the moms down here do it.For those who say it's over the top, I say to each their own.<div type="image" title="A green-themed dorom room with luxury finishes like a chandelier" height="480" width="640" msid="112747014" hostid="261" sizebytes="35006"></div>I'm sure that a lot of them choose to spend their money on things that are important to them, but for my clients, this is where they want to spend their money.I read hate comments sometimes and think, "Well, I don't really tell you where to spend your money, right?"My end result is that my students are happy and that my moms and dads are happy. That's my ultimate goal — to <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/college-students-dorm-decor-design-businesses-take-off-2021-10">create a space that they love.</a>I've been able to segue the business into other avenues as well. In the South, a lot of people will buy condos in whatever town their child goes to school. So I've designed those for the parents of dorm clients.I teach fourth grade full-time so it started out as a fun summer thing, but I would love to do it full-time. Hopefully soon, I can hire additional designers and grow my business.

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