The author argues that the American higher education system is lacking in character and personal transformation, with the underemployment rate for recent college graduates at 42.5% and student loan balances at $1.66 trillion. She argues that college is often treated as a transaction, focusing on the grade, the credential, and internship logo, but loses the older idea of education that it is supposed to shape a human being. Most Americans still speak in spiritual language about work, which can also be a spiritual act, if you understand "spiritual" as a daily practice of becoming someone trustworthy. The author suggests that college students should complete a "service semester" where they become more focused on their field and community needs to be tied to their field. She also suggests that students should be given academic credit for learning how useful learning can be made accountable.