Real Eyes Realize.

First off, everyone has their own opinions on school and I respect each one. This is my opinion and I’m actually a little worked up right now. I’ve had the thoughts of dropping out of school for awhile now. Not because it’s hard or anything like that (although it is). My initial reasons for wanting to drop out of school were because I thought it was a waste of time and that I really could teach myself useful things outside of the classroom environment if I really applied myself. I also continue to believe that it takes time away from pursuing my actual passions and I do feel like it is actually holding me back. 

Before I continue, I do think that there is some value in going to college in different situations. For some people, school is necessary. For things such as being a doctor or lawyer, I feel that a formal education should be pursued. In that case anyway, I would hope that those future doctors and lawyers would enjoy what they are doing anyway. If that is you, I’m extremely happy for you and this blog post isn’t for you. I also do think that college is valuable in terms of making friends and building a network and relationships. This is for the people who aren’t enjoying what they are doing in school and would much rather be doing something else. 

Do more of what you love. When it comes down to it, life is about happiness and how you pursue it. More often than not, people come to me for advice about school and when they are feeling scared, anxious, nervous, and other different emotions that all relate to one’s school experience. Honestly, I’m writing this almost out of emotion, but controlled emotions. My best friend just called me to talk about how he’s feeling about applying to new schools for next year and that’s what prompted me to write this post. I’m actually tired of seeing the people that I care about stress so much over the concept of school. He isn’t the first person to talk to me about these feelings and I know that he won’t be the last. I think talking about this is important because so many different people are going through the same thought process and do not have anyone to help out with those feelings. Anyways, back to the topic of life. 

I really do believe that you do not need a formal education in order to be successful and live a meaningful life. However, that depends on what you think is a meaningful life. I understand that a lot of the people experiencing these emotions with school are young. I mean, I’m only 19 and I’m experiencing the same emotions. Just because I’m writing about this does not exclude me from those emotions. Everyone has their own definition of what a meaningful life could be and I understand we are all figuring out what that could be. How would you know though until you try something that you haven’t tried before? By that I mean physically and mentally. Why not try to do something new or think in a different way? Just because the school system is set up does not mean that you have to use it. 

I know that one of the arguments against this could be, “Well, you do need to go to school in order to get a good job.” I think that’s outdated. If we think about the way the school system is currently set up, it is to get people ready to enter the work force. Everyone has to do something similar and play their little role in society based on society’s standards. Truth is, everyone is going to have their own interests and enjoy different things anyway that society’s needs are going to be met regardless. I think the school system of getting people ready for the workforce is outdated because people can literally create their own jobs. Although it isn’t full time just yet, even I’m able to turn photography into a side hustle. Take youtubers for example. People are literally able to sustain their life and make a living because of the internet. Honestly, the amount of resources we have right now in terms of educating ourselves and doing what we love is actually insane. It’s a shame that people don’t recognize that potential with all of the resources we have. Why don’t people realize it? Because the school system is only setting us up to do certain things. How often have you heard someone in school to do what you love and focus on that? I’ll bet not too often and thank you to the few who preach that message. 

The school system (in general, I’m not saying literally everywhere) neglects to teach its students about many of the applicable things in life. How to fix a car, do taxes, gun safety, how to cook, etiquette, etc. One of the biggest things that they neglect to teach is happiness. For all the people dealing with stress and anxiety from loads of work from school, were you ever taught how to cope with those emotions? Or were you just handed more homework to add to the stress? Happiness is one of the most important things in life and we’re supposed to enjoy life. We only do live one, after all (we think). Yes, school may teach us how to make money but at the end of our days I’m sure most of us aren’t going to be lying on our death beds thinking “Dang, I wish I made more money.” If anything, it would be more along the lines of, “I should’ve done (more of what you love).”

I’m writing this because at this moment, I really do want to drop out of school and I wish I could be the example for the people my age who are going through it. Who knows, maybe I will actually do it and do something in the next few years. But really, I want the next generation of students to know that they do not need a formal education to be educated. There are many examples in history of that. I’m not making the decision right at this moment to say that I’m dropping out or anything, but I really do want to be the example for future generations and leave a legacy behind. I’m tired of hearing people hurt over their emotions with unnecessary stress. They aren’t being soft either. I’m glad so many people care about what they are doing, but more people need to realize that they have a choice. If you want to go out and do something else to make your life meaningful, why not go and do it? You are ultimately in control of your life and if you want to live a meaningful life bad enough, you’ll make it happen. If something is driving you so much, do that. Do more of what makes you happy.

Side note: For all the young ones out there trying to figure it out, it’s okay to take a break and go back as well. Life isn’t a race. Only you know what is best for you in the end. Move at your own pace. Pursue your own greatness. Stop comparing yourself to other people and looking at others’ highlight reels (aka Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat, etc.).

- Jsquared

@_J.Squared

@InTheLabLifestyle