It’s only when we lie to ourselves that we get into trouble.

You wasted $150,000 on an education you coulda’ got for a buck fifty in late charges at the public library.

Will Hunting

The Five-Stir has an interesting discussion, and moving story, from a college dropout.  After reading the article, I realized how the system is set up to lock people into education.  I did it differently.  Found out what I wanted to do.  Went to school with a focus – as a non traditional student.  Finished in 2.5 years.  With no debt.  I there is much more than the excerpts in this article.  Make sure you read the story and let me know what you think. 

Regardless of how much I had checked out, it’s not like I just dropped out of school due to the sheer disgust of being deceived by the bait and switch tactics of higher educational institutions. I’m not a quitter. I’m a half-asser and a bullshitter, because it’s what I can get away with, but I’m not a quitter. No, what actually caused me to drop out of school had nothing to do with school.

…When I got the chance to sit back for that two weeks and do absolutely nothing, I got to thinking about what was truly important to me; and no matter how many pro and con lists I made, school was never on there. When it boils down to it, I need friends, family, and a way to survive. Not that I don’t think education is important, but I’ve never been one to learn through traditional means. In fact, I hate the traditional means. Tell me why it is that every kid in High School has to read The Great Gatsby. Why is it that our entire education is meant to prepare us for one test? Can I take out a loan with an S.A.T score? F’ no.

…a few things to think about before filling out those college applications:

1. Success is not everything. In fact, it’s not even half of everything. It’s not even a quarter of everything. What’s important is staying motivated. If you find yourself questioning your actions, maybe it’s time to question where you think you’re headed.
2. If you are young, delay yourself from making a decision that will effectively chart the trajectory of your life for the next ten years and onward. Live each day as an isolated event, and truly contemplate what it is you do and don’t like. The decision will come to you in time. Hell, it may even be thrown at you.
3. Don’t be fooled by the green shrubbery and flying frisbees. Not every college is a good college. Do your research, make sure you really read into the programs a school has to offer, because some schools just aren’t worth going to if you aren’t going to find a fulfilling experience in the program of your choice.
4. Ease yourself into responsibilities. Don’t just pick up a whole bunch of things to do and expect to be great at it right off the bat. This is almost always not the case.
5. Always always ALWAYS have at least one day off to be leisurely and without commitment. Trust me, it’s absolutely worth it.
6. Never keep yourself from doing something that you want to do. Though, at the same time don’t be afraid to change your mind at the drop of a hat. It’s only when we lie to ourselves that we get into trouble.

Rocky McGredy

Worth the time.  From a half-asser and a bullshitter.

Part 1

Part 2

Part 3