To any "drop outs" or people who left college, don't be sad, upset, or too disappointed in yourself. Sometimes, its okay to leave college. I know, because I did. Being called a drop out definitely hurts the feels, but I stay strong because it is probably one of the best decisions I've made in my 20 years living. Here are some reasons why I think so.
1. I have an idea of what I want to do with my career and my life.
As we are growing up, we are constantly asked "What do you want to be when you grow up?" or "What are you planning on doing?" How are we supposed to know at age 5 or age 18 what we want to do?! Even some college graduates I know still don't know what they want to do. I met a girl who graduated with a Bachelors in Biology, yet she felt like it wasn't her calling and wanted to go into marketing. I went to George Mason University in Virginia pursuing a Bachelor's in Science of Nursing, but I left. In all honesty, college killed my motivation to continue my education. I went there thinking I was going to take nursing classes, but instead, I'm taking Gen Eds and Pre-Reqs. In my mind, I thought "What does sociology or literature have to do with nursing?" My dean was telling me I should consider changing my major. I thought I was going no where. When my parents and I got into too many arguments and they stopped financially supporting me, I finished my first year of college and returned to Colorado. I worked in call centers and dental offices, doing customer service and administration work. I worked for Kaiser Permanente and realized, I still wanted to pursue nursing, but not through a university. Now, I just finished my CNA class and I'm getting a job as a Certified Nurse Aide in a Skilled Nursing Home. I heard from multiple nurses and teachers in school that starting out as a CNA is a better route than a BSN straight into the nursing field. Sure, it is not the best or my dream job, but it is still something along the lines of I want to do. Now, I'm thinking about going back to school to get an Associate's in Medical Assisting. Its a lot cheaper and less competitive going to a community college, and its finally something I like. Plus, I don't have to kill my bank account doing so.
2. I'm practically debt-free.
As I returned to Colorado, I became an "adult." Unlike college graduates, I entered the "adulting working life" with no thousands dollar debt. My parents kicked me off their insurance policies. They didn't give me any financial, mental, or emotional support when I left. I was independent. I had worked what I could in the 3 months before I left and had $2000 in my pocket to last me until I could get a job and a place to stay. Granted, $2000 isn't a lot of money when you're an adult and I stressed for a time trying to get my life in Colorado started, but it is a HELL of a lot better than stressing about the ridiculous negative student loan you have looming over you for years and years to come. Now I work to pay for rent, for my car loan, for bills, for insurance, and for my savings account. At least I don't have to stress about making my student loan payment on time, that is one less bill to worry about.
3. I'm stress-free.
College was sort of a nightmare for me. I didn't have fun, I had a hard time finding friends without joining a sorority, and classes were... insane. Not to mention I had my pressuring parents still breathing down my back, trying to influence my every move. I just cant think of me going through classes being unhappy and miserable. Even high school was more enjoyable than that. But now, I go to work doing what I find is my passion everyday, I come home to a loving little family I made, and Im look forward to traveling the world this coming winter. I go out with friends, I go out in nature, I meet new people, and I explore the many lessons life gives to us. The life I'm living right now is completely different than the life I was living in college. I don't have to worry about my grades. Now I worry about which job offer I want to take from multiple places. I might not have that sparkly degree hung up on my wall, but I will be more prepared than a college graduate who just got out of living under their parents' wings and is on their own. I know what to expect in this crazy adult world and how to overcome those obstacles.
I'm not trying to convince anyone of dropping out of college. I regret it sometimes only because of what it could have come out to. BUT I am so so happy with my life now. To all drop outs who feel lost, disappointed, or worthless. Don't. You're doing okay. Find out what you really want to do in life, try to find a job in that field, see if it is what you want to do, and if so, start pursuing an education in that. Just because you left school doesn't mean you can't return. If you don't like it, find something else. Don't give up. Keep pushing on. You're gaining experience anyways. The more experience, the more you're worth to a company or business. Start saving your money and make happy memories. Go out into the world and travel it. You have the ability to explore while others are stuck in a room. Gain experiences, physically, mentally and emotionally. You don't have to live like a sheep doing what others do. You're unique, therefore your life can be too. I'm a drop out and so is my boyfriend, but because of our experiences between leaving and college and now, we know what we want to do in life, we know how to get there, and we can enjoy everything this world has to offer in the meantime. Everything will be great, everything will be "okay." :)
