On February 10, 2004, producer-turned-rapper Kanye West dropped his debut studio album and released one of the greatest albums of the 21st century. "The College Dropout" received universal acclaim from music lovers around the globe.

I was 10 years old when the album came out. Initially, I did not understand the album as a satire of the American education system. I had no idea who Talib Kweli was and didn’t realize “School Spirit” was actually about school. As I got older and experienced college life, I truly appreciated "The College Dropout" and realized West taught me real life lessons as a former college student.

From the skits to the arrogance to the guest appearances, Kanye created a platform that allowed future artist to think at a new creative and emotional level. "The College Dropout" provided a critical framework in analyzing the pursuit of college, materialism, racism and the music business itself.

"All Falls Down"

“All Falls Down” is one of Kanye West's most well-known songs, but it also displays his ability to preach knowledge and share real life wisdom. Knowing that college leaves a majority of students financially insecure and unsure of the future, he reminds us to never let anyone make us feel insecure about our majors, to embrace our insecurities and think for ourselves.

“School Spirit Skit 1”

“School Spirit Skit 1” is a hilarious skit on the album from comedian Deray Davis about how you should drop your bad habits from college like excessive drinking and partying once you’re out of college and into the real world. Also sheds light on life after college, earning your degree and still end up working at a dead end job. The message here is simply strive for greater goals after college instead of settling for what’s available at the moment.

“School Spirit Skit 2”

“School Spirit Skit 2” is another hilarious interlude in the album that touches on the waste of money on college books professors tell students they desperately need in order to pass the class and the misconception of graduate school. The problem with college is that so many of students are so overwhelmed with work that we take the shortcuts in class. Here Kanye is saying, instead of spending our time and energy on doing well in the class, we should put more energy into enjoying and absorbing what we’re being taught. The second emphasis is that graduate school is not the answer sometimes. Sure you have more degrees than most, but making money is no less prestigious than getting another degree.

“Last Call”

“Last Call” was a bittersweet close to the album, but an open chapter to a groundbreaking career for Kanye West. We all have dreams. For some, making it to college is a dream. On the 13-minute track, Kanye paints his journey through his struggles and breakthroughs. Giving us hope that, even though people won’t believe in you, you’ve got yourself in life and that’s all you really need. Here he emphasizes that, even though everyone can’t be him, it still doesn’t mean you should let anyone get in your way of your ambitions in life.

“The College Dropout” is an eye-opening album that I suggest all college students should listen to and sympathize with. I know it’s hard to think back to a time when Kanye was one of the most relatable and influential people you ever heard, but his words give light to the struggle every college student goes through daily. His words give strength to follow your dreams with or without college.

College does bless us with being exposed to different people, ideologies and possibilities, but the message is clear: Don’t waste your time once you've found your calling in life.