Some people were never meant to fit into the traditional concepts that we have of "education". Some people were just not "built" for the class room chair, for the endless deadlines, the chalk on the board, the lectures from a drone we call "teacher". I'm not one of those people.
But a friend of mine is. She's a person who has "failed" in school, but is unwilling to give up because she doesn't want to be a failure. I've suggested to her that giving up is not failing. Failure to realise when its time to try a different tack is.
Dear { a friend },
Sorry to be contrary, but your equations are simply false:
not obtaining a degree = failure
or
not obtaining a degree = giving up
or
quiting uni = failure = giving up
None of the above are true, none of them mean that you any less of a person that you would be with some piece of paper saying that you have a marketing degree.
Of course, the reality of the world is that other people judge you based on that silly piece of paper called a degree. But you certainly shouldn't, nor, i'm sure, do any of your true friends.
I think i spoke to you once about this a long time ago, when we first met. I told you that you really need to complete your studies. I told you that education is paramount for success in this world. I'm not sure what your reaction was to what i said, but now that i think i know you slightly better than then, i take back what i said. I was wrong. Your skill, your god given talent, will not be developed through formal education. What you require to grow is an informal approach to learning.
If i were you, i would tell my parents that i was not giving up my studies, but i won't be completing them now. I would ask them for the money they are willing to spend on me, lets say RM20k, take that money, start a business, and begin my informal education. Let's face it. That money in its current method of spending is being unproductive. You've basically giving the college free money.
Starting a business would give you a few things:
- It will make you independent. I've got a nagging suspicion THAT'S your REAL problem. You feel bound and that is subconciously wearing you thin.
- It will give you an informal education. You've got tremendous EQ, and in the right sort of business (e.g. anything that deals with people), you will succeed and enrich the lives of the people that come in contact with you.
- It will give you a sense of self-belief and belonging. I don't know, i may be wrong, but i think that you feel "lost" in a way, and that's why its so hard to be focused on something that you consciously believe to be important (i.e. your studies).
Once you've made your first million bucks or so, say 10 years down the road, then maybe you can take a holiday and finish off your studies. Heck why stop at a first degree then. I look forward to the day i can call you "Dr".
I'm serious about this. No joke. Consider it. Every sen used studying when you just can't seem to motivate yourself properly, is a sen that could have been used to make a dollar. Parents normally don't see this (i've been trying to convince my parents of this for a while - but they keep on telling me that education is the "best" investment ever). You've got to convince yourself of this (if you believe that its true), and then use your belief to convince your parents.
Two more years of this ping-pong you seem to be playing with your studies, is two years less that you have to work with for what you are really meant to do. God knows what that is. Correction, God and YOU knows what is. Decide.
Peace,
Aizuddin Danian
http://www.aizuddindanian.com
Leave a comment