It's Not For Everyone

I had an interesting discussion about school a few weeks ago with some friends of mine. I am a double major, one of which is in dance. Many of my fellow classmates are contracted with big companies. One girl in particular is having a difficult time in school. She has been in college for almost eight years now and is feeling as though college is not for her. She is a good enough dancer to make it into a BIG dance company if she wanted and already has a teaching job at a local studio. She was discussing the possibility of not going to school anymore because she just doesn't think it is right for her. This made me think a lot.

Now, I am not going to drop out of school (at least not right now) but I thought a lot about education in general. I know plenty of people who went to college and and are successful. I know plenty others who did not attend or finish college and are just as, if not, more successful. This country has this huge push for education stating that most employers think that their applicants must have a college degree to function in the working world. Then why do some of my friend with a Bachelor or Masters Degree have a difficult time finding a job and some of my friends who didn't attend college have greater success than the others. Because, college is not for everyone. I am a big believer in hard work, dedication and perseverance. Why is it such a big deal when someone decides to drop out of college because it is not for them. Stop telling these college drop-outs that they are lazy. I know a girl that went to college for two years and is making more money as a stylist than she thought she would. I am a believer in a good proper education but not necessarily in a college or university. People don't seem to understand that the work education means gaining knowledge. If a mechanic never goes to school for his trade, but manages to fix every car that comes his way, does that mean he is uneducated. No, I would like to see some of my readers try to fix a car and be good at it. He talks about how he doesn't want to see his costumers again, not because he doesn't like people, but because it means he did a good job fixing that person's car! We need the mechanics, the hair dressers, the carpenters and guess what, some of these trades don't require school but, instead experience.

So, the next person that comments about how their mechanic is lazy for not going to college to learn their trade, shame on you. Some people are not suited for in-class learning or it may not be for them. I promise, they are not any less educated, unless your definition of an educated mind involves having a Bachelors Degree. We are all just doomed if that is the case.