I have heard several confessions of students wanting to quit school because they live by the mantra that "grades don't determine future". Their usual example is the success stories of Bill Gates and Mark Zuckerberg. These two are just a few famous names who, despite having dropped out of college, became extra successful in life. 

Who wouldn't love that? Ask any student and most of them will agree that school is difficult. Burdensome to some extent. If we could get away from the need to go to school, perhaps we'll do so. Besides, Bill Gates and Mark Zuckerberg are living proofs, right? 

Except for the fact that those two are not just ordinary dropouts. They are Ivy League dropouts.

Ivy League schools, in simplest terms, are the top schools not just in the US. They also rank worldwide. These schools are known for their academic excellence, selectivity in admissions, and social elitism. So the fact that Gates and Zuckerberg are Ivy League dropouts reveals much about their intelligence! They are so into studying that they just grew tired of it. They did not drop out because they lack skills or they are not smart enough. Far from it!

Inspiration

When I was younger, I also thought of quitting school. I hate waking up early in the morning, skipping my favorite animes, and meeting my terror Math teachers. I was even bullied during primary school so that adds up to the frustration. 

The environment may have changed when I was in high school but the same sentiments persist. My self-esteem was low, I only had a few friends, and still, the demands for school work kept on increasing. 

But so is my appreciation for learning. 

Until I entered college. That's when I had a foretaste of the real world outside the four corners of the classroom. One by one, my classmates are dropping out for various reasons: unexpected pregnancies, financial constraints, change in work conditions, etc. These people wanted to pursue their education because they believe that it will give them a fighting chance in the workplace. 

I also met amazing working students juggling different jobs while doing their best to cope with their subjects. They are worth admiring because some of them are already parents to one to two toddlers, and yet despite the struggles of being a working student, they are the most enthusiastic bunch in class!

Reality check

These people I met in college have seen and experienced real-life outside the academe so they try their best to squeeze in their already-packed schedule time to catch up with classes. They believe that learning means a lot. A diploma may just be a piece of paper but every letter inscribed in it is a testament to the hard work, perseverance, sacrifices, and wisdom they have invested in the academe. Accolades and diplomas may not measure your worth when you search for a job, but it is a character window that allows people to see your work ethic, your attitude in life, and how serious you can be when you put your heart into a thing. 

But not everyone has the privilege to get into formal schooling. I wish we were all given the same set of privileges where money is not an issue, abusive and toxic parents are not an issue, and health conditions don't impede one's dream of going to school and finishing studies. 

But when you do have the opportunity to go to school, grab it - grab it hard! There are lots of people wanting to have that opportunity but can't do so. If they can only switch places with you, they will do so. But they couldn't. 

Final Thoughts

There's nothing wrong with wishing for a shortcut, an easy way out just like our friends Bill and Mark. But their stories can't be replicated because we don't have the same set of factors that constitute their success. But what we can do is do our best, prove ourselves, learn the ropes and respect our season. 

College dropout success stories are rare. What's common are stories of those who strive hard and proved themselves faithful with what's offered on their plate.