Almost daily, an insurmountable number of millennials make the paramount decision to continue their education well past their high school years. Their educational aspirations consist of attaining their bachelor’s degree, masters, and possibly their doctorate. Within this recent reality, these academic degrees and certifications have evolved into somewhat of a social expectation, meaning many millennials feel obligated to attain such degrees. In a similar manner, in the present, success is frequently tied to monetary accumulation, numerous degree certifications, and a flawless resume comprised of plentiful extracurricular activities, a wide variety of volunteer work, previous employment, superb letters of recommendation that applaud one’s talents and persona, admirable internships and much more. Of course, furthering one’s education and pursuing a higher degree in an intellectually stimulating environment is something that is undeniably praise-worthy and deserving of complete admiration. At the same time, it is also important to remember that there are multitude of diverging paths towards success and no one individualized path ensures complete, indisputable success. Therefore, it remains of the upmost importance one allocates the necessary time to self-reflect and self-evaluate in an unobtrusive environment, determining if their current path is one that will bring them a sense of life-long self-satisfaction.
I encourage you to ask yourself with deep and genuine sincerity, “What is it that I want?” Answer the preceding question pragmatically, but with a joined sense of confidence and self-acclamation. The question artfully appears apparent and simplistic in nature, yet it is ever so intricate and complicated in its innermost meaning. Remember that there is no direct blueprint for life. As differing social entities, we all carve out differing paths for ourselves. So, I encourage you, to live your life as you yourself see fit. Nurture your dreams and aspirations, but carve out your own individualized path towards success. If your educational goals feel too lofty or even insuperable, feel free to go home! The notion of taking an extended break from one’s studies is often met with great resistance and associated with a negative stigma. I am here to reassure you that there is absolutely no shame in simply going home and/or allocating time to self-reflect and ponder both the present and the future. If you feel that your major doesn’t reflect your talents and/or ambitions, change it! If you feel that you yourself do not aspire to attend medical school and become a full-pledged physician? Don’t. If you feel like you are not on the accurate path and need to allocate some free time to think clearly about what you wish to accomplish throughout your lifetime? Do it. If you feel like you are at a dead end, go home and reevaluate. Your life is yours to live and yours alone. You are not beholden to anyone else’s approval but your own.
Chase your dreams with relentless fervor, but ensure that these are indeed your own individualized aspirations and not those of your surrounding elders. Take initiative and explore every opportunity available. Always remember that your worth, dignity and self-love are not mediated by societies approval. Your relatives and familial support will continue to love you no matter what socio-economic class you belong to. Your career is not your sole definitive asset. You are much more than just a singular job or degree. Your happiness and well-being are far more important.
It’s okay. Go home, if you please. There is nothing wrong with feeling lost.