Sep 16 2008
‘The Be All End All’
You’re always told in life that this is the be all end all, that mistakes now ensure horrible failure in the future. This is something, that I believe, coerces us into acceptance of a way of life we do not wish.I’m sure we can think up many examples of this; ‘If you skip a class you’ll fail.’ ‘If you’re not a Christian you’ll burn.’ and ‘If you call in sick you’ll get fired.’ All these statements attempt to keep us in tow by making us afraid of the consequences of not following a norm.
I have one good example that I have experienced that I feel has only had positive results for me. I, as most of my readers will probably be surprised, never finished high school. This to me is a badge of honour one of the things I am actually proud of myself for not doing.
High School was, simply, a waste of time for me. The growth that I felt it encouraged at the time I was uninterested in, and in hindsight I believe was juvenile. Through out my High School education I was taught simply how to regurgitate information while constantly experiencing juvenile social dynamics.
Long story short after leaving full time high school studies I started working. After I felt that i could learn no more from, what I feel is, the endless path of retail I ended up pursuing more advanced studies in college and found myself falling in love with philosophy. I soon entered as an adult student after completing a few semesters as a part timer; interesting point is where I live it is actually easier to get into certain college/university programs as an adult.
I just wanted to write this short post to give my readers a small insight into me personally, as well as extend to those that have also had problems in school that it is not the be all end all.
Through my own experience I have learned you will most likely always have a chance to make up that which you are told you cannot. We are different people and as such need to find our own methods for learning and living. Our societies general message is not compatible with this due to its structured nature, yet you should be sure to not let it hamper your path. Simply, different means for different people.
There is value everywhere and very few life experiences can be considered a waste of time. Leaving school and working earlier in my life I feel has allowed me to mature quicker then the average person my age. It has also given me the time and ability to discern my own values and thereafter what is right for me. There are no guarantees and the future is seemingly vague, as such live your life valuing what you do because you do.
My opinion:
Stop feeling rushed in your life, as there can always be something to rush over. Slow down take a deep breath and make yourself happy as only you know how. Its a lot easier to live with the burdens and pressures of society put aside, or, in more clarity, put into true perspective.
I’m interested to hear about any societal burdens you may have experienced, that you found once discarded was self uplifting!
What do you think?
4 Responses to “‘The Be All End All’”
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I was raised to believe that school was everything. You need it or you fail in life but my mom said I was a failure and a horrible person for so long that I thought I would amount to nothing. So I worked my hardest and managed to graduate high school 8 months pregnant and married. But I graduated! I now have a lovely piece of decorated paper that hasn’t been used except when filling out the homeschool forms in TN. I find that while it was monumental for me to graduate, it really didn’t have to bells, whistles and fireworks I was expecting. Now I write, home educate my children (because school and education don’t always go hand in hand) and sell items for my self run business. I feel more successful than ever… but not because I graduated high school though. But because I have managed to run my own business and raise a great family. My high school diploma is just a wall decoration, that’s all.
Interesting points.
I actually quite enjoyed my high school experience. I messed around and pretty much got away with anything, which led to a lot of character building experiences. I found the course material interesting (but i find most things interesting). I took construction for 3 years and would feel comfortable working in any wood shop. I think it comes down to developing good social skills and learning how to work the system. Which are both great skills to develop at a young age. I also in no way want to rush through life, I cherish the experiences I’ve had. Unfortunately the money issue can rear its ugly head and i’d like to spend my time doing something i enjoy, so i think ill continue with the educated path.
You are so right. I agree full heartedly. In high school right now, I feel like if I make a mistake, I just failed. The teachers and such don’t tell you it’s okay to fall back a step every now and then. They don’t sympathize. They tell you that “others before you have done this and succeeded” so what? I’m not like everyone else then. They tell us to embrace our differences but as soon as our differences aren’t up to speed with others, we’ve just failed.