She Strengthens

Embracing the Unconventional Path

As I reflect on my college experience, I realize it was far from the typical narrative. After a tumultuous high school journey, I had idealized the college lifestyle, envisioning crisp autumn mornings, lively debates, and meaningful connections. However, reality had other plans.

Romanticizing the Unknown

My fascination with college began in my junior year of high school, amidst struggles with anxiety, depression, and an eating disorder. I’d often doodle apartment layouts in my notebook, imagining a cozy reading nook in a picturesque college town. My future seemed clear-cut: an English degree, a writing career, and a life surrounded by trees and foliage.

The Harsh Reality

But when college acceptance letters arrived, mine was a thin envelope with a standard rejection template. My heart sank, and I felt like I’d been left behind. Approximately 10,000 students received similar rejections, but that didn’t ease the sting.

A Bumpy Road Ahead

I settled for my last-choice university, but my college experience was marked by partying, hookups, and minimal academic effort. I eventually dropped out, moved to a new city, and attended community college before returning to my original school. It was a messy, confusing time, as I struggled to find direction.

A Turning Point

When I finally stopped attending college, my life began to transform. I started eating better, drinking less, and lost weight. Dropping out wasn’t the solution to all my problems, but it put me on a path towards self-discovery.

Embracing Entrepreneurship

Today, I own a photography business, living paycheck to paycheck. It’s not always easy, but it’s about pursuing my happiness. I took a risk turning my hobby into a career, and while it’s challenging, it’s mine.

No Regrets

Leaving college was about breaking free from the constraints of standardized education. I didn’t have an end goal, and I knew I’d rather create my own path than settle for a diploma leading to unfulfilling jobs. Maybe I disappointed others, but I never disappointed myself. And if I change my mind, I know I can always go back, wiser and more prepared.

The Unconventional Path

My journey may not be traditional, but it’s mine. I’ve learned that life doesn’t have a finish line; it’s about embracing the twists and turns, and finding happiness in the unknown.