Little Vent

I am needing to get something off my chest, so please bear with me.  There has been a situation that has really been bothering me lately.  With my son getting ready to graduate high school and move onto college, this situation has clearly made me open my eyes.  In our society, we put so much emphasis on 'higher education.'  How many people do you know, that did go to college are are a success?  How many do you know DIDN'T go to college and are just as successful?  Now, lets look at the word success? 

suc·cess

  [suhk-ses] noun

1.

the favorable or prosperous termination of attempts orendeavors.

2.

the attainment of wealth, position, honors, or the like.

3.

a successful  performance or achievement: The play was aninstant success.

4.

a person or thing that is successful: She was a great success onthe talk show.

5.

Obsolete . outcome.

Obtaining a college degree will not determine if you are successful or not.  The achievement of getting the degree can be determined as a success, but not at determining if you are successful.  For some small minded people, the paper is all that matters, or the large house, the nice cars, the handsome spouse, the big wedding ring, the well stocked closet, the social circle that you so wish to have.  You can look like a success on the outside, and be really ugly on the inside.  

College is NOT for everyone.  My child may go to college, while another child may not.  Maybe my child doesn't go to college and yours does.  Maybe one of our children drops out of college after their first semester.  Would that make them a failure?  In my eyes, no.  Would it make them a failure in your eyes?  I think it would.  And that my friend, I think, would make your child feel like crap.

So, to the graduating class of 2012.  Go find yourself in this world.  Make your own path, and don't follow in someone else's.  Be the change you wish to see in this world.  Don't let anyone tell you, that you are not good enough!  And if someone should tell you that, just remember that this person might not be so happy with themselves and they are looking for flaws in you to make them feel better. 

And just remember, we are all human.  You will make mistakes, and find success in your own way.

Good Luck! .