Why I dropped out of high school

📖 Note: This post is from the archives. It may reflect outdated views or a previous name.

Last October (2014) I dropped out of the eleventh year of school because I was exhausted by the education system’s constant efforts to make squares out of circles. It took almost six months to convince my family that it was the right decision for me and there are still some people who think it was a poor one.

I considered the advantages and disadvantages of leaving school without intending to attend college or university. I came to the conclusion that public schools in general are obsessed with good grades and test scores and therefore result in nothing more than years of regurgitation. I strongly believe that I should use my teenage years to gain as much knowledge as possible.

Since dropping out I have been given the opportunity to work with multiple startups around Vancouver, in positions such as a UI designer and a iOS Developer. From being out there, I quickly made a multitude of amazing connections. Recently, I decided to quit my full-time job to realize my full potential as an entrepreneur.

While attending a hackathon at the University of Michigan I met Cristopher Bello, a machine learning guy and liberal arts student who takes an interest in psychology. Cris brought to my attention that most freshmen believe that they can only be successful with the ‘right’ major. I’ve quoted him:

“It appears to be a recurring theme when you talk to Highschool seniors and College freshmen: You ask them what they’re going to major in and they start ‘weighing out’ the decisions. You ask them their reasoning and they say ‘Well, I /can/ do this or do that with x degree.’ But then I ask “With who’s permission?” — a question that each and every one of them has greeted with a shrug. Successful people will always be successful no matter what they do and no matter where they go.” — Cristopher Bello

Here are a few things that I’ve learnt through dropping out of school to pursue my dreams:

Feeling like the world is against you. Living in the conservative society that I do, I have received remarks from teachers, my family, pseudo friends and local recruiters attempting to dissuade me from dropping out and now that I have, why to return. I am a natural born ENTJ, built to excel in an efficient way, with the confidence and charisma to inspire and lead teams. Walking into battle with my double-ended sword does not frighten me. I am not easily offended and I hate the status quo. I thrive on a naysayers constant urge to put others down because as long as I am doing well a pessimist will be lurking. I do not believe or experience doubt and I truly believe anything and everything can be accomplished with enough determination and dedication. “You don’t need permission (qualifications) to go out there and start doing.” — James Anderson
Education is not limited to the bounds of a classroom. I have always known that I am better off in an environment where I learn by doing; Over the past five months the amount of knowledge I’ve acquired is insane! I am traveling around the world to see things with my own eyes that exhilarate and cultivate my lust for being introduced to new experiences. Formal education is great for teaching theory, but often students miss out on the real-life experiences.
Experiences over materialistic things. Since leaving school, I started to realize and implement a tactic that the most inspiring individuals around the globe have used: Use your resources to fund experiences rather than purchasing things; Even a bad experience becomes a good story. I only purchase what I think will contribute to my success.
You do not need everything. A good entrepreneur is not a consumerist. We purchase what we need to do the job, not fun or unnecessary possessions. Don’t fund distractions, fund genuine experiences.
It’s not easy. I am amused by those who approach me with remarks such as “Since you dropped out you have 100x more time.” or “School is way harder than what you’re doing right now.” — I am up 15/7 working on something. No matter what the occasion is, no matter what the weather is, I’m working. I’m 100% responsible for holding myself accountable, for keeping myself disciplined.
I inspire people. I love coming out to support the community. I take pride in talking about where I came from and how much I have improved: A different child who was rejected from society to high school dropout entrepreneur that doesn’t have a care in the world other than making my life worth it and touching those around me to make a larger dent in the universe.

I think dropping out of high school was the best decision I have ever made. I am not limited by the restrictions of the education system while still allowing myself to grow as an entrepreneur, developer and a person. I understand that everyone has their own ambitions for who they envision themselves being, nor can everyone take the pressure of a thousand conservatives.

This is your life; live it.