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I Dropped Out of High School

I Am a Highschool Dropout

I dropped out in grade 10. It was becoming more of an anxiety and depression issue that an education.

When I told my parents I wanted to drop out on my 16th birthday, they were disappointed, but agreeable; with conditions. I could take one month off school without actually quitting. Relax. Do nothing for one month. At the end of that month, I had to either quit and get a job or go back and finish out at least the school year.

I took that month. I thought about it. And on my 16th birthday I went in to the school, cleared out my locker and got my principal to sign me out, one last time.

Within one month I had a job. I have never been unemployed since that time, except when it was by choice, raising my kids.

Eventually I went ahead and educated myself, taking adult continuing education courses; correspondence courses; evening classes; auditing classes at the local university. I learned what I wanted and in the time I wanted to learn it.

So yes, I am a high school dropout, but I never dropped out of learning. I am still learning every day. I hope I never stop.

Serenitree
GOOD DAY

5/3/2016
ejk

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Heartlander · 80-89, M

What a great post. Most of us go to school until we feel it's more of a constraint than a benefit. You jumped early, and apparently at the right time.

I've always been an admirer of the Montessori methods that tend to tune education to the inquisitive needs of the individual child rather than the attempts to force-fit the child into the school curriculum. Your process sounds like a self actuated Montessori program :)

FWIW, there are great websites for serious learning. My favorite is Khan Academy.

tonykaye · 61-69, M

I was very much the same back in 1978,leaving without taking exams I left on the Friday started a job the following Monday I learned more in my First year looking back the education system let me down,like you I have never been unemployed and now reaching 55 I've made enough to slow down cut my hours and enjoy life

SoFine · 46-50, F

Yes, so much stress is put on getting high marks for subjects that will never be used ever again. You did what was right for you. When we do find what interests us, it is so easy to put the work in.
My learning after schooling was so much more interesting and value to health and balanced well being.

Serenitree · F

That's how it is for some of us. I do believe that a great education is necessary for some people, depending on their life goals. But for people like you and me, we decided to make our lives as we saw fit. It worked fine for me. And apparently it did for you too.

Serenitree · F

Sofine, it is true. You learn what you choose to learn easier and more thoroughly, and you don't forget it as quickly as you do the stuff you are force fed in most public school systems.

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