Why I am College Age, But Not College Bound

People often ask me, “are you in college?” To most, it is a typical question you ask a young adult, and it’s just the normal thing to do.

To me, it’s one of the most annoying questions ever. Just because it is culture’s standard to always attend college doesn’t mean I fit in with that standard. There is so much pressure to perform, live up to the “standards” of culture, and do what everyone else does.

The question “are you in college?” really bugs me because I am college age but not college bound.

I figured out early on that college would not be my thing. Because of my unique learning style and specific interests, I decided not to pursue college right after graduating high school. However, even though I knew I wasn’t college-bound, the questions made me doubt.

After wrestling through the doubt, I’ve learned three major lessons about being a young adult who is not going to college.

1. Expectations don’t define you.

Today’s culture expects so many different things from young people.

Your value does not come from getting a higher education, a college degree, or landing a high-paying job. You find value in who you are and Whose you are, which leads to my second point.

2. It’s okay to be different

It’s okay to step outside of the norm.

It’s okay to have different interests.

It’s okay to be different from the culture.

Culture says, “follow your heart,” “do whatever makes you feel good or what feels right to you,” and “go to college,” but that is not the difference I’m talking about here. I’m talking about living boldly for Jesus and pursuing the life He has for you. Maybe that is attending college, and maybe it’s not. Either way, first and foremost, follow Jesus. Hence point number 3.

3. Follow God’s leading

I can’t stress this point enough! It can be easier to follow man, but in the end, you will feel joy and peace when you follow God’s leading in your life. And your life isn’t shaped to fit into the cookie-cutter expectations of culture.

God didn’t make everyone the same way for a reason. Each person has been carefully crafted and designed for a unique purpose, and that purpose will look different from person to person.

So follow God’s leading, no matter what.

In conclusion

I’m college-age but not college bound because expectations don’t define me.

I’m college-age but not college bound because I’m different.

I’m college-age but not college bound because I’m following God’s lead.

Am I sitting at home, twiddling my thumbs while I wait for the next phase of life? Heck no! I’m staying busy running a business and continuing my education via other avenues that better fit my interests. And who knows? Maybe one day, God will call me to pursue college.

No matter your path, go out there and live for Jesus!