Not All Roads Are Paved Equally

“There is no passion to be found playing small – in settling for a life that is less than the one you are capable of living”. -Nelson Mandela

As we celebrate the accomplishments of this year’s graduating high school seniors, I want to take a moment to acknowledge those who choose an untraditional post-high school route.

Some of the most successful entrepreneurs did not attend or graduate from college. Steve Jobs. Mark Zuckerberg. Bill Gates. Ralph Lauren. Oprah Winfrey. F. Scott Fitzgerald. Michael Dell. Taylor Swift. The list goes on and on.

Many people spend their college years figuring out what they ultimately want to do with their life, career-wise, but for some of us, we may already know. Maybe you know that you want to enter a trade, or become a chef. Open a landscaping business. Drive a garbage truck. Whatever you fancy, college is not the only path to success.

As a young adult, whenever encountering someone new, you will inevitably be asked, “Where do you go to school?” or “What’s your Major?” And yeah, it might surprise people when you tell them that you did not go to college. But, others will respond by saying “Me either!” and then, you might be the one who is surprised…

Here’s to those who dream of being brave enough to unstick themselves from the status quo. Here’s to anyone who wishes there were end-of-year awards available to those not only pursuing academics, but life out in the real world. And here’s to those who choose to follow their passion outside of the classroom.

To the Westwood High School Class of 2023: Congratulations and best of luck on your next adventure, wherever the road may lead.