immigrants + kids of immigrants, come to the front for a sec.
i am genuinely concerned by how many hs and college students are like
“college is pointless”
“we’re cooked anyways because of ai”
“i’ll just day trade and be rich”
pls… so many of these shortcuts or “get rich” schemes are often selling you a dream and jeopardizing your future.
and on top of that, the decision to not go to college is short-sighted. you’re only seeing it as classes and exams, not the full experience:
the perspective shift
the critical thinking
the personal growth
the friendships + network you build in the most organic way
those 4 years are so expansive in a way that is really hard to replicate once you’re thrown into adult life and bills and a harsh capitalist system.
and yes, i agree: a degree alone isn’t enough anymore
but the answer isn’t “don’t go,” it’s:
get the degree and hustle. start the business. learn to invest. day trade if you want. stack skills. use college as your playground.
customize it to your goals. use your time there to get career-ready.
because the soft skills you build in college - resilience, communication, problem solving, learning how to figure things out - are going to matter even more in an ai world.
so pls think long and hard before you decide to drop out or not go at all.
future you is gonna want options!
#collegestudent #highschoolstudent #collegedegree #firstgen #collegedropout
Navigating the decision of whether to attend college is particularly complex for immigrants and first-generation students. Many face pressures and uncertainties that go beyond the classroom experience, amplified by today's rapidly changing job market influenced by AI and digital trends. It's understandable why some students question the value of college when alternative money-making ideas like day trading or quick entrepreneurship seem appealing and promising. However, it's crucial to recognize college as a transformative period that extends well beyond academics. Those four years offer a unique environment to develop critical thinking, broaden perspectives, and cultivate personal growth that can't be easily replicated after graduation. The friendships and professional networks built organically during this time serve as lifelong assets in navigating the job market and unexpected challenges. While a degree alone no longer guarantees success, combining formal education with extracurricular pursuits like investing, business ventures, or skill-building is a powerful strategy. College can become a versatile playground—a space to experiment, fail safely, learn resilience, and sharpen communication and problem-solving skills. These soft skills become even more essential as AI reshapes workplaces, emphasizing adaptability and continuous learning. Additionally, it is essential to consider the long-term benefits of keeping your options open through higher education. While jumping straight into alternative schemes might appear enticing, they often come without the safety nets provided by a degree or the personal development earned on campus. The decision to forego college might seem practical now, but it could limit career flexibility and growth in the future. Ultimately, the advice is to approach college not just as a requirement or burden, but as a multidimensional opportunity—especially for immigrants and first-gen students—to equip yourself with the mindset, skills, and connections needed for a resilient and successful future. Thoughtful planning and a balanced approach to education and side hustles can empower you to thrive in an AI-influenced economy while securing a solid foundation for your long-term career prospects.