i dropped out of college

this past semester, i decided to take a gap to figure out whether or not i wanted to continue with school and to just have a break in general. whelp ~surprise! (not rlly lol) i dropped out!! so let's talk about being a college dropout, college in itself, and my experience with early "post-grad crisis". p.s. peek the outro song hehe. new outro, banner, and profile pic soon! since my life is changing sm soon i wanted to also rebrand my channel for the new era. anyways, gonna go get some more work done now and try to enjoy the nice summer day.
lots of love,
d
- = * = -
I N S T A | @vuongdustin
T W I T T E R | @vuongdustin
T I K T O K | @vuongdustin
S P O T I F Y | @vuongdustin
D E P O P | @vuongdustin
B I Z | [e-mail]

[@joymae]

Everyone: “why” Dustin: “because I don’t want to.” #micdrop

[@NicoleRafiee]

go dustin!!! i'm so happy you're living life the way that makes you happiest, I wish I did the same

[@dustinvuong]

ah thank u nicole

[@meer-cz1rs]

love u queen and king

[@fairyfarms]

@@dustinvuong i came back to this video to ask a question. dustin...what happened to your pfp? LOL~!

[@zixaa]

It’s not life that’s bad, it’s capitalism and corporatism! The concept that you have to work to live!

[@leafygreenmarie]

I can’t help but wonder what incentive anyone would have to work, if they didn’t need it to maintain their lifestyles. Ofc it’s ridiculous that some people have to work ridiculous amounts to make barely a little, while others make billions off the backs of many. However, I just can’t help but wonder, why else would the majority of people actively seek work?

[@river9215]

@@leafygreenmarie they would seek work so that they can do more than just survive. When they don't have to constantly worry about getting bills paid on time or getting food on the table, they will have time to do things that improve their life, such as getting a hobby, traveling, etc.

[@zixaa]

@@leafygreenmarie because it’s just depressing to do nothing. I think we need to create a society where everyone puts in a realistic amount of time into things that need to be done, and educate them on how to do it. Stuff like taking care of trash, cleaning streets, making food etc. If everyone has to do something that’s useful to society, then the amount of work an individual has to put into it becomes much smaller. When it comes to more specialised work like doctors and lawyers, there will always be people who want to do these jobs as long as they are highly valued in society, as they should be!

[@mirandachen8189]

@@zixaa completely agree!! while i am definitely not in support of capitalism and corporatism i still think it's important that people are working toward something, whether that's for themselves, helping others, toward a goal, etc.

[@julianzamora7288]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/qpzbg2SKmKxnpJY this video on Spirited Away definitely explains how capitalism, money, slave labor and ultimately work can ruin your soul and psyche. “We don’t live to work. We work to live.” Or we live to work, work to breed and breed to die.

[@alexasunshine83]

As someone who tried to make college work for MANY years and wasted A LOT of money, dropping out was the best decision for me and what i wanted to do! Also, let's normalize community college more 👏🏻 I can't imagine if I had gone to a proper 4 year and wasted even MORE money just to drop out 😬 I feel like even in my high school it had been looked down upon from other students and teachers.

[@amayaperry]

💯 foreal

[@deboratemesgen9274]

Can I ask what you did instead of going to uni? Sorry if it sounds rude.

[@intro_agustd]

I actually did drop out from college after the first semester. 💀 I did enjoy a few parts of... it was fun. But I have no idea what I want to do. So when I told my Hispanic parents they got upset with me and yelled at me for making a "stupid decision". I'm first generation and my older brother hadn't went to college and they were upset with him as well but gotten over it. So they really didn't understand why I dropped. When my entire life I've been studying for high school trying to get 4.0's and honor roll just to satisfy my parents. But it just takes a lot out of you. And I've only went to school just to make my parents proud. The fact that I was wasting my time and money on studies that I didn't want to do and had no interest in I just dropped. I still don't know what I'm going to do but I feel a bit relieved that I'm not wasting more of my time at a university with no plan at all.

[@intro_agustd]

@@mbbsforever1507 ah I'm glad everything work out for you 👏😀

[@lixdays]

this honestly make some feel better because I'm about to be a junior in high school and after high school well you're expected to go to college but I don't want to continue studying and I feel like it would just be a waste of my time bc it doesn't interest me. the thing that worries me though is that idk what I'll do after high school bc I don't know what I like and I want to enjoy doing something

[@charlizelavastida8315]

i feel you :(( im also the eldest daughter and having good grades is how i pay back my parents for their hard work. literally no other reason to go to school other than that :”))

[@AMkllr]

same bestie😔

[@mellie4679]

you're so right it really takes a lot out of you

[@kayawonaike]

It’s so nice to hear a well thought out reason and not because of following the stereotypes of KZbinrs dropping out. I’m glad you’re finding what you want and enjoying yourself 😊. Much love for you Dustin

[@sunshell]

as an art student and a graduate of the class of 2020 that didnt get to graduate hs/ start college properly, everything you said resonates with me. i feel so ???? sometimes i think if i had a bigger platform to share my art and get people to see it, i probably wouldnt put as much emphasis on college at all.

[@jadedjade584]

just one piece if advice, if you want to start a platform, do it. post your content, no matter how much you think no one will see it. if youre proud of it in the moment, or if youre not sure, post it. if you hate it, ask someone who can be honest with you for their opinion

[@whenyourain7087]

I hope you succeed with sharing your art! Don't lose the motivation, keep doing what you do best and I'm sure that you are going to build a big platform!

[@harulee5813]

I just followed 😊

[@jadedjade584]

@Am I of course, no matter what, there will always be one person who loves your work, if you notice rhem or not

[@fairyfarms]

i love art accounts! i'll be there to support your channel! :>

[@beginning705]

Ngl I’m still pressed at the fact that covid ruined our chances of getting a graduation. Class of ‘20 deserved better🙄🤚🏾 but gosh, you are so relatable. You literally talked about everything I’ve had in mind since I first started college.

[@shxronp8966]

i'm 20 and starting uni in september, and since i had two years to really think about it i know for sure i'm going because i actually want to and not because society wants me to. i'm also very lucky because college in my country is really cheap

[@shxronp8966]

@em ma thank you!

[@chocolatemilk2682]

Oh, how did you deal with that? I mean, mb your friends were studying and moving on or something

[@paige172]

same here. gotta keep going even if it was boring and uneventful

[@kaishu1438]

same! I left one career in college and entered another one that I really want, I will be 20 years old and classes start next year, I am anxious but we will continue with everything :)

[@rhysiescups]

A year late but you're doing exactly what I wish I did. I had absolutely no idea what I wanted to do with my life when I graduated high school three years ago and I was told by most people in my life to go to college so I did without thinking. If only I could transplant my 22 year old wisdom into my 18/19 year old body, things would've been so much different. You made a much better decision than the majority and that's commendable, hope school is going well for you!

[@carolyn8147]

“I can be like schoolisha and pretend I go to school” you did not just say that 💀

[@kelliejenique6552]

To be honest I’m not even surprised 😭😭😭

[@engineerepixlele2845]

college holds people back in creative fields college is really only truly necessary for ppl who wanna be doctors or lawyers or anything that needs that specific degree as a must to practice a profession totally fck with ur mentality dustin. keep doing you!

[@i123456987654]

yeah, i graduated from college with a degree in finance and look at me now...i'm working at a grocery store as an in-store shopper...so just because we have a degree...doesn't mean that we'll be using it...i'm going to pursue a career in aviation now and i plan on going to flight school in a couple of years after i save $80K...maybe i will work in finance one day...maybe not, but i know that i'll be ok because i'm smart and determined...best wishes and good luck to anyone out there that is trying to do the same

[@howmakebeans]

good luck!

[@lol0lol0lol]

I did 2 years of community college and graduated this spring. I got accepted to transfer to my dream university this fall. But after spending time online learning during COVID, it made me realize how mentally draining school was. I lost all of my motivation and just felt so lost in life. So for the sake of my mental health, I decided to take a gap semester for this fall. Maybe I’ll go back or maybe I wont. Everything happens for a reason

[@janelleejade]

hey! how’s life going now, did you ever go back? kinda going through the same thing lol

[@lol0lol0lol]

@@janelleejade hi, yes!! I actually went back this semester!!! The gap semester really helped me out a lot and actually made me want to go back to school. If you need any advice I can help you!

[@milan9123]

@@lol0lol0lol Hi! What did you do during the gap semester if you don’t mind me asking?

[@lol0lol0lol]

@@milan9123 Hi, I actually started to take some time for myself and figure out where I wanted my life to go. I tried job hunting but quickly found out the hard way that there are no jobs that pay well w/o a bachelor’s degree. Because of this, I realized that the gap semester was lowkey such a bad move on my part lmao. But I don’t regret it because It made me want to go back to school. During the gap I didn’t do much tbh. I stayed at home and tried out new hobbies, even traveled a little bit( but not too much bc of covid). I’m now back at school and so much happier.

[@nathanhartman25]

I also went to community college and graduated, then took a gap year. I just transferred to a 4 year school this fall, and I hate it. You are not alone in feeling mentally drained, Covid really did it for me as well.

[@yuzethchloja2735]

Honestly I relate with this so much, I just graduated high school and I don’t know what to do. I have so much ideas that I wanted to do but they help of my parents aren’t great at all. As the oldest and the only girl, I’m kind of screwed with them finding out that I don’t want to go to school. Either way, I wish the best for you!!! Lots of love🌻😤

[@pingluv5981]

I’m going to be a freshman in high school this year. I’m gonna be taking advanced classes and I keep thinking that “what if I waste my time?” What if I do so much work and be drained and not make it through college?” It seems like if you drop out or don’t go to college people will use that against you. “Don’t listen to them, who graduated college?” “This is why you go to college” I still wanna go and do my best in college, but I’m terrified which is ruining my thoughts about high school and college

[@yarizelnava]

I’m also going to be a freshmen in hs this year with honor classes and I resonate with what you said. All these expectations have been put out for me and it’s scary that I won’t be able to meet them or will fall back. I’m sure you will do great and make sure to always do things for yourself so you can be content ^___^ !! good luck, u got this!

[@maria6451]

If you enjoy those advanced classes than try to enjoying the learning on its own, its smtg u defenetly learn later on

[@melaniediel7540]

i suggest you work hard and decide once you graduate high school. there’s a chance you could find a strong passion and want to study at a university. better prepare yourself for the chance in case you want it in the future. also, i just finished my first year at college and it’s a completely different life than high school. everyone is independent and classes require lots of work. idk if i wanna keep going but i’ve definitely wanted to drop out many times

[@jadedjade584]

im in the same position

[@valentina1O1]

from my perspective it's literally not worth it to loose your teenage years because of studies and classes, u should find a balance between doing great at school and having fun (i'm not from the usa so idk how the education system works there, but at least in my country your grades in high school don't affect at all ur college experience)

[@ashlyh9596]

I’m literally in the same position. I took a gap semester in the spring and am now an official college drop out. I felt like I only did well in school to satisfy my family and now that the decisions mine I feel so much better. I was studying graphic design and didn’t really like the course. I also realized that I didn’t want to work for someone in an office for the rest of my life. I was learning so much more on my own doing digital art and now want to do my own thing. College does have a lot of benefits and it’ll always be there if I decide to enroll again.

[@ciannapetrae3456]

OMG WAIT NOT US BOTH MAJORING IN GRAPHIC DESIGN THEN DROPPING FOR SIMILAR REASONSJDJDHDHFB

[@KAEZEU]

NOT THREE OF US HAVING THE SAME REASON AND MAJOR Jokes aside, I've been crying nonstop for the two years I've had in college and now I'm doing so much better on my own

[@estrellasjournal]

*This once again came at the perfect time. I saw a social media marketing position at a tattoo chain I’m obsessed with this week and now I’m applying for it. And if I get hired, I’m so ready to take a gap year since it’s full-time. And if the contract gets extended, I’m dropping out for this dream job. University is incredibly overrated so as long as I have a fulfilling career I’m gucci. I hope me seeing this video is a sign I’ll get the job and take time off uni. If anyone sees this, wish me luck lol* 🤞

[@howmakebeans]

good luck hehe

[@pine-solismylemonade5542]

That's awesome, wishing you the best of luck!😊👍

[@sept2039]

how's it going? gucci or not?

[@julianarodrigues1890]

I can relate to this so much! I was in college for three years and had no idea what I was doing and I was miserable… So I dropped out and now I’m focusing on my actual goals and taking care of myself 😊

[@desology444]

the one thing my parents did not warn me about when growing up is how lonely it would be.

[@Choshako]

After 3 years of burnout, on-and-off depression, dealing with my school's narcissistic boomer teachers and the shitty financial department always messing up my shit, I told my mom last night I'm dropping out by the end of winter in 2023, and she actually supported my decision. 💞💞 I feel like a huge weight has already been taken off my shoulders, and my mom's understanding of it made it so much better. but I resonate with everything you said, Dustin, my career plans and projects don't require a college degree, and I've always learned best from self-tutoring. I wasn't learning anything my at college, so it felt like I was wasting my time. I'm just happy now that i can put my time to better use now.

[@tweetycutie]

i just dropped out of college too but like not officially cause my college didnt allow me to just suddenly go so they asked me to take a gap break..which i know im never gonna go back there so im just gonna pretend like i actually did dropped out and yes people really do look down on others that didnt go to college/dropped out like they are convinced that we got not future and stuff but the funny thing is in my country we have sooo manyyy people with a degree not being able to get a job cause like everyone is going to college..everyone is graduating and everyone are having difficulties getting a job and end up doing stuff that doesnt require a degree in the first place. i have no idea why i said all that here but anyways i hope everyone here be able to do what you really want to and be happy

[@Cherubiezz]

im planning on going to college maybe next summer because i want to work on myself and it’s tiring that my hispanic parents are forcing me to go to college in september, im 18 now but i want to take a break from school, my parents won’t understand me but im glad there are other people that feel the same way in comments:,),

[@esmesal6006]

You are not alone. I got Latino parents and I’m also boutta start college in aug. it is draining asf. It’s like how do you expect me to know what I want to do with my life right when I literally graduated a few weeks ago

[@i-mbalm]

I took 2 years off after high school and currently in college, best decision I ever made. I was not mentally and physically prepared after high school and if I shipped myself to college then I would have been so depressed. I took two years to work and find myself and what I actually want to do. I am in a better place mentally

[@wakeup9738]

Do not take a break you have to move on , you have to keep going.

[@Cherubiezz]

@@wakeup9738 im being forced against my own will to go to college in september. yeah i wont take a break:).

[@wakeup9738]

@@Cherubiezz I wish you a good luck ♡

[@yessir407]

tbh i really needed this as a hs student, dustin remains one of the realest youtubers

[@althea2588]

I can't even imagine the pressure that Americans students must feel when they quit college because as you just said, it costs thousands of dollars to apply to it. It almost scary to me how everything seems to be super expensive in the USA 😅 Where I live (France), most of colleges are free. So if you decide to drop out, you didn't """waste"""" a lot of money. Good luck for what comes next Dustin ! You have all my support ♥️

[@althea2588]

@@pull_up_a_loop Absolutely! I applied (and got accepted) in a pretty selective Art & Design School in the North of France and expect the registration fees ; the school itself is free. I feel like it's more fair to judge a student based on his/her diploma or portfolio than based on how much money mommy and daddy can invest. I am truly grateful for that 🙌🏽 It really seems crazy to me that the majority of Americans students have to pay thousands of dollars to apply to regular colleges.

[@melaniediel7540]

y’all are lucky. american colleges/universities are sooooo expensive 😔

[@althea2588]

@@melaniediel7540 I know. I am grateful for that. Same thing for health care 😅

[@hal7741]

I’m basically fucked for life because I dropped out after two years. College+covid was making my mental worse and I just couldn’t keep up anymore. Now I have 10 years of extreme student debt. Almost $900 every month. If it gets too bad I’m just gonna end it all lol

[@althea2588]

@@hal7741 I'm so sorry 🥺 I hope that, at the end of the day, you will be able to pay your debt

[@1claydoe]

this is literally my last year of high school (class of 22 we out💪🏽) and i’m nervous asf. college is an option but i’m just so confused with life right now

[@mazsola1037]

community college!! I'm going for free, see if you can get similar rates in your area. it's a great way to explore interests

[@nlixcia]

same i graduated next year and im just lost, but i do plan on going to community college and transfer to a uni abroad and work to save up money a lot to figure out

[@tameeeruh]

I wish dropping out of college could be normalized. I wasted too much money and time getting a Master's which only slowed down my career :/

[@selmagerner5329]

I just graduated after 10 years at the same school and instead of taking the next step in the school system right now, I’m taking a gap year (to process some things and to create good habits) The year has not even started and I can already relate to what you are saying! THE FLOATINESS IS REAL!!

[@maxscene7]

You show a maturity and responsibility not even adults have the courage to manifest. You bring me comfort upon my percieved failures and so I will bring you views by binge watching your channel again 😂

[@nimphea]

i've also been thinking a lot about taking a gap year from college recently. with the pandemic going on and online classes, everything for school just felt stagnant for me. i'm a fine arts undergrad, majoring in advertising arts, and i just think that every task being given to us in uni isn't making me happy. for the past few semesters, i've been having a hard time trying to keep up with everything and it's taking a toll on my mental health. truthfully speaking, i even learn more from the internet (creativity-wise) and as a result, i don't think it's that necessary for my family to spend thousands of money for 4 years. i have also just started earning money from being a freelance artist and i've been receiving a few job offers from companies from various countries recently (IT'S SURREAL 🥺). i'm at the state of my life where i already want to focus on my career and have the ability to financially support myself independently. unfortunately, though, as an asian, my parents could get really strict with anything related to my education and i've tried opening up the idea to my mom about focusing on my career for the meantime but she's not in favor with that idea. it's heartbreaking, really, because she's only considering the things she wants for me and not the things i want for myself. despite how disappointed i was from hearing her responses when i opened things up to her, i didn't let it restrain from attaining the goals that i desire. i have been sending out applications to several companies and i already passed a test from one of them which earned me an interview for tuesday next week. this will be my first interview ever for a job and i'm nervous as hell but i'm already claiming this one 🥺 also, thank you dustin for this inspiring video! i related so much and it made me even more confident in reaching for what i really wanted for myself instead of sticking through college (which i obv wasn't happy with skdfhs) i'm beyond happy for you and i wish you luck in your future endeavors!! 💗💗

[@laurenmartin4259]

i also went to community college for my first year of college bc of covid and it sucked honestly. i’ve never struggled more with school in my life and i realized that online really doesn’t work for me. i’m now taking a gap year next year to get another job and save money and apply to schools in europe! i’m very excited about the idea to leave home and experience new things so i hope that helps with my feelings about school (not to mention school in europe is so much cheaper). i appreciate how you explained all your thoughts and i’m glad to know that i’m not the only one feeling the way i do. congrats on dropping out and following what you wanna do! 🥳

[@mazsola1037]

going to europe is a great option!! even as an international student the tuition is crazy cheap in comparison to what it is in the us lol not to mention the unique experiences you'll make there

[@antidelusionalpeeps]

I can relate to everything you're saying and I share the same mindset!! I'm in my third year of college and it's screaming inside of me that I should just drop out and really take time to focus on my passions and explore life. But dropping out is a scary thing, it's also so out of character for me. Plus I'd be terrified to face my parents.

[@sirbiglo]

Its okay all the college dropouts ive seen become more swag than they were 😈

[@sunnyisson90]

Hey justin! Just giving my opinion cuz im afraid some young people here might misunderstand your point Just to clear up: not going to school to learn and practice art is considered the best way isnt for everyone. Going to school/the like for arts will definitely help someways depending on your goal. Some people aim to work with official institutions / museums / elites which require certificates. A lot people who went to art colleges / schools / institutions are excellent artists (example youtuber : purple palace) . 😊 different people have different paths . Actually what I meant is I just dont want anyone to think that artists aren’t meant to have a special place at institutions and academies just because they’re only learning ‘arts’. If you think you need to attend schools to reach your goal as an artist. Do it 😊 if otherwise then you dont have to

[@mandywandy7518]

Honestly college sounds whack. Like I’m about to be a sophomore in high school and my school offers college classes and I signed up for it just because I felt expected to. But as I was signing up I was like 🧍‍♀️ is this actually what I wanna do-? Idk I just felt so pressured ngl. Anyways yeah I feel like so many kids go to college and stuff just because they feel so required and forced to by everyone in their life.

[@hobi1535]

Same here! (Imma about to be a sophomore too🧍🏽‍♂️). I feel like we're just chained to this rhythm and expected to go no matter want circumstances were in. my end goal is to just feel happy, being required doesn't sound appealing ✨

[@saharaasher8959]

we’re the same age and i completely agree. i personally want to go to college but i hate the expectation that everybody wants/needs to. i feel like it actually corrupts learning because people just go because their parents want them to or they need a degree to make money and i hate that because learning can be such a beautiful thing if it’s a passion of yours. anyways, i hope you get to actually enjoy life and don’t get weighed down by stupid expectations

[@howmakebeans]

yeah and honestly who knows what they want to do after high school anyway? why would you go to college if you don’t even know what you want to do with your life yet?

[@ricardomendoza1581]

could not agree more. I was in this position my freshman year and i did take some of those college classes. im abt to be a senior and i kinda feel like it was a waste of my time & energy. i and a lot of ppl who take those classes are only taking it cuz ,like what you said,feel like their expected to. I feel like so many ppl in high school dont realize that they dont have to do that or attend college ( especially right after hs). plus you can always attend college later on in life which is totally fine!!! u dont have to know what u wanna do with ur life at this young age, 90% of ppl in hs dont. so honestly do whatever makes u happy:)!!

[@lillypatterson2483]

aw bestie i'm sorry. i don't know you but i hope you feel better soon.

[@Sara-dp5dg]

Congrats! I dropped out twice!! 😭😭 Glad you're talking about it cause no one ever does and makes it seems like they have everything together

[@gezellerodriguez5630]

it's honestly so nice nearing you talking about the stereotypes about dropping out... i relate so much cos I'm currently in college but im struggling with the fact that im already in my 2nd year but idek if I wanna continue this major,,, IDK WHAT TO DO😭 i don't think im entirely bad at my major but im not good either and like I feel so guilty if I drop out cause my parents helped me pay to get into school (I swear my asian parents are rlly gonna whoop ma ass😭) but also I feel like im just wasting money and time cause its coming to a point that this post-grad crisis is affecting me where im even failing some of my classes ah😩 anyways for anyone reading for this far, thanks for listening to my rant❤️ hope you are in a better situation than me, good luck :)

[@Macmaniaaa]

So how’s it going now?! I’m so curious, I’m in a similar situation

[@blocktheloo1820]

I'm in a similar situation too. How are you holding up? I hope you're doing good

[@gezellerodriguez5630]

@@blocktheloo1820 hey:) i completly forgot about commenting this but right now i've decided to continue my current major until the end! bc rn im in my 2nd last sem and i only have one more semester left! graduation is so close omg. im gonna see where it takes me and hope the best.i hope you are doing well too!!

[@yeshviniks236]

Bruh im a psych major in 2nd year but i wanna drop out coz my College is shitty

[@kssafoo]

my grandma can relate on not getting a high school or collage diploma :)

[@1999sarah]

💀

[@lockheart619]

I dropped out to take a gap semester when COVID hit to reevaluate what I wanted to do in life. I went back the following semester but took one class before going back full time. I'm glad I took time off because it helped me figure out what I wanted to do. If you drop out that's fine. If you drop out and go back that's also fine! If you don't even wanna go to college that's totally valid. I hate the expectation that you MUST go to college or you're never gonna make it in life.

[@jadynv8573]

barely scraped by my first semester of college, dropped out in the middle of my second semester, and now im going back for fall 2021. lets see if i actually stay this time :)

[@mirandagalindo6442]

i felt that. its so nice when dustin makes these chat videos bc a lot of the things he says are so relatable and make you feel less lonely. it's nice when someone speaks out the same type of thoughts you've been thinking its kind of relieving and comforting. i really wish him the best im so excited for him

[@moondiee_]

i love how honest you're with yourself and that's all the matters, if we're honest with ourselves the entire universe gives us a hand to keep walkin' cuz in the end of road, no one can live our lifes so go dustin and have amazing journey ❤️

[@ilhanjamal8599]

Thank you for this video, as someone who isn’t really able to afford college right now I was really down and depressed, but I have moved on and I think that it’s moved me towards my passions that would be hair and makeup, omg I actually teared up watching this video, thank you😭😭😭❤️❤️❤️

[@hj8618]

i feel like college isnt just about getting a degree, its also about furthering your knowledge in something you're interested in! (ok im biased bc im a college student but hear me out) i go to school where its much cheaper than the US and im studying something thats 'useless' in terms of corporate america lol but im so passionate about it. for those of you who just want to learn (and have the privilege to afford college ofc) college is great because u have access to so much knowledge :) ofc if you dont want to study anything really, then college isnt worth it. i just feel like people always forget that the joy of learning in itself is a good enough reason to go to college.

[@nochiiii2]

Wow I actually teared up watching this. Thank u so much Dustin for keeping it real with us and talking about all this. I’m an upcoming senior who’s rlly fucking worried about what I want to do. I related to all that u said, just going to college because u have to and hoping for that “college experience”. All I rlly wanna do in life is to travel and go on adventures with friends too, but I rlly appreciate u just telling ur story and talking about all these things. It’s rlly comforting to hear and know that I’m not alone in this shit. So just, thank u so much for being open about this and letting out all ur thoughts ❤️❤️

[@gina-zb9ye]

how are u now bae?

[@cookedfennel]

i just dropped out after my first semester of uni after realising i’m already working in the career i want to be in and i was only going to fulfil this weird idea that after high school i had to go to uni

[@meiramorris1178]

To be honest... I REALLY don't see a point in going to college. I feel like it will me feel isolated and just confused overall, so I never really had any concerns like which college I wanna go to. I just think (my opinion) that it would just be used for a good learning experience, like preparing you for adulthood. But everybody has their own opinion, and that's fine.

[@kokorodoodle5990]

GOOD FOR YOU! As someone who went to college to become a teacher, became a teacher for 4 years, and quit...because I realized how BS most of school is. Granted, I don't have a better solution, but everything you said is SO VALID. Take your time to figure out what you really want to do and if college is actually necessary. Learning IS possible outside of the US education system! 😱

[@lillyjordan2331]

I’m at the same place right now and also “graduated” in 2020, if you can even call it that. I have just found through getting through college classes that I have no desire to stay in college. I just kinda want to work and love my life without having to be so deep in debt for the sake of gave a degree that I honestly probably might not use the way it was intended. I prefer to live in the moment and have the freedom to do things I actually care about rather than being stuck in a classroom.

[@SaraLeanne]

Ngl it makes me a bit sad to see so many videos of students dropping out of college… But at the same time I understand why you wouldn’t want to continue attending. When you were explaining everything I couldn’t relate with anything because for me college opened a whole new world where I felt I was constantly learning and empowering myself to do what I want in the future which I never thought I’d be able to. However, I live in Spain and I studied International Relations, so I cannot relate to having debt or how the job market works in the US. For me, that I love learning I saw it more as enriching myself and my knowledge instead of working towards a specific job. Anyways just some thoughts 💕💕

[@vava-mr9pl]

Hii, I also plan on studying International Relations. Can you share some things I should be aware about, like if its hard or I should be prepared to study a lot lol.

[@SaraLeanne]

@@vava-mr9pl Hiii!! Well, it’s definitely a degree where you learn a bit of everything and it gives general knowledge about the world, from economics to law to understanding international organisations. I would say the “hardest” thing of all is that it requires a lot of readings. For every hour of class I would have one or two compulsory readings, and I had 4 courses a day. You also have to be ready to keep up to day with the news, not only in your country/region but others too, and follow various newspapers and magazines (like Foreign Affairs, Middle East Monitor, AlJazeera, El País). And my last tip is that participation is important, many professors like to have debates, role plays and comment current events (but also don’t be scared if you’re not one of the people who would naturally have an opinion on everything, you’ll learn as you go). Let me know if you have more questions 🤗🤗

[@lesliea.5197]

Just stumbled upon this. I always feel so privileged living in a country where uni is pretty cheap and still wanting to drop out desperately but I literally feel that my freshman year took AT LEAST 5 years off of my life expectancy. It’s so mentally and physically draining. I’m probably going to drop out before my second semester in my sophomore year and instead do the same course in college (uni and college is different in my country) so i can get 2 bachelor’s degrees in a shorter amount of time than it would take me to get 1 master’s degree. (4 instead if 5 years) Really scared of disappointing my mom and dead beat dad for some reason but it is my life and health, including mental health, comes before everything. I refuse to live my life for university. Even though I’m not really dropping out in the traditional sense of the it, this video still motivated to go through with process and realising that my reason for doing so is valid. Thanks Dustin x

[@violetelaine]

hey king, i’m 23 and never went to college. my sister is two years older than me and was the “golden child” she finished all her studies and got a job in the field but my brain works more creatively and I had a lot of similar thoughts as you did. especially with money. my dad helped my sister pay and is still to this day in debt for her and I couldn’t bare the thought of putting more debt on his shoulders. it’s comforting to know that kids younger than me had similar feelings.

[@ohmanholyshiteu1869]

my parents and society forces me to choose a university/college but i dont feel it at all like any subject/studies doesnt excite me/im not passionate about them + I WAS ALREADY AT SCHOOL FOR LITERALLY 11 YEARS IM TIRED like damn i love fashion makeup music cooking and making jewelry this is what i love and id like to do something from that list lmao + i dont want to waste my parents' money on something i know im gonna stop doing or im gonna be just tired and burned out:/

[@alien_from_andromeda]

YOU ARE LITERALLY MEEEE OH MY GOD

[@LanieBrice]

I too am nosy like you and really appreciate you talking about all of your reasoning. I also had my first year of college this past year and it was super super miserable. Since I'm not allowed to drop out, I'm transferring and hoping it'll get better. Loved the video and related to a lot of it.

[@cjdizzle9834]

To anyone thinking about taking a gap year, DO IT! I feel like gap years are so much more normalised in the UK and Europe in general maybe, most of my friendship group have taken one or two years to figure stuff out. We went travelling for a month, got jobs, RESTED after the stress of exams and now we're all going down different paths. It's been great for our mental health and we all feel so much more confident in our decisions because we've actually had the time to figure them out and get a feel for the world outside of school. There are so many other options besides the standard uni path! (It was also great to avoid covid at uni 😬 now when we go, we'll be fully vaccinated)

[@kimikokimi]

I used to watch your videos in high school (we’re the same class, class of 2020) but stopped watching during the pandemic and “lost” your channel after unsubscribing (oop). But fast forward to now, I started watching more Jasmine Le and was reminded of your channel and am currently catching up on your life for the past 4 years. Now that I’m graduating college, watching this, I truly understand how you feel. No one really spoke about how hard it was to go to college during the pandemic + the added stress of not knowing what path to take for your goals at such a young age + a freaking worldwide pandemic messing everything up. All in all, after these grueling 4 years, I still resonate with what you spoke about in this video and I wish I had the self reflection at that time to see and do what you did.

[@maddiehunt67]

dont feel bad at all. i just graduated college and i feel like it was a waste of time because i cant do much with my major

[@Angelicas5318]

same! it honestly feels like I could have had a developed career by now if i didn't go :// but im wishing u luck tho!

[@wakeup9738]

No it wasn't a waste of time , you did the right decision.

[@Fell4.Maddie]

I scrammed over here as soon as I saw the title 😭😭

[@memeey8938]

Same

[@VictoriaHernandez-wk8vm]

I remember in 5th grade I said I'd never want to go to college but as soon as I mentioned it to my parents they said oh you are going to. I feel like it shouldn't be something expected and it should be normal for the individual to decide to go to college.

[@rebellerene]

i remember stumbling upon this channel in 2019, and listening to you talk about how you were probably going to college and how your parents wouldn't approve otherwise. and now i'm sitting here, listening to you talk about how you've decided to pursue your goals instead. i'm really so proud of you, and so glad that i get to see you grow and learn and flourish. stay safe and happy always dustin 💗

[@johnkennethpuenlabrada9096]

Ive worked so hard for my academic achievements. I was a consistent academic awardee since grade 1 and even became the top of my class in 11th grade. I passed the scholarship everyone in my country wanted and passed the state university my family wanted me to get in. But now, I’m tired. I didn’t want to pass the architectural plates i needed to pass not because I wasn’t able to finish it, i didn’t pass it because I knew that I wanted to fail. My family is still expecting me to go to school tomorrow, but I genuinely can’t anymore. I’ve been crying nonstop since college started and I’m just so emotionally and mentally tired for a program that I don’t even want to pursue. Right now, I just want to take the year to rest. I’m too burned out. I want to take the year off but everyone is stopping me to. They feel like I’m throwing my life away. I’m still definitely go back to college although idk how. But i know I’m going back with a different program. Not just this year.

[@Samyta]

That was the "deep talk" I was looking for... to help me take a huge decision ~~ Thank you :)

[@jinji77]

*touches mirror* In Dustin's mind : Oooo nevermind

[@mbbsforever1507]

I didn't understand...

[@jinji77]

@@mbbsforever1507 I don't either, me brain be dumb

[@mbbsforever1507]

@@jinji77 👁👄👁

[@jinji77]

@@mbbsforever1507 👁️👅👁️

[@ibenyeshia]

I completely agree. I just graduated high school a few weeks ago and I’m not going to college. I think as a child you are told about college and think “yes, that’s fun. I’ll do that” then when you grow up and learn some things you see everything is a LIE! I really don’t know what I want to do, I get bored of things easily, and nothing keeps my attention or creative juices flowing to make anything into a career. So, I think I made the right choice and I can go on and on about this topic. Thank you for this video, this was meant for me. To know I’m not alone is great. I appreciate you. 🤍

[@hannahgn]

11:00 - 11:45 that is EXACTLY how i’ve been feeling and thinking this summer

[@hobi1535]

idk if anyone is gonna read this. I'm gonna be a sophomore in high school in September 🧍🏽‍♀️. I'm an art major rn (their are some art colleges here in nyc so maybe but honestly I just wanna think some more✋💞). I feel like we're just chained to this rhythm it's almost like if we don't go to college than we aren't gonna be successful. my end goal is just to be happy, and college seems stressful for me rn in the circumstances I'm in. but hey I mean it's my life, I'm gonna just gonna live it up🏃🏾‍♀️💗

[@basicwirdo736]

I read this 😅 😂 but I just graduated high school, and I have one cheesy line: “you’ll figure it out in due corse”. Lol. I still haven’t figured everything out yet, of what I want or anything. But I think it actually will just open a way if I keep going😅 so yeah, just live it up - stranger on the web.

[@hobi1535]

@@basicwirdo736 that's some good advice thank you😼

[@jinji77]

People who go to college are hotter...cause they got more degrees *Windshield wiper laugh*

[@Cherubiezz]

ah yes, jins iconic laugh

[@jinji77]

@@Cherubiezz exactly 😌👏

[@kaplayzviola6333]

@@jinji77 GO JIN! 😂💜

[@mominulislam6524]

Said kim seokjin

[@toribees327]

I'm so glad I found ur channel bc I feel like we are living a similar life rn. No high school graduation because of coivd, trying to do community college and then dropping out, feeling stuck in a small town, etc. You're just like one step ahead of me. I do have a plan for college so I am trying to go to a school in LA next year. Thank you for sharing your experiences, it makes me feel less alone in this.

[@Gabriela-mo9nz]

loved the video ! I just graduated HS this year and am going into community college this fall although I have never really wanted to go to college. I am in a point in my life where I feel very lost and alone but its video's like this that make me feel a little better. Thank you 💕

[@AnnieDang]

yooooooo i literally just dropped out in June and the way this is EXACTLY how I felt!!! took the gap semester and ended up just totally leaving LOL. cheers to us 🤪

[@rothhood6760]

I didn’t want to go to college after high school, but I decided to go to community college. I figured it was safe to try it out, alsoI got a free ride because my grades were good. I got my associate in creative writing, but decided against moving on to another school to get my bachelors. It was a hard choice, I had already applied and got in, but just couldn’t justify to myself getting into debt. For creative people, school is best for getting motivation to crear a portfolio and actually finish works. But if you are self-disciplined enough to set your own deadlines, then it’s not really worth it imo. That being said, I am not as self-disciplined as I thought and have done some smaller-scale programs to help with that, ones that didn’t rob me and didn’t require me to take unrelated classes along with it like college does.

[@starlit.skiess]

OK but like I love being part of his life journey 😗✌️

[@crayoncrumbss]

i will say, i graduated from community college, transferred to a 4 year, there's really no difference work wise when it comes to the two. Granted im an art major so it varies, just from my experience so far. I feel like it's more about connections and guidance.

[@lissyloo5022]

One of my profs at an art school straight-up told us in first year that art school is redundant lmao I did end up graduating this year and am very proud of sticking it out, but college is not for everyone

[@EyeGlassTrainofMind]

So.glad your parents are supportive! You're right that you've proven to have a stable strategy and that you're advocating for it. As someone who did take a gap year from H.S. to college and then from community college to bachelor's and now onto master's, I gave myself 1/2 a year each time and then applied to the next phase but just as you say, I had that plan and committed to follow-through so I will say that you can come back after a gap buy only if you plan for the gap to be realistically split between they part when you relax and when you hustle to act for your goals!

[@__skiddo]

Thank you for this :) I just finished junior year and now is the time to *really* start thinking about college and I’m an artist and just wasn’t sure if I wanted to go or if it’d be completely necessary. This made me feel a bit more comfortable with the idea of not going, and then if I do decide to go, I know I’ve understood all of my options 😅

[@rae-ku6041]

There is a lot of people realizing college isn’t for them including me, one of the best decision I’ve made was to quit uni, I felt so empty and dead inside because the whole major wasn’t for me but I was scared that if I quit I would fail, but I couldn’t help but to listen to my intuition and heart, and now it’s been almost 5 months and I feel so free. Always listen to your gut/ intuition/ heart whatever you want to call it, it’s always right, if you’re making decisions out of love (because you love yourself and you want the best and to be happy) then this is the right decision

[@rinamedina9188]

Submitting college apps tonight, I feel a lot better and less pressured knowing that I have options in case it isn't for me. thank you for this great video :))

[@user-gw4fh3fy3w]

I wish there was more access to individual classes where you could actually learn what you want to learn with spending thousands of dollars or working towards a degree… just learning to learn

[@jettwashed]

sometimes the best decisions made feel the most scary at first

[@sanah2485]

My mom energy on the inside: I WAS ROOTING FOR YOU WE WERE ALL ROOTING FOR YOU!!!!!! Me also on the inside: YAY FOR DUSTIN!!! You go live your life the way you want💜💜💜

[@melissamartinez3988]

I just graduated hs and took a "gap year". Def feeling super jelly of kids who get cheap or free college in other countries bc then i would def go but living in the us, I'd rather not be a teenager and have $10k+ debt for a degree i probably won't use

[@ldive]

Why not go to community college?

[@koritsi2142]

8:10 I'm so incredibly grateful for college being free in Germany. There's no way I could afford going in the US unless I relied on student loans, and I really don't want to get in debt in my 20s. Any other Europeans who feel the same way?

[@KeryKatto]

I'm leaving the military right now, moving to a new state and going to college. I hope both of us find happier times to come ‘٩꒰｡•◡•｡꒱۶’

[@doneknee7304]

I just wished people would have an open mind in this kind of topic. I don't want to be force into something that I don't feel any connection, nor u tell me that I'm just wasting my time. Because there's literally nothing wasted, it's just part of the experience. That leads me to the discovery that "this is not going to work well for me" decision. What's best for yourself is not a waste of money, time or anything else.

[@gintongaparador999]

I'm in my 3rd year in college and I feel like I've wasted enough time. I'm so close, yet so far to the finish line. I just want to graduate already and get this over with so I can focus more on what I want to do, which is writing. I talked to my parents before about either shifting course or dropping out of college. I was stressed at the time I broke down and cried because I felt like I can't do this anymore, but they told me to hang on and keep going. They said 4 years will only pass by quick. I feel imprisoned. And all I could think of is when I'll be released and become free.

[@memechoi]

Honestly, you can take classes for other things you're interested in online for free or for a small price too. For example, i took a course for free on coursera. College ain't for everyone, but lifelong learning can still happen too!

[@paterlavang5887]

5:34 this is me lol, I graduated high school the same year as you, went to an art school, and SUFFERED. I love art, but I was losing my creative drive for it for those exact reasons! We literally only drew boxes for an entire semester 😕. Currently in the same shoes as you Dustin when it comes to school and not planning on going back (much to my parents’ disappointment hehe). To anyone else that’s struggling rn, I’m here with you! We can figure it out ☺️😂

[@ATierraFilm]

We where literally in school for 12 years what’s me doing another 4 years or 3 or 2 going to change... and you where a 100% right about the losing your passion thing when you go to art school.

[@ilovefrenchfries4455]

I'm way too invested in your life right now but I'm so proud of you for figuring things out for yourself and knowing what you want (also the therapy thing is really good news!) You're doing great sweetie

[@SliverOfSilverStars]

Honestly this is such a good video and something I wish I watched and considered more when I was around Dustin's age. For young people interested in pursuing college/higher education, community college is such a valid option. You can absolutely have a good community college experience (at least pre pandemic). And you can still have "the college experience" when you transfer to a 4 year university later on. Also the "college experience" in the states I think is pretty romanticized and not always what it's made out to be, or is only for a specific type of personality. I know the pandemic has changed the dynamic of colleges/universities everywhere, but basically I think community college gets a bad reputation when in reality they are (relatively) a super affordable option, ~usually~ with more engaging and available professors, and you can absolutely make meaningful friendships and connections there (again speaking at least from a pre pandemic perspective oof). Also it enables you to take time and figure yourself out and have part time jobs because you don't have to worry as much about money since you aren't dropping several thousands of dollars a semester. It's way less pressure and you can stretch it out if you want. Of course everyone's experiences and thoughts on college will differ and not all community colleges are the same, but in my experience, I made a solid group of friends in community college and really got to know my professors there. But when I transferred to a 4 year, that was overwhelming and while I met a lot of interesting people, I don't keep in contact with them, but I'm still good friends with my community college friends. And yeah I totally went to college to just go and figure it out and guess what? I didn't lol. Some people did but also a lot of us are just faking it till we make it. Or dropping more money on masters degrees because that just feels like the next thing you're supposed to do?? I do not regret my community college experience at all because it did not cost me loads and it was a good experience, but sometimes I do regret my 2 years at a 4 year since I dropped a bunch of $$ on that. So yeah gap years and just not doing college (especially right out of high school) should be more normalized!! Like we expect 18 year olds to make a big decision to invest a bunch of time and money into a degree that they may not even want or use. Yes go experience the world, try out different jobs, and find out about yourself if you are able to do so. And college will always be there for you to return to later on in life if you suddenly realize that you want a degree or something. Anyways, good luck to all the young people trying to make college decisions; it's hard out there, especially in an on-going global pandemic :c

[@haileywasheree]

Dude making the decision for you is the best thing ever (so I’ve been told 🥲) hope life treats you well :)

[@Kyaiate]

I'm from a country in which university is free and uff anytime I hear about American tuition I wonder if you guys are okay

[@Robert-cy3qx]

you are so kind!!!! remember everything is meant to be. you are loving and open to accepting and giving love, courageous for all that may come in random. I love you, beautiful soul

[@vr3864]

I don’t if im the only who feels this way but ever since I began doing online schooling, my mental health has been doing better than ever before, my life feels that has gotten better ngl. I was expecting the opposite but weirdly im grateful for the pandemic, of course, except the negative side of it.

[@vr3864]

Plus better grades (not like it matters but just wanted to mention it lol)

[@angelamoody9380]

Me *about to drop out of college after this semester*: looking up drop out videos so i don't feel bad about this decision when I tell my mom

[@antidelusionalpeeps]

I'm in the exact same boat lol

[@grayyin3993]

me too!! I dropped out of college two months age and I find my life more meaningful

[@resinmatrix3793]

Okay I am literally so excited for you. This is a new journey and I'm excited to watch you do what makes you happiest! Lots of loveeeee, go you

[@Taehyunshour]

I’m planning on dropping out tbh it wasn’t something I wanted I’m class of 2020 I honestly didn’t care about graduation since I was planning on not showing up but college just boring for me like it wasn’t my own goal to go I was just pushed and I honestly don’t want a job that I don’t care for like I just want a regular job and adventure out what I want for myself and Just grow like I see my friends with their goals and seem happy pursing their goals but I’m just there doing work I could care

[@sprout12730]

it's a shame that the university I've been wanting to go to is really expensive since I live in the US. it's been 2 years of me thinking about it, and since then I've felt miserable and kind of worthless for not going cause idk what ima do in life 😓