Why I Dropped Out of College & Why It's Okay to Fail 

Who else was anxiously overwhelmed at college, because you have social anxiety? :(

College isn't for everyone. A lot of my high school teachers say that. Some people are meant to achieve things without having to go to college.

As a teacher I feel ashamed watching this and I feel the need to apologize even though we don't even live in the same part of the world. Education is supposed to be empowering and create tools to use further on in life. I try so hard to keep my classes relevant to my students and to put emphasis on the learning process instead of the end result. I always ask them to show me their drafts, sources, mind maps or notes so that we can discuss their work before they hand it in bc I want them to know that learning isn't static. And yet there are so many with the same profession as me who teach the same classes for 20 years and take pride in that F they get to give to some students. It makes me sad.

People always say, "Go to college first and then follow your dreams." I tried that. I went into college, being optimistic about it and found myself completely depressed and stuck. School has never been for me. So I left. I thought there was something wrong with me for not finishing-that only made me more depressed. I lost weight because of it. I was in a very dark place. Sometimes you aren't meant for normalcy or mediocrity. And that is okay.

“So what’s the point of wasting your time on something that doesn’t make you happy, when you can still fail at it?” YES AMEN

College doesn't even guarantee success !!

I dropped out of college and since then i worked for NBC Wendy Williams VH1 MBFW Bravo and now Travel Channel. My friends who graduated with the same major are substitute teachers not knocking them but just saying its about ya hustle and the most creative ppl always drop out. I cried and drank a bottle of henny then got back to business

"You have to control the things you can control, because there are a lot of things we can't control" amazing

I needed this! Everyone in my family has graduated college and when it came time for me to graduate high school, the thought of college was the last thing on my mind. I expressed to my family that college was not for me but next thing I know I'm in college. I feel as though I'm going to school for my family and not myself. My honest goal in life is to just be happy ❤️❤️

Failing has been my biggest teacher in life. If you are not failing, you are not making any attempt at progression!

I literally typed in "college is making me miserable" and found your video. Because I've been contemplating dropping out. And you speak so much truth here. So much truth. Much love to you.

Thank you for sharing this. I dropped out of college after my first semester( I was just turning 19) just bc I knew in my heart that I was not happy, wasn't benefiting from the major AND classes I was taking, and I was miserable to even get up and go. I didn't want to open up to anyone about it bc most of my friends & family are in college, & I just knew they and my parents would scold me for being "lazy" or "going through a phase" as well. It was never a phase, I never had the drive since I was little to go to college. I always dreamed of being my own boss. I am so thankful I did what I did bc even though it did upset my parents at first with my decision, I saved myself from being in TONS of debt, stressing over a major that I didn't even want to commit to, and being stuck in a place I had no motivation to grow and progress from. Now I am chasing my dreams, saving more money than ever, so happy everyday I wake up, and leaving for a makeup academy in NYC spring of 2018!!! I am so happy & thank God for shedding light into my life with this huge decision. I was so depressed bc I seen everyone seem so content with their lives settling for what is deemed as "normal" in society. Go to school, get a degree, have a family.. settle. I refused to be content with that lifestyle, and made the scariest decision of my life. To be different. I pray all of you who have been up countless nights thinking about what to do with your lives, go out there and chase it. If you don't, might as well let another person take that chance.

You give me hope.

Getting good grades isn't a guarantee that your life will go well, You have to do what makes you happy. -Minghao

This should be a Ted talk

So true. Speaking from personal experience, comparing oneself to others is so TOXIC & painful. Unfortunately it's a hard habit to break especially when the facade of achievement is all around.

My parents want me to go to college and be a engineer but i highkey wana dropout and make music cause i just feel like im meant to inspire others

You know this kinda reminds me of rapmonster's quote. He said, " happiness is not something you have to achieve, you can still be happy during the process of achieving your goal." Not sure if this is relevant or not but I felt like sharing. We all work so hard, to be happy. The fact that you can fail on your route to "happiness" just saddens me. So why not do something that makes you happy, so that even if you don't get what you want, you'll be satisfied.

honestly Asia you are one of the most put together, smart, and inspiring people I know.

Can RU-vid just push this video on everyone's recommended page? Thank you for sharing and being vulnerable with us. This is such an important message. You're always coming through with the videos at the right time (at least for me). I'm so happy to have found your channel! And congratulations on everything that you've achieved so far!

I just want to say thank you. I've been depressed for awhile because I've been comparing myself to others around me. I have felt like I've been a disappointment for awhile because I'm not at the same place as people my age. I left my 4 year university after one year, went to community college, and I was supposed to apply to transfer this fall. I messed up for two semesters and dropped my GPA like crazy so I can't transfer to the schools that I want to transfer to. It seems like I have to stay at the community college for two more years so I can get my AA and raise my GPA. I was supposed to graduate from my 4 year university next year. By the time I graduate, I might be in college for 6 or more years just to get my bachelors. I have to accept that I'm going at my own pace and that I shouldn't push myself too much or I'll burn out and get even more discouraged. Your video is what I needed to see today. I will achieve my goals of working in the music industry at my own pace. Just because I don't graduate college in 4 years doesn't mean that I am less of a person. I may have messed up my GPA, but that doesn't mean that it's the end of the world. Life goes on and I must move with it. I have to put in the work. I'll make it when I make it. I have to get rid of this mentality that I'll expire. I don't have to achieve all of my goals instantly. It takes time and work. Thank you for reminding me.

I don't feel like I was doing anything right since I started college. I feel so stupid and out of place like I'll be a failure because I just can't get it right. I don't think college is for me, but I'll find my place eventually. I hope to help people learn from my mistakes and actually go for their passions.

I'm so glad you made this video! I'm also emotional, especially this month 😭. I've been feeling a bit sad lately because I feel like I should've accomplished more for my age. But, everyone's progress is different. You inspire me to work harder! Thank you and congratulations on your play button! ☺️💕

I really want to drop out of college. I feel so unhappy every single day and almost 24/7 I am crying in private. I usually think of dying and get panic attacks. I am so so so unhappy. I want to drop out and I've always wanted to become a tattoo artist instead. Only reason I haven't dropped out is because I am scared of what my family will think and most of all, I am scared of disappointing my mother who has always supported me. She really wants me to become a Dr. I used to want to be one but I AM SO UNHAPPY. I got my diploma when I was 15 and when I turned 16 I entered college. I am about to turn 18 in Oct and I am about to be in my 3rd year of college but I want to drop out sooooo bad.

11:06 This really resonates with me. I dropped out of college last year because I know it's not for me. Explaining to the people in my community(who are socially programmed to believe college degrees are vital for success and happiness) that I dropped out of college because I know in my heart it's not for me is like talking to a wall. Currently, I'm working OT, carrying the emotional stress that comes with being a drop out in a cookie cut community, and driving myself almost insane to pay off the debt I've acquired from school and a car so that I can fully move pass the past and refocus my energy on what I actually want in life. 💜💜💜

" Happiness is rooted in negativity and grows into something beautiful; The branches of happiness can sometimes break along the way but they just grow back stronger " Love this !

This inspired me so much!! Currently, out of College and living back at my parents home and I feel like a failure on random day!!! Thank Your for this encouragement I needed it!!

You are such a genuine person Asia! I cried with you and I totally agree with failure being okay. I failed two years of university (yes university); I was doing B of Business/B of Intl studies that I felt would lead me to "success" and I didn't put much effort in because like you said, I felt entitled to pass. Every time I saw my final results I would cry and hide it from my mum and I would change my degree internally to avoid being expelled. But last year during the first two weeks of Spring sem 2016, I felt like it was time I faced what was happening and the growing debt I was burying myself under... I dropped out and told my mum; I took 6 months off to figure out what I wanted to do and worked part time to at least keep myself busy. Now here I am, I just finished my Foundation studies in Nursing course at a college with a GPA of 9.333 and next year I will be a first year again doing BN. While doing that course I was actually studying everyday. I even uninstalled games on my laptop that were distracting me (as a gamer it was hard, but I survived and I am so much more happy with myself.) So yeah, I'm proud of me, I'm proud of you and I'm proud of everyone that went through the same or similar shit!

I feel this on a deep level. I’m in med school and my life consists on being depressed and stressed all the time, idk if i can handle it anymore.

Yaaas girl! I'm such a believer in the power of hustle. School has always kind of been my thing, and a lot of the time people would say to me "wow you're so lucky that you're smart", but in reality I work my ass off for my grades! You're so right that people only see the success, not the hustle behind it, but they have the realize that one doesn't come without the other.

GIRL, YES!!!!! I resinate with you on such a high level! I felt the same way leaving college and moving out here to LA but I had to do what would finally make me happy! I spend all day everyday creating and editing in my apartment and even though I am not where I want to eventually be I am finally working through my dreams. I get down on myself every single day and it is so hard to not compare. I often feel like an in between and feel worthless some days. But I know this is what I am meant to do and that I am finally on the right path. Always love the videos girl and if you are ever looking for a new friend hit a girl up! I think you rock!

crying watching this, hits so close to home! congrats on everything & thank you for being brave enough to show vulnerability and your real life experiences in a space crowded with so much fakeness! people don't understand that nobody's life is perfect no matter what false perceptions we're all guilty of helping create sometimes with social media. keep killing it

I recently applied to a college where the acceptance rate is basically 99%. The joke is that they will accept anyone who can pay for it lol. Except me, I guess. I was in a rough place a few years ago, didn't expect to see any days after high school, definitely did not realize the consequences I'd have of recovery after I overcame everything. Currently I have just graduated with A's and B's and I'm working on an appeal with a few of my teachers to potentially grant me acceptance into the university. I want to thrive and flourish for the first time in a while and I'm taking the steps to do so now. So here's my "lowlight" reel I guess. And it's very very brave of you to post yours :) We're all so proud of you. And thank you, I needed this.

I just talked to my mom about college and how i have no direction in my life. She understood, which was surprising. I mentioned how I needed a job and she said that I can find a job instead, but still gave that “but you know AS A PARENT, I still want the best for you” and so yeah. Im gonna switch my major, finish college. I’ll prob finish in 5,6,7 years, but that’s okay! Talk with your parents, explain to them exactly how you feel. They might get mad, get sad, but it’s better for them to know. Let it out! Tell them you’re unhappy, you’re unwell. Im grateful that my mom understands me.

this is so inspiring and such a good reminder about fear, failure, success and hard work. Thanks for sharing!

My parents always told me from a young age to finish college first, then pursue my dreams because if my plans don't go too well I'll always have my degree to fall back on

Wow wow wow wow wow. Watching this video and reading these comments...just wow. So many people are going through the same thing, I feel a lot less alone. I've never gotten emotional over a RU-vid video but this is literally on fucking time. I just had a breakdown about an hour ago because my life is an absolute fucking mess. I dropped out of school, my dad took my car because I dropped out of school, I was forced to leave my job and home because I was raped, I'm broke and I feel discouraged about my career path that I'm choosing to take. I'm fucking depressed, paranoid, anxiety is always high and absolutely nothing is going right. Nothing. I really want to pull myself out of this rut and I don't know how, but I also find comfort knowing I'm not the only one with this problem. I don't know what I'm going to do and feeling how I feel is ruining me. This isn't who I am, this isn't how I operate but I'm just so lost...I want to reach that light at the end of the tunnel but I just don't know how I'm going to get there when all of my resources have been taken from me in an instant. My life went from bad to worse in an instant and I can't live like this. Thank you for sharing your story, I feel as though what I'm dealing with right now is just part of the process...I'm just super discouraged right now. Hopefully one day I can come back to this video, read this comment, remember this feeling and say "I overcame this". I want success, I want happiness, I want peace and I want to live my life according to myself. This comment section and video is beautiful and feels really personal. I feel like the universe is trying to talk to me, as silly as that sounds. When I look at you, I see the person that I am striving to be. Happy, grateful, loving and accepting. I've never been moved by someone else's words before but I'm glad it happened today. Thank you for sharing, thank you for being who you are, thank you for not giving up.

I'm still trying to figure out what i want to do with my life. Im 20 and feel this immense pressure to move out and have a job. Im honestly just trying to figure out where to go. what other people do isn't about me, and i found that it's more important that i focus myself and my own journey. Hopefully, this all works out. All the negative stuff does feel like a push back but then again it shows me where i need to improve or if i need to move on. thanks for the vid!

"Regardless if the student understand it or not, they don't really care" I learned that long time ago.

This is so validating, I absolutely love learning but classroom environments are tremendously boring for me and having someone else say this is so important and really needs to be out there more!

YOU JUST HELPED ME UNDERSTAND MY BRILLIANT, 9 Y/O DAUGHTER MORE. SHE HATES THE CONSTRICTIONS AT SCHOOL AND UNDERSTANDING IS ALL I NEEDED. THANK YOU. ♥

Thank you for this. I am a graduate school drop out. and I really feel awful, disappointed in myself because I don't have other life other than school and work. Now I don't have any plans in going back to grad school. I don't have any plans in my life at all. Maybe I am in the middle of quarter life crisis. also I am Bipolar. I cannot handle too much stress, I relapse. This video really made me feel that I am not alone. That a lot of people is experiencing the same. You are making my heart warm once again. I want to know my purpose and passion like before and it is very difficult when you have depression.

this was my worst year academically and mentally to the point where i failed multiple times in not only school but in everything else. this made me feel a little bit better about my situation

You're going to get so far and I'm so happy that we will be here to watch! I'm so happy for you! You're honestly too good for any university and that fact that you've paved a way for yourself, even your accomplishments as a young age is astounding. You're incredible Asia, never forget that.

This is exactly what I needed to hear right now. Thank you

Asia. I am so in awe of your grace and class and honesty with us as an audience. I needed this video cause I am at crossroads in my life and it's so important for people to have videos like this be available. Thanks for helping me and others on their journey.

This the most beautiful thing I have heard. It literally brought me to tears, I think I really needed to hear it too!

You have no idea how much I needed to hear this form of inspiration. Your story is so much like mine. I fell into a depression just like you and I recently overcame it. One point you made that stood out is rather fail at something you love. You gave me a light to walk my path and to keep on going. Thank you so so so so much.

So glad I found this video i actually just dropped out of college today and I really needed to see this video ❤️

This video is so important to me. I just finished my junior year of high school today, and this was the year that made me realize school teaches kids to care about grades and numbers, NOT learning. School is just an institution, it does not envelope the grandiosity of life and what it means to LEARN. Learning is for everyone, but school isn't. I'm so happy and thankful for you Asia, you are a role model and what you said about failure is very true. It sucks to fail, it hurts like hell- but it's how we grow as human beings. What you went through after not booking any acting jobs for a year must've been so hard, I cannot imagine it- it's one of my worst fears to feel useless and unmotivated. I'm so glad for you, that you are doing what you love now, and it seems like you're in touch with your soul and spirit- that's what matters. I still want to go to college lol even though I just criticized the education system, but at the same time I will always keep in mind that school does not determine my worth or future. If I fail a class, who cares? Life goes on, we just need to move forward.

This is the EXACT thing I really needed tonight. I am an actress too and just graduated, and I am also getting busier and busier in my work. When you said that more things started happening when you put in the work was like a small slap in the face/wake-up call because right now I am beginning to put in more work than ever and I am now seeing more results than ever, and I can't wait to see what else is to come the more and more I get involved and the harder I work in my art. Thank you so much, this was so inspirational and very much needed!

I needed this and I’m sure thousands of others do to. You’ve opened my mind to things I would tend to ignore or lie to myself about. Bless you

WOW! I almost cried because I have a similar situation. Thank you for sharing this! You are so strong,brave,compassionate, and amazing! LOVE YOU ASIA!! #blasiannation #blasianrepresent

Aww Asia, this was wonderful. Everything you said in this video struck a chord with me. I'm graduating in August and I hated every second of my college experience. I hated it. I was diagnosed with depression, I've failed classes, I've felt alone, lost. It's been the worst 5 years of my life and I feel like I've just completely wasted my time. All I've wanted to do is create. Which is what I intend to after I'm done at the end of summer :) You're SUCH an inspiration, keep doing you boo 💕❤️

I truly needed to hear this 3 years later. Thank you so much. 😊❤😊

God does this resonate with me. Try to explain to people that you hated school and your grades weren't always stellar but you LOVE to learn. I just learn better by myself.

Thank you, I am also in college and studying Computer Science. This helped a lot and I feel inspired to dedicate more of myself and my time to my field of study. You are clear proof that hard work and dedication pays off, and you have just gained another subscriber. God bless you.

I remember watching this video a year ago and crying. I’m in year 11 now going onto year 12. I wanted to come back and watch this video again to remember how far I’ve came as a person. This video surprisingly made a huge difference in my life and for that I thank you for being honest. ❤️

I just dropped out of college this year, and everything you said I can TOTALLY concur to. Preach Asia! ❤️ you'll go far if you keep sticking with it and have an open mind for improvement! Best of luck and thank you for this video ❤️

I wanna give you a big hug. Thanks for this video, it really opened my eyes.

I so needed this. I received an e-mail from my professor an hour ago stating, I failed the class for the semester. Oh how that hurt me! I just began to cry because of how disappointed I was and couldn’t believe I failed after all the work I had done and how long I worked on projects and homework assignments. Watching this video reassured me that failing at something is not the end of the world. You can get back up on your feet and start over. There are other opportunities and options in the world other than college. I also love creating. That’s something I know I am great at and am confident about. This is the first time watching you and I am so glad I clicked the play button. Keep up the great work with inspiring, motivating and encouraging others!

I love you so much girl!, I have not been the most top notch student in highschool. And I fear that I won't get accepted into university, I want to get my BA and study music, and possibly law. I agree with you completely, school environment isn't my thing. I've done some modeling with a brand called Wear your label (check them out), and it was amazingly amazing stepping out of that comfort zone. My whole life I wanted to be known, and I still do. But I want to be known for something good, as well as what I love you know?

You inspire me so much , I truly love how you are such a humble human being. We need more people like you❤️

I cried at the end with you, you said everything so beautifully and I'm so proud of you. Keep up your hard work ❤️

Hey Asia, I just came across this absolute gem of a video. Just earlier today I decided to drop out of college for reasons very similar to yours. To say it was inspirational is an understatement. Your words rang so true to me and call me crazy, but I’m actually excited for the uncertainty that lies ahead. Keep on doing you. The world is better for it.

I absolutely ADORE this Asia. Thank you Thank you thank you for making this!!

This was something i really needed to hear and i'm so thankful that you made this video. Congratulations on your success. It's well earned and i know there is more to come.

Having the right mindset is super important! Thanks for sharing!

This really touched my heart, a few days ago I was so depressed because I got a crap grade in 3 of my law exams and I felt like a failure. But your video made me realise that I don't even like law but I was only studying it to please my mum. Being the first in the family to go to Uni is so stressful but I thank you so much for this video. God bless you ❤️

Thank you so much for talking so openly about your experience and being vulnerable. This video has helped me so much. I’m so happy I found this video. It’s like exactly what I needed. I thought that there was something wrong with me if I wanted to drop out of Uni. I hate uni with all my heart. No matter what major I take I still find it a waste of time. I can’t stand repeating the same thing everyday. Which is attending classes and then doing assignments. It doesn’t make me want to grow and get better. All I think of is passing the course. I’ve told a lot of people that I want to drop out and I explained why and they all thought I was crazy, and that I’m just lazy and that I should take the traditional path which is going to Uni for 4 years then getting a regular job. So again thank you sooo much 🥺🥺❤️❤️ when you started crying I felt that🥺❤️ everything you said in this video! I needed to hear that.

this was so beautiful and inspiring Asia! It really helped me realise things about myself, and has pushed me to try and figure out what i want in life

I love what you had to say! I love how raw and real you were and are! Thank you so so much ❤️❤️ you’re so inspirational and strong and everything that women find so hard to embrace! ❤️❤️

Life is ironic that way (in that you got your plaque the same day). I wish you the very best in your journey cause this is only the beginning❤️

omg i really needed this right now Asia, i don't even know what to say, i wish you were my friend and i could call you and tell you how much i love u for everything you just said in this video. i feel like only you, with your experiences, would understand what i'm going through right now. thank you so much. i love you, admire you, and you inspire me!! yes gurl, you do!!! (and congrats on your youtube button i swear this moment was magical, i'm still crying!!)

Thank you so much for opening up like this i know how hard that is. I think everyone can find themselves in a part of the video. Sending you love, light and positive vibes❤️

This was absolutely what I needed to hear. I am SO happy for you and proud of you.

Thank you for sharing. Failing has always been hard for me but I’m learning at age 23 that it’s gonna take failure to do what I wanna do in life. You don’t see a lot of the downside of success so I appreciate you sharing your story. I hope I get to meet and work with you one day! Best to rest of your career! You’re gonna do bigger things than you think!

I love this whole video ! literally in the process of leaving college b/c I'm not happy . I know I'm not making a " terrible" decision .

Thank you for making this video. I've been through something similar, and it's so important for people to see that things can turn out ok even if things don't go exactly as planned :) I'm happy for your success! It's great to see that hard work pays off

so very glad this was the first video I've seen of yours. I love how genuine and heart felt your talk was, and how I can relate to so much of the experiences you went through.

You just pulled me out of a depressive episode at 2am, thank you so much

I dropped out of school bc my family was putting so much pressure on me like if u don’t pass this test your getting your phone taken away like why I’m learning I when to college and yes I failed I wasn’t mad bc I new I’m going to get through it I new I was going to have success my dream and my goal was to be a doctor 👩‍⚕️ and I thought it wasn’t going to happen bc I was failing and now I’m a doctor 👩‍⚕️ and I’ve saved so many lives u fail big u only live once don’t get sad for not getting your goals done in a month no it needs time hope u guys to have success in your life love u all

i'm crying along with you, asia. this was such an inspiring video, thank you for sharing it with us. u da real one 💖

congratulations and thank you for doing this video. it's incredibly uplifting and brave of you do this!!!

You're beautiful and you ARE successful.

Good luck dropping out. You can always drop back in later, or just take some specific classes for your career development. Work on Plan B, as well; many people your age need the structure of school. When they drop out few return. I've been both a teacher and student for a few decades. Personal experience and statistics show education provides many benefits in areas of personal development, such as peer relationships, learning group dynamics, & task performance. Additional education translates to higher incomes, ability to change and adapt more easily and enhanced career development. Regardless of the path you choose, taking classes is never a bad idea to further your goals. My very best wishes to you...may I share this? The harder my wife and I worked and studied, learning new things in our fields-- the luckier we became, the easier life got. Cheers!

Thank you for being you Asia. I'm immensely happy for you and your whole accomplishments! I love how pure you are to us, even when you didn't have to but thank you for sharing this! I love you soo much ! You are my role model❤️

This made me feel so happy because I've been in/am in a similar situation. Thank you ❤️

this was so uplifting Asia i love your mindset , i can tell you have a really strong personality .right now im failing at college but i fuckin love what im doing thats why ill never quit this but it sucks failing at something you want badly.thank you for this video Asia you are very strong ,such an inspiration .girl you are going to be huge. oh by the way i code too

14:50-15:11 the most realest words ever said.

Thank you for posting this Asia! This was a wake up call for me. I have been in a rut for some time now and hearing your experience has truly touch my heart. I think the most important thing to take from this is to realize when you are in that dark place, that you have to be willing to fight to be better. Thank you for being you and for sharing your life with the world

Amazing video. Thank you for this. I'm sure a lot of people, including myself, are appreciative of your honesty and vulnerability.

I love this 🙏🏾

omg thats exactly how i feel sometimes, you are exactly right!! i love that you put this out there because every once in a while any person feel like that. i appreciate your you tube videos either its with fashion or life lessons :) Love You much and by the way you are not a Failure to your you tube society :)

I am so thankful you posted this. --The struggles you expounded on resonated with me on so many levels. I was crying when I pressed "play" and now I feel so much better after watching this in it's entirety. --You have a very specific purpose in so many people's lives. I hope you continue to grow.

I needed this more than I expected before I clicked on it. So much more. Thank you, Asia.

Degree life is not for me. There is one lecture that triggered something inside of me and makes me hate studying and the environment eventho I love the course. The course was my soul but I’m not going to force myself and make my mental health worse. I decided will drop out from college soon :) Thank you for this Asia

I love you Asia! You're such an inspiration to me. Thank you for always sharing & being so open to us ❤️️

very inspiring! really humble and down to earth. really needed to hear this. you’re an angel

I understand how you feel, I am living this currently, it's sad how we fight ourselves to meet ours and others expectations. To anyone who is living this stay strong and get through it do not ever give up. ♥️