It’s frustrating to try and comprehend the  thought processes behind those who believe their opinions hold higher authority than the latter. Let’s make this clear: the decisions and opportunities someone else partakes in during their academic journey is not contingent on you or anyone else’s approval. If you’re getting offended, reread the last sentence.

For the rest of us moving forward; the education system is no longer built around this idea of one continual and boxed-in method toward understanding. We cannot expect kids to follow a cookie-cutter path and be offended when they stray. Be bold. Be daring. Stay up until 2am doing a research paper. Bomb an exam. Everything you choose to do, or not do, is a part of your educational journey. This includes both in school and life; if someone feels the need to extend their non-approving judgement towards you, I simply believe that they are not supposed to be a part of your path. Better yet, they are a perfect example of who to not emulate on your path.

So. thank you judgmental professor. Thank you to the parent who didn’t show up to the baseball game. Thank you to the ex-boyfriend who dumped you after you didn’t do what you were told. Thank you to the ex-wife who blames you. Thank you to the rude neighbor. Thank you for unapologetic in-laws. Thank you to the hypocrite, the unlawful, the morally inept, the brown-noser, and the liar.

Previous education sets ridiculous standards and negates to recognize the creativity each child has. Your academic success is winding and quite honestly, a little bananas. It’s a journey, not a trip. It’s not simple GPS instructions. It’s not a simple to-do list. Finally, the way in which you attack your journey, should not be manipulated or looked down upon by people who simply don’t matter in the long run.

In the big scheme of life, the little “mistakes” you did don’t entirely affect your position. You’ll get side-tracked or discouraged, but you’re still going. You’re still getting there. Eventually, you’ll arrive, and all those people who doubted you or got in your way are only memories. You don’t need anyone else’s approval to have faith in your capabilities as an individual. You are able to accomplish goals in your profession, marital life, social life, etc. without even taking the time to deal with someone else’s insecurities or monotonous judgments regarding the way in which you pursue your dreams.

I’m not condoning negative behaviors, but I am condoning the idea that everyone has their own path and life that they need to figure out on their own. I’m 100% positive you have something to work on regarding yourself before handing out disapproving looks and labeling them as help.

Here, how about I’ll help by signing out with one of my favorite phrases:

To each his own.