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I don't actually see any reasoning for why you haven't gone to college. It sounds like you're doing cool stuff, but I hope you're not trying to argue 'at 18, wi

I don't actually see any reasoning for why you haven't gone to college. It sounds like you're doing cool stuff, but I hope you're not trying to argue 'at 18, without college, I'm doing cool stuff, therefore college is unnecessary for people'. Have you heard of the 'gap year' idea, which is common in England/Australia? (maybe other places too, but that's where I'm familiar with it). Many people argue that there are cool things you can do at 18 before you go to college, which will then give you some more experience in the world to decide whether you need college, and how you could most gain from it. Personally I'm a big fan of all high school grads being able to take at least a year off before college to learn a bit more about life, it's great that you have taken this opportunity. I'd love to see some more discussion of 'why I decided to do this, and where I think it'll take me'. [edit: word choice]

joshmlewis 15y ago
Yeah, that's definitely a good point to bring up. I have heard of the gap year, it's gaining traction in the US as well. I decided to do this because I didn't feel, at the time, there was a college that was affordable, that had a degree that was relevant enough for what I wanted, and would fit my unique personality and approach to things. It was a gut feeling that college really isn't best for me. And it's definitely not a general rule of thumb for everyone. I'm a self learner and like doing things with my own style and attitude. As far as the where I want it to take me part, I want to have my own startup one day, solve a problem that users care about, make money, and be happy every step of the way. Happy being relative here. Obviously some days will be bad, but you get the idea. [Edit] What I described above is probably how the majority of HN feels. Ha.
gebe 15y ago
The "gap year(s)" idea is very common where I am from as well (Sweden) and I am a strong proponent of it. Traditionally you squeeze(d) in half a year to a year of military service (not as common anymore as it is now voluntarily), one or two years of some shitty job, and maybe half a year of traveling. Personally I traveled the world as a musician in a band for a while, then I worked two years at an airport throwing bags and then I traveled some more! This way I got both perspective, experience, money and maybe most important of all, I got a strong motivation to take on higher studies. I was longing for the world of academia after standing on the "factory floor". With that said, I have friends who went directly from high school to university and I have friends who skipped it all together. All of them are doing brilliantly and work with things they are passionate about. Things tend to work themselves out if you have a burning passion for something.

joshmlewis 15y ago

Yeah, that's definitely a good point to bring up. I have heard of the gap year, it's gaining traction in the US as well. I decided to do this because I didn't feel, at the time, there was a college that was affordable, that had a degree that was relevant enough for what I wanted, and would fit my unique personality and approach to things. It was a gut feeling that college really isn't best for me. And it's definitely not a general rule of thumb for everyone. I'm a self learner and like doing things with my own style and attitude. As far as the where I want it to take me part, I want to have my own startup one day, solve a problem that users care about, make money, and be happy every step of the way. Happy being relative here. Obviously some days will be bad, but you get the idea. [Edit] What I described above is probably how the majority of HN feels. Ha.

gebe 15y ago

The "gap year(s)" idea is very common where I am from as well (Sweden) and I am a strong proponent of it. Traditionally you squeeze(d) in half a year to a year of military service (not as common anymore as it is now voluntarily), one or two years of some shitty job, and maybe half a year of traveling. Personally I traveled the world as a musician in a band for a while, then I worked two years at an airport throwing bags and then I traveled some more! This way I got both perspective, experience, money and maybe most important of all, I got a strong motivation to take on higher studies. I was longing for the world of academia after standing on the "factory floor". With that said, I have friends who went directly from high school to university and I have friends who skipped it all together. All of them are doing brilliantly and work with things they are passionate about. Things tend to work themselves out if you have a burning passion for something.