Why I dropped out of college and why you shouldn't - By Jim Bouchard

About six in 10 high school graduates go on to college. That’s good- but only 40 percent who go for a 4-year degree will get one and only about 25 percent of those who try for a 2-year degree.

I dropped out twice…

The first time had to do with drugs and music- unfortunately in that order. The second time I just didn’t have the emotional resources to keep it going in school.

I’m sometimes asked how I’m qualified to speak about academic success when I’m a two-time dropout.

That is exactly why I am qualified!

First, I can tell you how difficult it is to make it without a degree. I’ve been passed over for jobs and promotions many times- often losing an opportunity to someone who worked no harder than I did, but had a diploma.

I can tell you what it’s like to sweat out making rent for months on end and I can teach you how to stretch a can of beans and a loaf of bread into three days worth of meals.

Would my life have been different with a college degree? Absolutely.

The average graduate with a 4-year degree still makes about a million dollars more, over a lifetime, than someone with just a high school diploma. In this highly competitive world, you need to go for every edge you can and a college degree is a great place to start.

Let me tell you how not to fail…

Sounds negative, but if you can avoid the mistakes and bad choices I made, you have a great chance of success.

I lacked discipline and positive habits. I had plenty of negative habits. Those weren’t moving me forward, they were holding me back.

I had no real focus. I started with focus- and I started off great with nearly a 4.0 freshman GPA. I allowed distractions to take me off-course.

I did not have the emotional resources I needed to succeed. I was dealing with some very serious personal issues and instead of getting help and moving forward, I chose to medicate myself and avoid the pain.

Was I unusual? Hardly…

The particulars may differ, but many students experience the same challenges and distractions I did. Get your act together before you enter college, or soon after you start, it will greatly increase your chances for success.

Be disciplined- develop and cultivate meaningful and purposeful habits that move you toward your goals.

Be focused- avoid distractions that can knock you off your path.

Cultivate emotional resources- develop a strong network of mentors, friends and family who support your pursuits. Find people who can guide you when you’re feeling lost, lift you when you’re feeling low and encourage you when things get tough.

I wasted a tremendous opportunity. I threw away thousands of dollars. I lost forever what could have been some of the most productive and enjoyable years of my life.

Eventually I earned my degree- my black belt. That journey taught me discipline, focus, perseverance and confidence.

Today I have what it takes to earn a college degree. I know how to “Think Like a Black Belt”!

I wish I had learned some of those lessons before I enrolled in college!