I graduated from university 6 years ago & am now an entrepreneur – was it worth it?

I can’t believe I graduated from the University of Illinois with a degree in the #1 Advertising school 6 years ago!

Other than feeling super old today, I’m sitting here reflecting on college. Being an online entrepreneur, one of the most common questions I get is if I think college was worth it. Most people in the online space shit on college.

I don’t care what people say about education – I am proud of my degree. For many reasons.

When I was applying to colleges, my high school counselor told me I shouldn’t even apply to this school because my ACT score was bad. But I had great grades, was extremely involved in basically any and every club you can think of, and was a varsity tennis athlete.

I remember my mom telling me, “Don’t listen to that stupid counselor. Apply everywhere you want.”

And I NEVER thought I would get into the University of Illinois. I actually had already committed to another school because I just thought there was no way in hell that Illinois would accept me.

When I got in, I was shocked. But they knew I was actually overqualified for the major I was applying for. I had already been taking college-level classes in my major for 2 years. My mom (my #1 fan) was not shocked.

Once I got to UIUC, I worked my ass off at a school that was set up for left-brained students who were traditionally book smart.

I couldn’t be less of an academic in the traditional sense of the word. I am super creative and thrive on non-traditional, out-of-the-box thinking.

I found my home in the Advertising school and with one particular professor who I still am incredibly grateful for today, Peter Sheldon. He taught me how to think about advertising in a creative, strategic, and challenging way. He held me high to my potential and I remember being so challenged in his courses. He was my first mentor. Reflecting on my degree, his classes were what made it 100% worth it. My only wish was that I could have taken more courses with him and fewer courses in the general school of LAS. I still use the principles he taught me with my clients today.

Other than my degree, I think college was mostly worth it due to the people I met there. Two of my bridesmaids are college friends who I literally could not imagine my life without. The relationships I made while at Illinois are completely priceless.

Let’s be real – college was just fun. We were rated the #1 party school the year I graduated and I’m convinced that it was because of my graduating class. We worked hard, but we played hard. I learned how to balance my life and although I stumbled through at times, I think it made me realize what I was really capable of.

Although the traditional schooling system has it’s flaws, I’m grateful for the opportunity & privilege to attend such a great university. It was worth it for me. It allowed me to see what I was really capable of. It allowed me to spread my wings and grow in new and challenging ways. And it allowed me to see very clearly that I do whatever the fuck I want in life, no matter who tried to make me believe otherwise.

I don’t think there is one linear journey to education. I also don’t think there’s anything wrong with NOT going to college. I think you need to make the best decision for YOU.

I am STILL investing in my business growth and skills. I do think it’s important to note that investing in yourself shouldn’t end with a university. It’s a lifelong journey.

Today, I’m celebrating all the graduates who worked so far to secure that degree. As the queen, Beyonce, would say, “raise your glass to the college grads!”