This is the third year in a row I recorded this video, but the first time I didn't delete it - finally felt like I was able to create a good summary of everything. If you'd like to help me in continuing to avoid education, consider a channel membership :) th-cam.com/channels/xZQfGBeFsz6J_wfFKw-kvA.htmljoin
Thanks for sharing your story. It was really interesting learning how traditional public school just wasn't a good fit for you, but you still found a way to make a living and are satisfied with the path you took.
Your school career sounds nearly identical to mine! By 10th grade I crumbled and started skipping classes because my anxiety was too much to handle; so my mom pulled me to get my GED.
Not doing well in school doesn't mean someone isn't smart or driven. Education is a good path for some people, but it isn't the only way to success and happiness. It is the "acceptable" way according to society, but I also know a ton of people with college degrees that don't end up working in their field of study and are left with thousands in student debt. And I know people that dropped out and start their own business or do a trade that pays amazing. It's all about doing what's best for you.
As a 33 year old lady, never owned a reptile, I always wondered why I related to you and now I know: we had the same school experience. I “dropped out” in 8th grade, had a chill year, then high school was correspondence school where my only grades were on open book tests. So basically I could cheat every test. I still had a hard time, but I did it all on my own schedule. You’re not defined by a degree or certificate, and I think you’re one of the most successful people I’ve ever seen because you continue to try new things and evolve. Keep on doing what you’re doing.
I was wondering if I was the only older female watching. Lol. I enjoy him so much. I find myself caring about him and I enjoy his videos so much. I find him truly fascinating. What a cool human !
@@erintraicene7422 lol, me three !! 31F, his deadpan humor and irreverance for BS always tickled me. On topic of school, I did "ok" until the last 2 years of high school, where we had more personal freedom on what to study. People have a amazing ability to learn - if they are actually interested in something! Fancy that! 😁
I found your TH-cam channel, goherping, most enjoyable. I think you are a very charismatic lad, and very enterprising; and your love of animals really showed through. I want to compliment you on your rescue of Rosie, the boa constrictor. She was a simple, beautiful creature, who suffered so much in that tiny tank at the back of your classroom - and you gave her a decent life before she died. You shouldn't have cheated, but you are an admirable human being in so many ways. And you have a real talent for making TH-cam videos. Well done for what you achieved ...
It makes very little difference if you have a diploma or GED. The drop out rate is so high a huge portion of the population has a GED. I dropped out the beginning of my 11th grade year. I got a GED maybe a year later. Now I’m a nurse and have a great career. It makes no difference.
Im in my last semester of highschool im in the process of getting my GED and dropping out cus i had to stay at the hospital for a while cus of un-medicated bipolar disorder that i didn't know i had and was diagnosed with for 5 years lol i got so behind that I'll have to finish next year but i really hate highschool and my dad got a GED it didn't make a difference for him either
oh cool. yeah, the more experiences I hear, the more I wonder why half of highschool is even a thing. Instead of kids just exploring ideas, working and making money with a GED
Have you ever been tested for autism? That’s not an insult because I’m autistic, a lot of your traits sound similar to my experience combined with getting obsessed with things, lack of social skills, the food sensory issues. Food for thought! So to speak
@@janine6779 Yes adhd too, I also have that. The sensory thing is what made me question autism. But again, not in any way an insult but more a way to validate the way he/we are and that it’s not all his fault.
Alex, consider looking into Austism and ADHD. Your issues with formal education, social interactions and food are kind of red flags for neurodiversity. I have ADHD myself and struggel with formal education but thrive with selfdirected projectbased learning. Even if you dont want to go for a formal diagnosis, looking into how ADHD and Austism can affect adults and how you can accomedate your self in daily life can be really helpful! i really apretiate how open you are.
@GoHerping some will. You should if you are able to. It'd help you understand your mind a bit more. We've had a really similar path and it has helped me
I was thinking the same thing... My son and I both are ADHD + autistic and public schools can make these kids feel like there's something that they're not doing right, when the problem is that the teachers may not know how to give them the right kind of encouragement and direction. I remember having to deal with a metric ton of "you're just not applying yourself" growing up. Takes a long time to realize that "I'm okay, the situation I was put into as a child was a little traumatizing" or "the adults didn't know how to help."
I know you've dodged this in the past, but I really think you should talk to someone about whether or not you're autistic. I know you might think autism is an insult because of awful Internet culture, but I assure you that it's not. I'm autistic and I just embrace who I am. I think the reason middle school and high school was rough for you was because you were in the wrong classes. You weren't in a special education class. And being in one isn't wrong either because they help you get on the right path one step at a time slowly. When I moved to NJ from NY (I'm back in NY now), I struggled in third grade. My grades were plummeting, and they decided to move me to a special education class and I was able to catch up and excel. Because I'm on the high-functioning side of the spectrum, I was able to transition out of special education in high school as they thought I was ready for regular classes (AP too), and I thank them for preparing me. That being said, you've obviously grown since then! Life is about finding what works for you. Not everything will go your way but you learn to try, try again whether it's Emerald Scales, doing DoorDash and Uber. And owning a TH-cam channel with 600K followers is a feat. Be proud of yourself! Don't think about the past, focus on you and your goals and keep moving forward.
Bravo! We folks on the spectrum can definitely excel at what we WANT to do. While Alex might have been a poor student, if autistic, he's high functioning and does extremely well in interests that certainly need the intelligence behind them from the herpetology to making the videos and more.
Yes I feel like he shows a lot of signs of maybe being on the spectrum. (Such as inability to focus, problems with texture and sensation, ability to become very overwhelmed very fast or easily, and large/long obsessions). Even though it doesn’t necessarily mean one is autistic, they are very common signals and I really think his life can improve if he actually learns once and for all if he’s on the spectrum. even if it’s just a label, it can really help to be aware of what is happening versus be kept in the dark.
I agree. As a neurodivergent I find that it really works well knowing and accepting who I am. I see so much of my experience from school in this video.
Alex, I am SHOCKED. I have followed you for a few years and I ALWAYS assumed that you were an advanced student in school- someone who was leaps and bounds ahead of your peers academically and maturity-wise. This is truly mind-blowing to me. While I think it’s unfortunate that you weren’t supported through a traditional education, I want you to know that the way you present yourself is far from the reality of your situation. Your channel has changed drastically from when I originally watched and frankly, I enjoy it more but I just hope you continue to figure things out for yourself in a way that’s monetary beneficial and also fulfilling to you personally. I really admire you a lot and enjoy watching your YT, the degree of self-taught education that you have is absolutely amazing, you should be incredibly proud of yourself for your natural state of being-you come across as highly educated and I really assumed you would have flown through college. I can relate, I am a shit test taker but incredibly intelligent, it really sucks that that type of situation is as limiting as it is. Anyway, keep doing your thing! You don’t need to follow traditional paths when you have natural intelligence, an understanding of collecting knowledge, and the ability to suss it all out. I wish I had the ability to do that and moreover, the self motivation. Thank you for sharing! (Also) Alex
Taditional education is complete garbage in America and doesn't fit a huge majority of intelligent, successful people. It also doesn't teach you even 1% of what you actually need to know as an adult. I don't really understand your shock.
My dad told me that people who struggle in high school do better in life. This is because those people know what struggle is and how to get through it.
school was rough for me too. i ended up doing homeschooling for highschool, and did the ged when i was 16 (i had prepped and learned enough to take it). i then started at a community college and started with just a couple classes, and now im about to get my associates. i still find school very difficult, but college is honestly easier for me. i really like videos like these because it shows people that not everyone does things the traditional way, and thats okay
School doesn't teach you even 1% of what you actually need to know to survive as an adult in this society. You speak eloquently, work hard, support yourself, have the best sense of humor, and are incredibly caring. You did well Alex. ❤
I also got my GED but I was pretty different from you. I was an effortless A kid till around late middle school when I realized I didn't know how to actually try and began dropping down to Bs and Cs, which really upset me. Got depressed, ended up doing online school then public then back to online again. Stopped caring about it at all, stopped doing schoolwork at all around 17, then got my GED at 18. I don't plan on sending my kids to school, I'll homeschool them. I figure if any kids are different from normal then things can adapt to their needs like your parents eventually did with you by going hands off. I don't regret it either and I think for you it was the obvious right choice.
Out of curiosity, have you you ever been evaluated for ADHD, autism or both, I'm diagnosed and had a very similar experience, and there a a crazy amount of people saying similar things in this comment section with a diagnosis.
My great-grandmother dropped out in the 8th grade. She then raised her seven siblings, especially her youngest sister. Her parents had a lot of issues. My great-grandmother is my number one role model. She raised two of her own daughters, and even helped raise my mom too. She died in 2011. I wish I had found your NC Nature News channel when I was younger. It really would have cheered me up so much. Sadly I wasn't online back then. I was only 11/12 years old and wasn't allowed to use my mom's computer. Anyways, this channel means a lot me. I watched so many videos in the covid era that entertained me in the darkest and lonliest hours. So yeah, I'm a lil st0n3d right now. But my point is, it doesn't matter your education level, you can still accomplish amazing things. Like my great-grandmother. Follow your dreams Alex, you got this!
Idk why i find these videos so interesting. Probably because I’ve been watching your herp videos since I was a kid. It’s cool to see what you’re up to. Cheers
Thank you for telling your story. While you might have been a poor student, you're definitely an intelligent young man. I get the impression from your story that you could quite possibly be neurodivergent -- on the autism spectrum. I am myself and I identify with throwing myself into an interest until it no longer interests me, studying things I want to rather than a school curriculum. Unlike you, I was just bored in school and coasted through with high grades, no studying and ended up in individual study for many classes. I left school at 16 without graduating but went immediately to college, finishing my high school graduation credits my first year of college. But, from the not fitting in, etc., you remind me a lot of my own youth (I'm old now). Keep being you. You have done the right thing for yourself and you're in a lot better straits than many several years older than you.
sometimes i kinda regret not graduating but then again no one really asks me if i graduated, i also dropped out in 10th-11th grade and attempted online school LOL i had no self control and dropped out all together... a few months after i got my g.e.d
This is really validating because I went through literally the same experience. Proves that school itself doesn’t build the person and isn’t for everyone. Now that I’m out I’ve found I learn much better in a one on one hands on setting but I don’t think theres a college that does that so I’m just getting online certifications
I'm autistic and I'm an IT Manager. Autism isn't an insult and if you do get tested and you find out you are autistic, be proud of all you have done so far. Autism is not really an intellectual disability, it is a social disability. This is why a lot of kids with autism struggle in school, because we struggle with a lot of things besides trying to be social - sensory input, meltdowns, etc. I still struggle to communicate in day to day life, but I've gotten a lot better as I have grown.
Thanks for sharing. Sometimes the unconventional route is the best. We are taught that you only succeed by going to school, getting good grades and finding a job which isn’t true. Many people learn in different ways and the way the American school system is structured isn’t for everyone. Props to you because I’ve done it the conventional way and now I’m trying to unlearn somethings and take advantage of the opportunities/privileges out there like you spoke about in your video.
This was really interesting to watch. I'm sorry you had to go through that school experience, it's made me realize how lucky I am for school to come so naturally to me I guess? I'm currently about to finish my junior year in a dual-credit school, in which I'm doing high school and two years of college (so graduating with a diploma and an associate's degree), and all through my life I've never earned less than an A in a class. I've put in a shit ton of effort of course but I can't deny that I just find it easier than others. And I guess it makes you wonder why some people thrive while others don't in a school environment. Like, personally I don't think academics really shows whether a person is intelligent at all. Doing school feels more like a skill. I know kids who get straight As and yet have absolutely no "street smarts." They're so naive about the world and their just general knowledge about life is horrendously bad. And yet they have a huge ego because they're good at Calculus. They're not 'smart,' they just have a decent memory and are good at school. But I guess I can't blame them. I used to base my entire worth on how good at school I was and I went through a huge depression around middle school when it occurred to me that maybe grades aren't everything? Like who even am I without good grades? Am I still a good person? And I think that's a huge flaw in the education system (among many). You're right about luck and privilege. I'm extremely privileged to have a complete family that has always been incredibly involved in my success. I'm glad you found a path that worked for you. I'm still not sure if I'm on the right path. Is going through all this stress (and potentially money if I can't pull off some good scholarship) worth it? Like I worry that I'll graduate college and not be happy with my life. Or find that I wasted life away. But its nice to see people like you who are living happy lives without education, it pulls you out of the education system's lie that school is everything. And I think I'll take your advice on 'cheating' a little more if it means I get more free time. I've been an extreme perfectionist throughout school and I seriously need to learn to take that 90 instead of sacrificing my mental health. Anyways just rambling thoughts. But this was a great video! And I'm happy you're happy with your life.
You come across as very mature and educated, I think you would have enjoyed college because it’s more aimed towards your interests and your schedule would be more flexible. I started watching for the reptiles, but I genuinely enjoy your content as a creator, keep it up :) also the timeline for traditional education is bs anyways, you’re absolutely correct, you can go to college whenever, or be perfectly happy without it
I haven't been as active on TH-cam but still try to keep up with you, this video was obviously an effort from you and your transparency and honesty is appreciated.
Parent here. I’m glad you’ve made the choices you did, and even more glad you had parents willing to see and support your needs. School definitely is not for everyone. My youngest struggles and has been struggling for years. She’s 15 and a freshman in HS … it took a suicide attempt for the school district to finally hear us and take action. She’s now in a much better situation but it bums me out that it had to get as extreme as it did before anything could be done. I was powerless to help her due to our current laws. I firmly believe that’s she’s going to do great in life and I hate that she’s having to waste more years in school. Here in CA I don’t think we would be able to get away with what you did, but at least she’s now in a school that suits her better. And thankfully it’s only a couple hours per day, so she has time to pursue her true interests. Thanks for the video Alex. I appreciate you and your channel, in all its varied forms.
Dear Alex, I found your TH-cam channel, goherping, most enjoyable. I think you are a very charismatic lad, and very enterprising; and your love of animals really showed through. I want to compliment you on your rescue of Rosie, the boa constrictor. She was a simple, beautiful creature, who suffered so much in that tiny tank at the back of your classroom - and you gave her a decent life before she died. You shouldn't have cheated, but you are an admirable human being in so many ways. And you have a real talent for making TH-cam videos. Well done for what you have achieved ...
I am 59 and I dropped out in my junior year of high school. I don't regret it, though it created other challenges. This nagging expectation of higher education was always there so I did end up with a master's degree 2 years ago. And a large student debt , ha! Live your best life, whatever that is!
A few others have mentioned it here, but I just also wanted to second the suggestion that you might have autism and adhd. I have both myself and it’s something that I have noticed in a lot of your videos, it was just especially apparent here with a lot of the things you were talking about. Honestly I would be kind of interested to see a video of you taking some autism or adhd diagnostic assessments but also I totally understand if that’s not something you’re into. I hope you don’t mind me/others pointing out your potential autism, I know it can be a bit of a sticky subject for some people, but for me it just seems like something relatively apparent in your personality. Getting diagnosed with autism and adhd was incredibly beneficial to me, in helping me to better understand myself and why I do things, and so I suggest this in the hope that it might be helpful to you as well
I also agree with this. I am diagnosed with autism myself and I see a lot of signs in Alex. I understand that he is probably really sceptical about all this, but I think it would good for him to look into it.
Hi Alex, I have been hoping for more of your personal story and waiting for this video. Love all the clips!! You are a unique and special human and I honestly truly admire you. And dare I sound too motherly…I’m proud of you. I have a 17 year also who was never build for school. I will be completely fine if she just gets her GED at the end of all this…and this gives me hope she can do that . Right now I just want her to absorb as much as she can in school without worrying about the grades just to better prepare for the GED. She is intelligent. I know that school success has no reflection on her intelligence. Same for you. You are clearly smarter than most. Regrets are a waste of time. So I’m glad to hear this video didn’t end in “I regret…” Thanks so much for this one!!
I dropped out of 10th grade because I would get panic attack before tests, failed most of them. I didn't even get equivalent of a GED in my country (yours sounds bit easier). I only wish I somehow could pass it, maybe one day because it's a lot harder to get decent opportunities once you can show you have 2 iq + . I think the school system just isn't very well designed sure most people can do it, but the outliers have to go so much trouble to get trough it. But looking back I'm really glad I dropped out, idk how my life would have been if I had to stay in school, probably wouldn't have been great for my mental health. Thank you for this video!
I dropped out as soon as I could and it was the best decision I could make at the time. I sadly still don't have a job or do anything useful with myself but I'm pretty physically and mentally messed up lol. I honestly believe I wouldn't be alive today if I didn't drop out
I got a GED in 1997, I got a doctorate in 2021.... 100% recommend dropping out of school as soon as possible, especially if you have something to do to fill your time.
i started drawing for work around 14ish and i knew at that point i knew that's what i was going to do and i loved getting to work for people by myself and run my own business and schedule the only reason i stayed through highschool was because my father wanted me to finish up but i ended up having to go through online school anyways because i just could not keep up with what our school had planned- and i dont really think that diploma is going to have much use now that my senior year was on some online school and not an official highschool lol been about 6, 7ish years and im doing great and well off enough to be able to make my art my full time job!! it has it's bad days, but every job will have it's bad days just because people don't understand it or because it's not a regular job doesnt mean it's not just as valid and powerful i hope with more journeys like yours online more people are encouraged to follow their passions in a smart and planned manner
I hated school. I asked my mom if I could drop out at 16, she wouldnt let me so instead I graduated a year early at 17. I hate school and I hate teachers. And kids are assholes. Thats why I homeschool my kids now. (I'm 27). Well "unschooling". So I teach math, reading, spelling, english, "good citizenship", those are the requirements in Texas. Then my oldest, my 6 year old son is also in piano lessons and horse riding lessons every week, as well as we teach him spanish (we're Mexican although spanish isnt my first language, nor my husband's). And my kids go with us everywhere, they work on the cars with my husband because hes a mechanic, and they enjoy it, as well as gardening with me and taking care of our chickens, as well as butchering the chickens. All more useful than the government daycare they call the school system, just placed there to keep people in line, indoctrinate, and waste our time we could actually be learning tools for life. Anyway, I hate school, and teachers. I had a genuine self-ending attempt at 13 years old, that didnt work, it wouldve if it were different 💊, because I ate a whole bottle of a parent's prescription, but i dont know what they were and apparently they were harmless to eat 40+ of. Anyway, that should tell you my state of mind in middle school 🙃 im protecting my kids from all the bad shit I experienced in government aka "public" schooling
Great video ALEX, I’m a introverted minimalist who used to be into reptiles, but then decided most reptiles are probably better off in the wild and I think it’s not so great the trade in reptiles, I love your introverted nature, I can relate
Yeah HS was a total failure for me. I was 16, taking a mix of 9th, 10th and 11th grade classes because I was behind- had a couple of friends that I never saw outside of school, but I was lonely for the most part. Very depressed, slept through every class I could, would ditch school as much as I possibly could…eventually I convinced my parents that I was miserable and was going to be in high school until I was 21. Got my GED at age 17 and went to community college. Still working on my degree, have a great job and have no regrets. If high school literally isn’t for you, just DROP OUT, get your GED go to community college for 2 years and transfer to a university.
You cant exactly control your *luck* as luck is success or failure apparently brought by chance rather than through one's own actions. Plus I was also born in the US and medical care is controlled by how much money you have or if your lucky enough to have parents with jobs that have decent health care. I moved out of my parents home as soon as I graduated high school. *they lost their jobs and the house and if I didnt I would be homeless.* Extremely neglectful and mildly abusive household. I could not drive, did not have a car and I left with 3k only that I got by working at walmart while doing school. I passed with a 3.4GPA but no chance of going to college due to family issues. I work 3 part time jobs to pay rent and my car loan, got screwed by the dealership as it needed repairs within a month. I work in a walgreens pharmacy a few hours in the day time, though they keep cutting my hours, a gas station during the night on the weekends, and doordash but my area is iffy for food delivery services as its out in the country with a small city nearby, I do also breed guppies and sell them to a pet shop but its not profitable. I regret not being able to use any part of high school for any job really, almost all of what I do with my part time jobs I could have done with middle school learning. If I could go to college for something...writing might be nice or maybe learning to edit videos. TH-cam sounds fun but im not sure I could do it as a job with my current financial situation. Its obviously a grindy type of job with no quick payout. I NEED money to pay my rent, my parents stopped making sure food was in the house when I was a young teen, clothes, and general necessities I had to pay for with babysitting money. Its been 2 weeks since I had a day off. Also have you considered if you have ADHD or something along those lines? If you had issues with school? Im also 23.
I'm sure you know, but for those that don't and are curious. ADD is now known as ADHD clinically (diagnosed ADHDer here) we now recognize three types, inattentive( used to be known as ADD, hyperactive, and combined type, but all are ADHD.
Thank you for sharing! Being able to figure out when something truly isn't working and then having the guts to quit is such a valuable life skill. And it's great your family supported you, both by giving you all the chances and tools to try and finish school, and then accepting (regretfully I imagine but still) your decision to quit.
In my experience, I don't remember anything about my school life, academically anyway. That's gone all down the drain, and it was exacerbated by my struggle to socialize. My classes were irrelevant because I was so behind in my education due to it too and moving. I would love to have dropped out and just get a GED and not have to experience any of that. School really is, for some, just a waste of time. I feel like your experience is an example of how the school system fails some kids and it is not built to be flexible to the requirements some people need.
im 40 years old and i dropped out of high school. which seems like forever ago. i did get my GED and its basically the same thing as a high school diploma. i never had an issue with jobs or going to school. i'm glad i did it till this day. i didn't enjoy high school at all. my only regret is that i couldn't have done it sooner
I think you are smart, you've done well with your businesses, you just have a brain that learns better from experinace than from being taught. Everyone learns in different ways. The education system lets a lot of people down becuase it tries to teach everyone to be the same. We all have our own strenghts weaknesses. A lot of growing up is figuring out who you are, what your abilities are, and what you can do that's of value to others.
@@GoHerping Yes that totally makes sense. Rather than describing you as a "slow learner" I would say that you have a very quick mind that gets bored easily, so you need to be actively doing things in order to concentrate.
Graduation isn't a thing in Europe. You go to school , Leave , Get a job, Whatever job , you pay taxes and that pays for your life. Free at point of use Medical/Health. They cannot fire you because of workers rights, You're covered with social care for unemployment , It's great, No worries at all. I left school at 15 and have worked for the last 35 years, also periodically been unemployed, But never felt stressed about it. It works itself out. All good.....
What country are you in? Despite workers' rights, people are fired all the time in France. It's why we have the labor court system (conseils de prud'hommes).
in my country they also can't just fire you. But that doesn't matter because if they really want to fire you they will find a way or wait until you make a small mistake, or make your workplace toxic so you quit yourself.
Aaaaaaw little Alex is so cute! The mannerisms in which you speak never changed and thats adroable 🤣 never pictured you as a drop out. But honestly I personally never saw GED less than high-school at the end of your day your showing you're capable. So either way you're certified. You have passions and reached for them I think that's more than enough. Schools not for everyone but as long as you actually do something with your life instead of bumming around like come through 7 year old entrepreneur. Anyways I'm glad you pursued your passion because now thousands of people watch you and enjoy your content. You're quite entertaining whether it be your current content or your animal content. Either way I'm here to stay ✌🏼✨️✨️
I stand firm in my belief that everybody can learn. BUT! Everybody doesn't learn the same things the same way! You are a very intelligent young man who can learn just about anything with the right motivation, and classic classroom education doesn't motivate you. Now that you've found your motivation (revenue&asset optimisation) you are diving head first into anything new you see the need to learn - and succeeding. There's nothing wrong with you, there's a lot wrong with the system that was unable to help you learn.
This is interesting. I just found your channel a couple weeks ago because I wanted to learn about toads. From your interesting, specific, and unique, interests I assumed you had been homeschooled. Plus the fact that you were so knowledgeable about your "field" at such a young age, could articulate the information so well, and were a young entrepreneur all said, "homeschooled," to me. I have a positive veiw of homeschooling so this is not shade.
omg I got caught cheating on a French test in middle school and it was honestly horrendous. There wasn't any type of real punishment for it, but being called out in front of the whole class and having to involve my parents was so awful.
"Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity", this is truly something I believe in lol! Also please don't cheat in school. It wasn't fair that the school system failed you and couldn't meet your learning needs. But when cheaters get caught it can seriously create insurmountable obstacles to furthering their education later on if they decide they want to pursue it later in life.
Remember that dropping school and "making it" on social media is short term and not sustainable in the long run. So many people are doing it and so many people will end up with the same skills so the competition in the end will be great and there might not be a demand for it in the future. Don't start planning when you are in a bad place. With age and few setbacks you might not have the trust and belief in yourself. Learn while you are young, it gets harder later.
I may or may not have done independent study my last two years of high school and my teachers definitely did not give me the answers to all the test because I always showed up to my one day a week and did the homework assignments that the other kids didn’t and was done 6 months early. Wink wink. Glad we can all relate to how school isn’t for everyone and people learn by Interest. I like to think I’m pretty smart in a few subjects but I hate doing it because I’m not interested. I love spending time on stuff I care about to once I’m hooked I’m hooked and in that way I relate. Maybe I’ll start uploading videos. Love the video and channel Alex keep up the grind bro.
Dont worry you dont have to conclude all that. How can you your still very much on your personal journey. I was so sad about your school life so thankful you had parents who understood. I left at 16 and home soon after. Its sad they couldnt engage your learning style. Im sure loads have commented this, have you been tested for low level asburgers. That and your learning style is likely why it panned out like it did. Well done Alex.
I'm turning 23 soon, and I can tell you, my biggest regret was starting college fresh out of school. I was a terrible student at school, and an even worse student at college. I've had many emotional issues that I was acumulating, and the pressure of college made me completely collapse. As of right now, i've only progressed a few years on college, failed many assignments, dissapointed my parents in many ways, and I just feel like I've wasted my early twenties doing nothing other than forcing myself to study. So yeah, college is not for everyone, and you were smart enough to realise that before making a big mistake.
As a teacher watching this, it is so interesting. I'm happy you found your thing, though. The education system is garbage tbh and the usa needs to rework things.
Those who graduate school do better on average. However, those who drop out but have a drive/passion and actively try can do as well as their graduating peers.
The fact is you can learn anything on the internet but not many people see that. Just try to learn new things and create something out of the things you learn that can also serve as a testament to you self driven learning style. Like i said before anything can be learnt on the internet we just have to take initiative of our own learning! Education is about learning something new and it's a life long journey. People like Albert Einstein, Nickola Tesla or Steve Jobs took charge of their own learning and have contributed positively to society.
Interesting video ❤ I got into nursing school with a diploma I purchased online which I’m still ashamed to say I did but I tried taking the GED severally and failed so I had no option
That blue-tongue skink was having the time of their lives in that celebratory pic. Ah yes, unteachable...that explains your whole eating every fruit and vegetable fiasco. And you didn't even want to bother with learning about geography of the Indian subcontinent? Geography is important, bro. People, especially Americans, can't talk geopolitics if they don't know geography...the GEO in geopolitics! The surrounding geography shapes who we are as peoples and cultures. It's why creatures live the way they do. But thank you for sharing your story. Furthering your education isn't for everyone, and sometimes the answer to how to become a success is in front of you the whole time. You're not perfect but then again, nobody is! Not even me.
Thank you so much for sharing your story! I'm a bit older than you, though also not that old yet. I hated school probably as much as you did, but TH-cam and other social media weren't there yet (or at least not in my reach), and I didn't know another way besides somehow following the “usual” way. I ended up spending far too much time in school, I think. Did it bring something? Yes and no. Because of school, and university later, I went to live in Vietnam (now hitting my ninth year) and learned my third language, which all opened up an entire new culture with many experiences. But, also because of school, I'm just now starting to make my own TH-cam channel - and man, do I feel late to the game! However, on the other hand - and I think that's what your video shows the most - you have got to do what you think is right to do in life. Your videos and your channel are the best examples of what happens if you find your own way in life. So, congrats to you for creating so much content and following your path! :)
Try remedial classes at community college. Don’t feel the need to go further if you don’t want to, but they are really good at teaching from square-one. They will teach you how to read, do math, and write. If you passed your GED, you might enjoy learning in a formal setting. You can choose your classes, after that. It’s just something to do. I think that it is useful for everyone, not just those who plan on more school. If you have been out of school for awhile, it may help with your confidence and esteem, and just make you feel “smarter”. Really, it’s just like watching TH-cam videos with added grades. I just think about it like that.
I don't want to encourage people to drop out but, as a 4.0 student who was super smart and the teacher's pet etc, school is literally a joke and doesn't matter. They don't really teach you anything you need to know. Any classes I did learn valuable life skills in (Personal Finance for example) I had to go out of my way to take as an elective, and then it got cut the next year altogether. I hated my school so much because it was run poorly and openly racist etc. But I think all course curriculum are kind of the same so I really didn't learn anything. I refused to show up to my graduation because I hated my school and my guidance counselor (who was a massive dick) was like "wow that sucks you aren't going you were one of the best students this year :/" like fuck him. Even tho I was a 4.0 kid in high school I ended up not doing as well in community college because I just couldn't bring myself to care anymore; I got mixes of A's and B's with I think a few C's even. My associates has never done anything for me. I was going to transfer to a 4yr school and get a bachelors in environmental science but ended up dropping that because it could NEVER be worth the price. I do not want to spend the rest of my life paying off college debt. The only reason college would be worth it, imo, is for the social experience (which I regrettably missed at a community college) or if you know you want X as a job and it require Y degree. That's it. But again all just my personal experience.
Ayyy fellow grade 10/11 dropout here. I don't regret it at all either, I just wasnt in the right mindset to be able to do it i guess, i remember being there and thinking why am i even wasting my time here?? And then i just never went back. Watched a whole 8 season show back to back though, that was pretty cool
There's always room for the simulation next time around 😉I think people like you (and people like me which is why I watch your videos) truly don't have any other options. I'm approaching 40 and to give you a little insight there will always be this little devil on your shoulder looking at everyone and saying "if I had just been normal you could be getting that big partnership" or whatever corporate bs they talk about...but its a mask my friend and what everyone actually wants is what you will already have. Remember that. Be willing to adapt and change and continue to evolve and you'll always be part of that 1%.
Even though I graduated I barely scraped by. Having to sit and listen to lectures, reading, diagrams, and theories was not and still not for me. I myself am someone that either needs to physically see or do the task/job at hand to truly comprehend it. Everyone learns differently and it didnt take me long to figure out the college was not for me. I cant fault anyone that drops out and gets a GED because looking back today, had I of failed at all in my highschool/senior year I too would of walked.
As a counter point, I was so close to dropping out of college because I wanted to study something else, but I got an internship that lead to a dream job in something I actually cared about. The internship was only available to college students. The job has nothing to do with my degree either lol
i looked up this video because i just signed a paper dropping out of school super nervous for what lies ahead i realized that school wasn't for me around 10th grade and mid threw 11th grade i just stopped going to school when i got into 12th i just went 1 day the first day of school haven't gone since then plan on getting my GED
(trigger warning: way too many words, heart felt, hopefully comforting words in the end) I don't think it's your fault. I have watched your videos for a long while now, I've been subscribed almost as long. I've watched you struggle for a while now, watching the passion fizzle out has been painful. I want you to know that there are still so many of us that care about you and want to see you happy and successful in whatever way that looks like for you. If you're reading this, I hope you don't take this the wrong way, because I don't mean it to be upsetting or disrespectful. I say this as someone who is diagnosed with ADHD( wasn't diagnosed until I was 18)....Have you ever been evaluated for ADHD and Autism? You have described just in this video 1. Hyper fixations, 2. Trouble learning things at the same speed as others..but, 3. Great success learning things you hyper focus on... until the hyper focus wears off, 4. Difficulty in social situations, making friends fitting in ect. 5. Finding cheat codes in life to help get through things, I bet you've gotten good at guessing through things because of your struggles to pay attention to school and other areas of your life. 6. You fidget constantly and you have a very anxious personality. ... There's more, and you might know all of this already but they are highly Nero diverse traits. I see your struggles and I see myself in this story because I was having and still have these same and similar experiences, especially before being diagnosed and finding the proper help and recourses. For me it was meds and therapy, for others it can be different. If this is something you have, ADHD or autism or both (which from my long time watching your videos and even just this video alone I would bet money on), it is a physical disability(improper balance and production of necessary chemicals in your brain), it effects every aspect of your life and you've described it well here without realizing... or voicing it at least. If anyone else or you are up to it, here's how I relate, don't let it take away from your experience, but hopefully it will add to feeling less alone and more accepted, because regardless of diagnosis or anything else, you are not dumb(no matter what you think), and you deserve to be happy and feel like you belong. My story: I was a little slow, and weird as a kid, and I have always really loved and still love animals. My family called me "the chicken whisperer" XD... because of the amount of time I isolated myself from people and spent time with our chickens, there would be a birthday party and there I would be away from all of the people, sitting in the chicken coop holding a chicken when they finally found me. I went to public school and I didn't make many friends, but I was closest with the other "strange, weird, fun, problematic" kids, I argued with teachers the most in elementary school, but I didn't start slipping behind until about 5th grade, still no friends really apart from one at the time, getting bullied for my curly hair...they gave me the nickname "poodle" feel free to never bring that one back XD. My grades slipped, I didn't hand in assignments, teachers said things like " has potential, needs to apply self, try harder, focus, would be find if she just did her homework." ....I tried my best and just couldn't. I did try and play the flute through middle school, but I was pretty much faking it.. or feel like I was. I just knew I loved/ still love music, especially singing. So my mom pulled me out of public school to homeschool me when she realized I was doing really bad I did homeschooling all through highschool (8, 9, 10, 11, and 12th), though I am pretty sure I didn't deserve to graduate and didn't feel smart enough I pushed through and managed to... I graduated high school, and got into college (diagnosed with anxiety and depression my first semester ....despite having symptoms much longer). I went for zoology(still in love with animals) : )... until I was a sophomore and dropped out shortly after my adult ADHD diagnosis I was struggling before then obviously. For now I'm taking a break, though I plan to go back if I can figure things out better. If I'm honest, I still feel a lot of shame around it, and like my life so far was cheated from me because I was diagnosed with ADHD when I was 19, but there are so many that go even longer some people into their 50s before ever getting diagnosed, it is highly under diagnosed. Especially if you have both ADHD and Autism, because they cancel each other out...a lot. But that's about everything till now, 20 now, I've got a bearded dragon, 5 leopard geckos, and two crested geckos that I got from rehome/ rescue situations I've had them for a while now. Heck, I do pet sitting and think about starting a YT channel constantly, I tried doing insta cart XD most anything to avoid a regular job because deep down I never felt like I was capable and I really have to do everything all of nothing...and I should stop typing already ...yikes, I'm sorry if this is too much. but I want you to know you're not alone. Thank you for sharing your experience, it helped me feel less alone at least, even if this did nothing for you. Sincerely, - Galaxy
Hey Alex, my boyfriend took a similar route and got his GED when he was 16 and went to college. Did general classes eventually went for a trade and became a chef and did fine dining for while but eventually got serious about college and was going for engineering but decided to go for computer science and that's what he graduated for. He went back to school late 20s so anyone hesitant don't, you can do it. It was hard and we made some sacrifices but if you keep at it you can do it, you're never too old! The reason why is because health insurance and other normal job things aren't a reality in the food industry at least it's not common. Insurance wasn't as important when we were younger but then he had some issues with a knee and he had insurance but it could have been better or if he had no insurance that would have been terrible. Luckily his job liked him enough to keep his spot for him. Even in fine dining. Some places are different but not many. His career has changed so much for us. No kids but have been together for 17 years. ☺️ Your priorities change a point, at least they do for some. We just both took a week off from our jobs to hang out, do stuff around our state, and just enjoy existing right now. ❤
I had pretty much the same experience in school. I dropped out in 9th grade, I repeated it twice. In two different schools. Then I told my parents I would take the GED after I left 9th grade. I didn't until I was 17, turning 18. I got it in a few months and with that I was able to apply to study fine art at one of my countries top universities. And the funny part of it all was that they gave me a matric exemption. Which is when the dean decides you can attend without a high-school diploma, because in my case my portfolio was good enough? And they stopped accepting GED the year before I applied . But, it was crazy because finally when I was on my own I actually become really invested and enjoyed what I was learning for the GED. I don't even know if it was all necessary, it just made me happy that I was finally able to understand the things that teachers could never explain to me. And now I'm in a top university? This shit makes no sense. But at least I'm happy making art, sculpture and photography. I'm doing the things that I did when I dropped out. That's how I know it's the right place. Because I would have gone and done those things anyway. But in my room. It's crazy what a paper diploma can do. Was really interesting to learn more about your experience, I've been watching your channel for a while. One of my favourites🤌🏼 Good soup 🍲
tbh your school attitude i guess? is very similar to mine im just so bad at learning in a structured sort of environment, i can do well enough to get by, and for subjects im interested in i have no problem math classes i just cannot, and i wouldve gotten nowhere if i hadnt done what you should've for french if you had gone to college at 18 like i did, you could have still been in college at 22, without a bachelors, it's pretty easy to fall behind that 4-year college timeline if you fail or drop a class, you'll still need the credit, so you have to either take more summer classes or more semesters livin the life
I think you should take a science class at a community college that would serve as credits for Vet school. Would be interesting to see if its easier for you now that you are older. If it is maybe you bcould go to vet school.
@@GoHerping Wow. Considering how much time you've spent with animals that's a real statement. Kind of makes me feel basd for you. Dealing with all those animals in the end must have been over whelming I guess? I have dogs, cats, and rabbits and it is stressfull at times especially if any one is sick- I lose sleep.
I know this comment is a month late still hope you see it, the school system doesn't support anyone who thinks differently that's been a fact since even i was a young kid so seeing your overview of was it worth dropping out; in my opinion it is it can give you a brief time to breath and then slowly build your life up to something that you genuinely think would be better than sitting in a classroom for that long, that many times and as long as it's productive and makes you a better person it doesn't matter if you graduated from school
You remind me of my son. Smart and stubborn. Very logical. You probably point out mistakes in commercials and movies. Lol The way you think can make you seem like you are socially awkward. Uber driving will definitely help you with that. You may not like change, but you are good at adapting to it. With the determination that you have to keep moving forward. The only thing that I would like to say to you is, it is ok to make friends. I mean true friends, not acquaintances. You know what I'm talking about. I'm willing to bet you have a ton of acquaintances, but no "friends" by definition. Like come over and hang out, type friends. Which isn't a bad thing, don't get me wrong. It's just how you work. I know you don't get the astrology and signs thing. But you are definitely a Pisces. You have some traits from Aries, though, because you are at the end of Pisces. This probably isn't the first time you've been told this, but you feel like an old soul. You don't have time for "nonsense" per se. Lol, let me know if I'm wrong. I'm just saying, what would it hurt to have a game day at your place, or you go over to someone else's place and hang out for a bit. One day off a month 😆 🤣 Just once, try it. What could it hurt? 🤷♀️🤷♀️ Life is too short to just work yourself to death. That's all I'm saying. One day out and away from work of any kind. If you totally hate it and found it was a waste of time, fine, move on. Keep your determination you have to succeed, and you'll do great. But just take time for yourself once in a while or before you know it, you're 70, hahahahaha
This video really resonated with me. I had trouble with general learning just like you explained, and I started cheating in school when I reached 8th grade, and then again in 10th with online school. I'm determined to learn and to get my GED and go to college. I struggle with ADHD and possibly autism, and I feel like we're both very similar. I'm worried to have a serious conversation about dropping out with my parents, because the moment I suggested the idea, my mom told me she'd kick me out. Do you have any advice?
Dude, you fine if you drop out of school hell im probably gonna do it because i got past this year my the skin on my teeth my parents say that dropping out of high school isnt good but you can still succeed without finishing highschool.
Greetings and Salutations I have my G.E.D & someone college, I have recently transferred to public university with the right amount of credits. This is yes indeed 22 textbooks a class, I didn't receive my G.E.D until almost 1 year after dropping out of high school & traveling (#backpacking) until I was 19 years old Good Luck Thanks
Idk how you had so much drive as a kid, I took years of film classes being some of the only classes I did well in but I just couldn’t force myself to keep working at it, streaming was the only thing I made it far enough to make money and still lost track and stopped a few times, I barely have drive now even though it’s my dream, but in middle school I just goofed off and games all the time
This is the third year in a row I recorded this video, but the first time I didn't delete it - finally felt like I was able to create a good summary of everything. If you'd like to help me in continuing to avoid education, consider a channel membership :) th-cam.com/channels/xZQfGBeFsz6J_wfFKw-kvA.htmljoin
You’ve fallen off so hard
@@ayh4968 I’m so glad I’m not the only one thinking that.
@@ayh4968 tf you still doing here then lol
@@ayh4968 oop
Why don't you go back to reptiles? Rescuing them and or breeding reptiles
Thanks for sharing your story. It was really interesting learning how traditional public school just wasn't a good fit for you, but you still found a way to make a living and are satisfied with the path you took.
Your school career sounds nearly identical to mine! By 10th grade I crumbled and started skipping classes because my anxiety was too much to handle; so my mom pulled me to get my GED.
THIS TOO i relate to both of u
Me too.
Feel like this is happening to me rn 😭
@@user-lv9cv1hr4m I'm sorry hun. :( Hang in there, one day you'll be done with school. 🫶🏻
Same but I never got pulled out so I had to suffer through and thankfully I graduated but barely.
Not doing well in school doesn't mean someone isn't smart or driven. Education is a good path for some people, but it isn't the only way to success and happiness. It is the "acceptable" way according to society, but I also know a ton of people with college degrees that don't end up working in their field of study and are left with thousands in student debt. And I know people that dropped out and start their own business or do a trade that pays amazing. It's all about doing what's best for you.
Both Bill Gates and Steve Jobs dropped out of college. Things definitely worked out for them doing what they wanted to do!
As a 33 year old lady, never owned a reptile, I always wondered why I related to you and now I know: we had the same school experience. I “dropped out” in 8th grade, had a chill year, then high school was correspondence school where my only grades were on open book tests. So basically I could cheat every test. I still had a hard time, but I did it all on my own schedule.
You’re not defined by a degree or certificate, and I think you’re one of the most successful people I’ve ever seen because you continue to try new things and evolve. Keep on doing what you’re doing.
I was wondering if I was the only older female watching. Lol. I enjoy him so much. I find myself caring about him and I enjoy his videos so much. I find him truly fascinating. What a cool human !
@@erintraicene7422 lol, me three !! 31F, his deadpan humor and irreverance for BS always tickled me.
On topic of school, I did "ok" until the last 2 years of high school, where we had more personal freedom on what to study. People have a amazing ability to learn - if they are actually interested in something! Fancy that! 😁
alex got a milf fanbase
he's not going to frick you lady
You will be glad on your deathbed that you dropped out. Trust me
This is actually one of my favorite videos from you. Not everyone is built for the school system, and it’s really ok!
:D thanks
same
@@GoHerping I feel better about my c average in high school and my 7 year bachelor's degree after watching your video.
@annettehui: You are so right. I dropped out well over forty years ago... and the school system was twenty years behind the times even then.
I found your TH-cam channel, goherping, most enjoyable. I think you are a very charismatic lad, and very enterprising; and your love of animals really showed through. I want to compliment you on your rescue of Rosie, the boa constrictor. She was a simple, beautiful creature, who suffered so much in that tiny tank at the back of your classroom - and you gave her a decent life before she died. You shouldn't have cheated, but you are an admirable human being in so many ways. And you have a real talent for making TH-cam videos. Well done for what you achieved ...
It makes very little difference if you have a diploma or GED. The drop out rate is so high a huge portion of the population has a GED. I dropped out the beginning of my 11th grade year. I got a GED maybe a year later. Now I’m a nurse and have a great career. It makes no difference.
Im in my last semester of highschool im in the process of getting my GED and dropping out cus i had to stay at the hospital for a while cus of un-medicated bipolar disorder that i didn't know i had and was diagnosed with for 5 years lol i got so behind that I'll have to finish next year but i really hate highschool and my dad got a GED it didn't make a difference for him either
oh cool. yeah, the more experiences I hear, the more I wonder why half of highschool is even a thing. Instead of kids just exploring ideas, working and making money with a GED
It does make a difference u got a ged a year later nigga u did it most didn’t that’s why they here
Have you ever been tested for autism? That’s not an insult because I’m autistic, a lot of your traits sound similar to my experience combined with getting obsessed with things, lack of social skills, the food sensory issues. Food for thought! So to speak
ive thought this too
Comments like this are why I stay in bed.
@@janine6779 Yes adhd too, I also have that. The sensory thing is what made me question autism. But again, not in any way an insult but more a way to validate the way he/we are and that it’s not all his fault.
@@panameadeplm Not sure I follow lol
Yes, I agree.
Alex, consider looking into Austism and ADHD. Your issues with formal education, social interactions and food are kind of red flags for neurodiversity. I have ADHD myself and struggel with formal education but thrive with selfdirected projectbased learning. Even if you dont want to go for a formal diagnosis, looking into how ADHD and Austism can affect adults and how you can accomedate your self in daily life can be really helpful! i really apretiate how open you are.
If I can find a place that lets me record, I'd consider finding someone to do some tests lol
@@GoHerping that would make a pretty interesting video!
@GoHerping some will. You should if you are able to. It'd help you understand your mind a bit more. We've had a really similar path and it has helped me
@GoHerping I always thought you were diagnosed with adhd Or was that anxiety. Not being rube I been diagnosed with both
I was thinking the same thing... My son and I both are ADHD + autistic and public schools can make these kids feel like there's something that they're not doing right, when the problem is that the teachers may not know how to give them the right kind of encouragement and direction. I remember having to deal with a metric ton of "you're just not applying yourself" growing up. Takes a long time to realize that "I'm okay, the situation I was put into as a child was a little traumatizing" or "the adults didn't know how to help."
I know you've dodged this in the past, but I really think you should talk to someone about whether or not you're autistic. I know you might think autism is an insult because of awful Internet culture, but I assure you that it's not. I'm autistic and I just embrace who I am. I think the reason middle school and high school was rough for you was because you were in the wrong classes. You weren't in a special education class. And being in one isn't wrong either because they help you get on the right path one step at a time slowly. When I moved to NJ from NY (I'm back in NY now), I struggled in third grade. My grades were plummeting, and they decided to move me to a special education class and I was able to catch up and excel. Because I'm on the high-functioning side of the spectrum, I was able to transition out of special education in high school as they thought I was ready for regular classes (AP too), and I thank them for preparing me.
That being said, you've obviously grown since then! Life is about finding what works for you. Not everything will go your way but you learn to try, try again whether it's Emerald Scales, doing DoorDash and Uber. And owning a TH-cam channel with 600K followers is a feat. Be proud of yourself! Don't think about the past, focus on you and your goals and keep moving forward.
Bravo! We folks on the spectrum can definitely excel at what we WANT to do. While Alex might have been a poor student, if autistic, he's high functioning and does extremely well in interests that certainly need the intelligence behind them from the herpetology to making the videos and more.
Yes I feel like he shows a lot of signs of maybe being on the spectrum. (Such as inability to focus, problems with texture and sensation, ability to become very overwhelmed very fast or easily, and large/long obsessions). Even though it doesn’t necessarily mean one is autistic, they are very common signals and I really think his life can improve if he actually learns once and for all if he’s on the spectrum. even if it’s just a label, it can really help to be aware of what is happening versus be kept in the dark.
I agree I really think hes on the spectrum and getting a diagnosis would help alot. I am 32 and going to get evaluated. There's no shame!❤
He is pretty clearly on the spectrum and there’s nothing wrong with that!
I agree. As a neurodivergent I find that it really works well knowing and accepting who I am. I see so much of my experience from school in this video.
Alex, I am SHOCKED. I have followed you for a few years and I ALWAYS assumed that you were an advanced student in school- someone who was leaps and bounds ahead of your peers academically and maturity-wise. This is truly mind-blowing to me. While I think it’s unfortunate that you weren’t supported through a traditional education, I want you to know that the way you present yourself is far from the reality of your situation.
Your channel has changed drastically from when I originally watched and frankly, I enjoy it more but I just hope you continue to figure things out for yourself in a way that’s monetary beneficial and also fulfilling to you personally.
I really admire you a lot and enjoy watching your YT, the degree of self-taught education that you have is absolutely amazing, you should be incredibly proud of yourself for your natural state of being-you come across as highly educated and I really assumed you would have flown through college.
I can relate, I am a shit test taker but incredibly intelligent, it really sucks that that type of situation is as limiting as it is.
Anyway, keep doing your thing! You don’t need to follow traditional paths when you have natural intelligence, an understanding of collecting knowledge, and the ability to suss it all out. I wish I had the ability to do that and moreover, the self motivation.
Thank you for sharing!
(Also) Alex
thanks!
Taditional education is complete garbage in America and doesn't fit a huge majority of intelligent, successful people. It also doesn't teach you even 1% of what you actually need to know as an adult. I don't really understand your shock.
I dropped out too, no regrets 🤷🏼♀️ I work full time and get paid the same as someone with a degree in my position
nice
My dad told me that people who struggle in high school do better in life. This is because those people know what struggle is and how to get through it.
school was rough for me too. i ended up doing homeschooling for highschool, and did the ged when i was 16 (i had prepped and learned enough to take it). i then started at a community college and started with just a couple classes, and now im about to get my associates. i still find school very difficult, but college is honestly easier for me.
i really like videos like these because it shows people that not everyone does things the traditional way, and thats okay
School doesn't teach you even 1% of what you actually need to know to survive as an adult in this society. You speak eloquently, work hard, support yourself, have the best sense of humor, and are incredibly caring. You did well Alex. ❤
I also got my GED but I was pretty different from you. I was an effortless A kid till around late middle school when I realized I didn't know how to actually try and began dropping down to Bs and Cs, which really upset me. Got depressed, ended up doing online school then public then back to online again. Stopped caring about it at all, stopped doing schoolwork at all around 17, then got my GED at 18.
I don't plan on sending my kids to school, I'll homeschool them. I figure if any kids are different from normal then things can adapt to their needs like your parents eventually did with you by going hands off.
I don't regret it either and I think for you it was the obvious right choice.
Out of curiosity, have you you ever been evaluated for ADHD, autism or both, I'm diagnosed and had a very similar experience, and there a a crazy amount of people saying similar things in this comment section with a diagnosis.
If you homeschool your kids, please make sure they get proper socialization and are around diverse people
You sound exactly like me
This was literally y experience. Gifted my ass.
My great-grandmother dropped out in the 8th grade. She then raised her seven siblings, especially her youngest sister. Her parents had a lot of issues. My great-grandmother is my number one role model. She raised two of her own daughters, and even helped raise my mom too. She died in 2011. I wish I had found your NC Nature News channel when I was younger. It really would have cheered me up so much. Sadly I wasn't online back then. I was only 11/12 years old and wasn't allowed to use my mom's computer. Anyways, this channel means a lot me. I watched so many videos in the covid era that entertained me in the darkest and lonliest hours. So yeah, I'm a lil st0n3d right now. But my point is, it doesn't matter your education level, you can still accomplish amazing things. Like my great-grandmother. Follow your dreams Alex, you got this!
that's a Chad grandma, and I appreciate that :)
Idk why i find these videos so interesting. Probably because I’ve been watching your herp videos since I was a kid.
It’s cool to see what you’re up to. Cheers
Enjoyed this one so much!!
aye, thank you :D
Thank you for telling your story. While you might have been a poor student, you're definitely an intelligent young man. I get the impression from your story that you could quite possibly be neurodivergent -- on the autism spectrum. I am myself and I identify with throwing myself into an interest until it no longer interests me, studying things I want to rather than a school curriculum. Unlike you, I was just bored in school and coasted through with high grades, no studying and ended up in individual study for many classes. I left school at 16 without graduating but went immediately to college, finishing my high school graduation credits my first year of college. But, from the not fitting in, etc., you remind me a lot of my own youth (I'm old now). Keep being you. You have done the right thing for yourself and you're in a lot better straits than many several years older than you.
I was going to mention autism, too!
sometimes i kinda regret not graduating but then again no one really asks me if i graduated, i also dropped out in 10th-11th grade and attempted online school LOL i had no self control and dropped out all together... a few months after i got my g.e.d
This is really validating because I went through literally the same experience. Proves that school itself doesn’t build the person and isn’t for everyone. Now that I’m out I’ve found I learn much better in a one on one hands on setting but I don’t think theres a college that does that so I’m just getting online certifications
I'm autistic and I'm an IT Manager. Autism isn't an insult and if you do get tested and you find out you are autistic, be proud of all you have done so far. Autism is not really an intellectual disability, it is a social disability. This is why a lot of kids with autism struggle in school, because we struggle with a lot of things besides trying to be social - sensory input, meltdowns, etc.
I still struggle to communicate in day to day life, but I've gotten a lot better as I have grown.
Thanks for sharing. Sometimes the unconventional route is the best. We are taught that you only succeed by going to school, getting good grades and finding a job which isn’t true. Many people learn in different ways and the way the American school system is structured isn’t for everyone.
Props to you because I’ve done it the conventional way and now I’m trying to unlearn somethings and take advantage of the opportunities/privileges out there like you spoke about in your video.
This was really interesting to watch. I'm sorry you had to go through that school experience, it's made me realize how lucky I am for school to come so naturally to me I guess? I'm currently about to finish my junior year in a dual-credit school, in which I'm doing high school and two years of college (so graduating with a diploma and an associate's degree), and all through my life I've never earned less than an A in a class. I've put in a shit ton of effort of course but I can't deny that I just find it easier than others. And I guess it makes you wonder why some people thrive while others don't in a school environment.
Like, personally I don't think academics really shows whether a person is intelligent at all. Doing school feels more like a skill. I know kids who get straight As and yet have absolutely no "street smarts." They're so naive about the world and their just general knowledge about life is horrendously bad. And yet they have a huge ego because they're good at Calculus. They're not 'smart,' they just have a decent memory and are good at school. But I guess I can't blame them. I used to base my entire worth on how good at school I was and I went through a huge depression around middle school when it occurred to me that maybe grades aren't everything? Like who even am I without good grades? Am I still a good person? And I think that's a huge flaw in the education system (among many). You're right about luck and privilege. I'm extremely privileged to have a complete family that has always been incredibly involved in my success.
I'm glad you found a path that worked for you. I'm still not sure if I'm on the right path. Is going through all this stress (and potentially money if I can't pull off some good scholarship) worth it? Like I worry that I'll graduate college and not be happy with my life. Or find that I wasted life away. But its nice to see people like you who are living happy lives without education, it pulls you out of the education system's lie that school is everything. And I think I'll take your advice on 'cheating' a little more if it means I get more free time. I've been an extreme perfectionist throughout school and I seriously need to learn to take that 90 instead of sacrificing my mental health.
Anyways just rambling thoughts. But this was a great video! And I'm happy you're happy with your life.
Finally, someone else recognizing these aspects of traditional school and not just jumping to diagnose him with adhd or something. Thank you!
You come across as very mature and educated, I think you would have enjoyed college because it’s more aimed towards your interests and your schedule would be more flexible. I started watching for the reptiles, but I genuinely enjoy your content as a creator, keep it up :) also the timeline for traditional education is bs anyways, you’re absolutely correct, you can go to college whenever, or be perfectly happy without it
I haven't been as active on TH-cam but still try to keep up with you, this video was obviously an effort from you and your transparency and honesty is appreciated.
Parent here. I’m glad you’ve made the choices you did, and even more glad you had parents willing to see and support your needs. School definitely is not for everyone. My youngest struggles and has been struggling for years. She’s 15 and a freshman in HS … it took a suicide attempt for the school district to finally hear us and take action. She’s now in a much better situation but it bums me out that it had to get as extreme as it did before anything could be done. I was powerless to help her due to our current laws. I firmly believe that’s she’s going to do great in life and I hate that she’s having to waste more years in school. Here in CA I don’t think we would be able to get away with what you did, but at least she’s now in a school that suits her better. And thankfully it’s only a couple hours per day, so she has time to pursue her true interests. Thanks for the video Alex. I appreciate you and your channel, in all its varied forms.
Dear Alex, I found your TH-cam channel, goherping, most enjoyable. I think you are a very charismatic lad, and very enterprising; and your love of animals really showed through. I want to compliment you on your rescue of Rosie, the boa constrictor. She was a simple, beautiful creature, who suffered so much in that tiny tank at the back of your classroom - and you gave her a decent life before she died. You shouldn't have cheated, but you are an admirable human being in so many ways. And you have a real talent for making TH-cam videos. Well done for what you have achieved ...
I am 59 and I dropped out in my junior year of high school. I don't regret it, though it created other challenges. This nagging expectation of higher education was always there so I did end up with a master's degree 2 years ago. And a large student debt , ha! Live your best life, whatever that is!
Great video ❤ I tried getting my GED several times since i dropped out but I kept failing until I had to purchase my diploma online from a vendor
Information please? What’s the name of the vendor?
A few others have mentioned it here, but I just also wanted to second the suggestion that you might have autism and adhd. I have both myself and it’s something that I have noticed in a lot of your videos, it was just especially apparent here with a lot of the things you were talking about. Honestly I would be kind of interested to see a video of you taking some autism or adhd diagnostic assessments but also I totally understand if that’s not something you’re into. I hope you don’t mind me/others pointing out your potential autism, I know it can be a bit of a sticky subject for some people, but for me it just seems like something relatively apparent in your personality. Getting diagnosed with autism and adhd was incredibly beneficial to me, in helping me to better understand myself and why I do things, and so I suggest this in the hope that it might be helpful to you as well
I also agree with this. I am diagnosed with autism myself and I see a lot of signs in Alex. I understand that he is probably really sceptical about all this, but I think it would good for him to look into it.
As another person with ADHD and Autism, I wanted to say that I agree with this as well.
Hi Alex, I have been hoping for more of your personal story and waiting for this video.
Love all the clips!! You are a unique and special human and I honestly truly admire you. And dare I sound too motherly…I’m proud of you.
I have a 17 year also who was never build for school. I will be completely fine if she just gets her GED at the end of all this…and this gives me hope she can do that . Right now I just want her to absorb as much as she can in school without worrying about the grades just to better prepare for the GED.
She is intelligent. I know that school success has no reflection on her intelligence.
Same for you. You are clearly smarter than most.
Regrets are a waste of time. So I’m glad to hear this video didn’t end in “I regret…”
Thanks so much for this one!!
I dropped out of 10th grade because I would get panic attack before tests, failed most of them. I didn't even get equivalent of a GED in my country (yours sounds bit easier). I only wish I somehow could pass it, maybe one day because it's a lot harder to get decent opportunities once you can show you have 2 iq + . I think the school system just isn't very well designed sure most people can do it, but the outliers have to go so much trouble to get trough it. But looking back I'm really glad I dropped out, idk how my life would have been if I had to stay in school, probably wouldn't have been great for my mental health. Thank you for this video!
I dropped out as soon as I could and it was the best decision I could make at the time. I sadly still don't have a job or do anything useful with myself but I'm pretty physically and mentally messed up lol. I honestly believe I wouldn't be alive today if I didn't drop out
I got a GED in 1997, I got a doctorate in 2021.... 100% recommend dropping out of school as soon as possible, especially if you have something to do to fill your time.
I'm extremely glad you got your channel back
:D me2
i started drawing for work around 14ish and i knew at that point i knew that's what i was going to do and i loved getting to work for people by myself and run my own business and schedule
the only reason i stayed through highschool was because my father wanted me to finish up but i ended up having to go through online school anyways because i just could not keep up with what our school had planned- and i dont really think that diploma is going to have much use now that my senior year was on some online school and not an official highschool lol
been about 6, 7ish years and im doing great and well off enough to be able to make my art my full time job!! it has it's bad days, but every job will have it's bad days
just because people don't understand it or because it's not a regular job doesnt mean it's not just as valid and powerful
i hope with more journeys like yours online more people are encouraged to follow their passions in a smart and planned manner
that's great. the quote is a little cringe, but "don't take advice from people who haven't been where you're going" has truth to it for sure
I’m surprised you are struggling. I’ve been following you for years.
Awesome vid. Im a newer viewer of your channel and found this inspiring!
thanks!
I hated school. I asked my mom if I could drop out at 16, she wouldnt let me so instead I graduated a year early at 17. I hate school and I hate teachers. And kids are assholes. Thats why I homeschool my kids now. (I'm 27). Well "unschooling". So I teach math, reading, spelling, english, "good citizenship", those are the requirements in Texas. Then my oldest, my 6 year old son is also in piano lessons and horse riding lessons every week, as well as we teach him spanish (we're Mexican although spanish isnt my first language, nor my husband's). And my kids go with us everywhere, they work on the cars with my husband because hes a mechanic, and they enjoy it, as well as gardening with me and taking care of our chickens, as well as butchering the chickens. All more useful than the government daycare they call the school system, just placed there to keep people in line, indoctrinate, and waste our time we could actually be learning tools for life. Anyway, I hate school, and teachers. I had a genuine self-ending attempt at 13 years old, that didnt work, it wouldve if it were different 💊, because I ate a whole bottle of a parent's prescription, but i dont know what they were and apparently they were harmless to eat 40+ of. Anyway, that should tell you my state of mind in middle school 🙃 im protecting my kids from all the bad shit I experienced in government aka "public" schooling
Great video ALEX, I’m a introverted minimalist who used to be into reptiles, but then decided most reptiles are probably better off in the wild and I think it’s not so great the trade in reptiles, I love your introverted nature, I can relate
I had a friend like that in school he was very intelligent
Yeah HS was a total failure for me. I was 16, taking a mix of 9th, 10th and 11th grade classes because I was behind- had a couple of friends that I never saw outside of school, but I was lonely for the most part. Very depressed, slept through every class I could, would ditch school as much as I possibly could…eventually I convinced my parents that I was miserable and was going to be in high school until I was 21. Got my GED at age 17 and went to community college. Still working on my degree, have a great job and have no regrets. If high school literally isn’t for you, just DROP OUT, get your GED go to community college for 2 years and transfer to a university.
I've been watching you for years n have always known you are very intelligent n have an intuitive mindset when it comes to finance strategies.
You cant exactly control your *luck* as luck is success or failure apparently brought by chance rather than through one's own actions. Plus I was also born in the US and medical care is controlled by how much money you have or if your lucky enough to have parents with jobs that have decent health care. I moved out of my parents home as soon as I graduated high school. *they lost their jobs and the house and if I didnt I would be homeless.* Extremely neglectful and mildly abusive household. I could not drive, did not have a car and I left with 3k only that I got by working at walmart while doing school. I passed with a 3.4GPA but no chance of going to college due to family issues. I work 3 part time jobs to pay rent and my car loan, got screwed by the dealership as it needed repairs within a month. I work in a walgreens pharmacy a few hours in the day time, though they keep cutting my hours, a gas station during the night on the weekends, and doordash but my area is iffy for food delivery services as its out in the country with a small city nearby, I do also breed guppies and sell them to a pet shop but its not profitable. I regret not being able to use any part of high school for any job really, almost all of what I do with my part time jobs I could have done with middle school learning. If I could go to college for something...writing might be nice or maybe learning to edit videos. TH-cam sounds fun but im not sure I could do it as a job with my current financial situation. Its obviously a grindy type of job with no quick payout. I NEED money to pay my rent, my parents stopped making sure food was in the house when I was a young teen, clothes, and general necessities I had to pay for with babysitting money. Its been 2 weeks since I had a day off. Also have you considered if you have ADHD or something along those lines? If you had issues with school? Im also 23.
I'm sure you know, but for those that don't and are curious. ADD is now known as ADHD clinically (diagnosed ADHDer here) we now recognize three types, inattentive( used to be known as ADD, hyperactive, and combined type, but all are ADHD.
@@Galaxxy101 actually I did not know I thought they were separate things, I'll try to remember that in the future.
Thank you for sharing! Being able to figure out when something truly isn't working and then having the guts to quit is such a valuable life skill. And it's great your family supported you, both by giving you all the chances and tools to try and finish school, and then accepting (regretfully I imagine but still) your decision to quit.
In my experience, I don't remember anything about my school life, academically anyway. That's gone all down the drain, and it was exacerbated by my struggle to socialize. My classes were irrelevant because I was so behind in my education due to it too and moving. I would love to have dropped out and just get a GED and not have to experience any of that. School really is, for some, just a waste of time. I feel like your experience is an example of how the school system fails some kids and it is not built to be flexible to the requirements some people need.
im 40 years old and i dropped out of high school. which seems like forever ago. i did get my GED and its basically the same thing as a high school diploma. i never had an issue with jobs or going to school. i'm glad i did it till this day. i didn't enjoy high school at all. my only regret is that i couldn't have done it sooner
I think you are smart, you've done well with your businesses, you just have a brain that learns better from experinace than from being taught. Everyone learns in different ways. The education system lets a lot of people down becuase it tries to teach everyone to be the same. We all have our own strenghts weaknesses. A lot of growing up is figuring out who you are, what your abilities are, and what you can do that's of value to others.
thanks! I can hardly sit through a video tutorial, I just want to get up and start trying to do whatever it is
@@GoHerping Yes that totally makes sense. Rather than describing you as a "slow learner" I would say that you have a very quick mind that gets bored easily, so you need to be actively doing things in order to concentrate.
Graduation isn't a thing in Europe. You go to school , Leave , Get a job, Whatever job , you pay taxes and that pays for your life. Free at point of use Medical/Health. They cannot fire you because of workers rights, You're covered with social care for unemployment , It's great, No worries at all. I left school at 15 and have worked for the last 35 years, also periodically been unemployed, But never felt stressed about it. It works itself out. All good.....
Really wish America could adopt a similar system....
What country are you in? Despite workers' rights, people are fired all the time in France. It's why we have the labor court system (conseils de prud'hommes).
in my country they also can't just fire you. But that doesn't matter because if they really want to fire you they will find a way or wait until you make a small mistake, or make your workplace toxic so you quit yourself.
Aaaaaaw little Alex is so cute! The mannerisms in which you speak never changed and thats adroable 🤣 never pictured you as a drop out. But honestly I personally never saw GED less than high-school at the end of your day your showing you're capable. So either way you're certified. You have passions and reached for them I think that's more than enough. Schools not for everyone but as long as you actually do something with your life instead of bumming around like come through 7 year old entrepreneur. Anyways I'm glad you pursued your passion because now thousands of people watch you and enjoy your content. You're quite entertaining whether it be your current content or your animal content. Either way I'm here to stay ✌🏼✨️✨️
thanks!
I stand firm in my belief that everybody can learn.
BUT! Everybody doesn't learn the same things the same way!
You are a very intelligent young man who can learn just about anything with the right motivation, and classic classroom education doesn't motivate you. Now that you've found your motivation (revenue&asset optimisation) you are diving head first into anything new you see the need to learn - and succeeding.
There's nothing wrong with you, there's a lot wrong with the system that was unable to help you learn.
Really love this style of video from you Alex!
thanks!
Great story dude, Thanks it really helps to have people to relate to😊
This is interesting. I just found your channel a couple weeks ago because I wanted to learn about toads. From your interesting, specific, and unique, interests I assumed you had been homeschooled. Plus the fact that you were so knowledgeable about your "field" at such a young age, could articulate the information so well, and were a young entrepreneur all said, "homeschooled," to me.
I have a positive veiw of homeschooling so this is not shade.
omg I got caught cheating on a French test in middle school and it was honestly horrendous. There wasn't any type of real punishment for it, but being called out in front of the whole class and having to involve my parents was so awful.
"Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity", this is truly something I believe in lol! Also please don't cheat in school. It wasn't fair that the school system failed you and couldn't meet your learning needs. But when cheaters get caught it can seriously create insurmountable obstacles to furthering their education later on if they decide they want to pursue it later in life.
Remember that dropping school and "making it" on social media is short term and not sustainable in the long run. So many people are doing it and so many people will end up with the same skills so the competition in the end will be great and there might not be a demand for it in the future. Don't start planning when you are in a bad place. With age and few setbacks you might not have the trust and belief in yourself. Learn while you are young, it gets harder later.
Even though I graduated HS this is a certified “he just like me fr” moment
I may or may not have done independent study my last two years of high school and my teachers definitely did not give me the answers to all the test because I always showed up to my one day a week and did the homework assignments that the other kids didn’t and was done 6 months early. Wink wink. Glad we can all relate to how school isn’t for everyone and people learn by Interest. I like to think I’m pretty smart in a few subjects but I hate doing it because I’m not interested. I love spending time on stuff I care about to once I’m hooked I’m hooked and in that way I relate. Maybe I’ll start uploading videos. Love the video and channel Alex keep up the grind bro.
Dont worry you dont have to conclude all that. How can you your still very much on your personal journey. I was so sad about your school life so thankful you had parents who understood. I left at 16 and home soon after. Its sad they couldnt engage your learning style. Im sure loads have commented this, have you been tested for low level asburgers. That and your learning style is likely why it panned out like it did. Well done Alex.
Thank you for letting us tag a long for parts of the ride :)
Dropped out at 16, had my son at 17, got my fed at 18. Raised my son while working my ass off and now I’m in college at 42 😅
Well Done!! You're amazing! I'm 43 my daughter is at college, my turn after her lol
I'm turning 23 soon, and I can tell you, my biggest regret was starting college fresh out of school.
I was a terrible student at school, and an even worse student at college.
I've had many emotional issues that I was acumulating, and the pressure of college made me completely collapse.
As of right now, i've only progressed a few years on college, failed many assignments, dissapointed my parents in many ways, and I just feel like I've wasted my early twenties doing nothing other than forcing myself to study.
So yeah, college is not for everyone, and you were smart enough to realise that before making a big mistake.
Thank you for sharing your story!!! 😊
just an interesting introspection into everything!
As a teacher watching this, it is so interesting. I'm happy you found your thing, though. The education system is garbage tbh and the usa needs to rework things.
Those who graduate school do better on average. However, those who drop out but have a drive/passion and actively try can do as well as their graduating peers.
it does seem to go two ways, at least with people i've talked to. they either do relatively better or worse, but rarely average without a diploma
A very interesting insight, you shouldn't regret anything, and I'm glad you don't!
The fact is you can learn anything on the internet but not many people see that. Just try to learn new things and create something out of the things you learn that can also serve as a testament to you self driven learning style. Like i said before anything can be learnt on the internet we just have to take initiative of our own learning! Education is about learning something new and it's a life long journey. People like Albert Einstein, Nickola Tesla or Steve Jobs took charge of their own learning and have contributed positively to society.
Interesting video ❤ I got into nursing school with a diploma I purchased online which I’m still ashamed to say I did but I tried taking the GED severally and failed so I had no option
That blue-tongue skink was having the time of their lives in that celebratory pic. Ah yes, unteachable...that explains your whole eating every fruit and vegetable fiasco. And you didn't even want to bother with learning about geography of the Indian subcontinent? Geography is important, bro. People, especially Americans, can't talk geopolitics if they don't know geography...the GEO in geopolitics! The surrounding geography shapes who we are as peoples and cultures. It's why creatures live the way they do. But thank you for sharing your story. Furthering your education isn't for everyone, and sometimes the answer to how to become a success is in front of you the whole time. You're not perfect but then again, nobody is! Not even me.
Thank you so much for sharing your story!
I'm a bit older than you, though also not that old yet. I hated school probably as much as you did, but TH-cam and other social media weren't there yet (or at least not in my reach), and I didn't know another way besides somehow following the “usual” way. I ended up spending far too much time in school, I think. Did it bring something? Yes and no. Because of school, and university later, I went to live in Vietnam (now hitting my ninth year) and learned my third language, which all opened up an entire new culture with many experiences.
But, also because of school, I'm just now starting to make my own TH-cam channel - and man, do I feel late to the game! However, on the other hand - and I think that's what your video shows the most - you have got to do what you think is right to do in life. Your videos and your channel are the best examples of what happens if you find your own way in life. So, congrats to you for creating so much content and following your path! :)
im happy you ended this the way you did... if you're happy or even content, you should regret nothing c:
Glad someone else said it first before I could cuz I say it too much but this is 25min of "Hi I'm Alex and I'm autistic"
Try remedial classes at community college. Don’t feel the need to go further if you don’t want to, but they are really good at teaching from square-one. They will teach you how to read, do math, and write. If you passed your GED, you might enjoy learning in a formal setting. You can choose your classes, after that. It’s just something to do. I think that it is useful for everyone, not just those who plan on more school. If you have been out of school for awhile, it may help with your confidence and esteem, and just make you feel “smarter”. Really, it’s just like watching TH-cam videos with added grades. I just think about it like that.
I don't want to encourage people to drop out but, as a 4.0 student who was super smart and the teacher's pet etc, school is literally a joke and doesn't matter. They don't really teach you anything you need to know. Any classes I did learn valuable life skills in (Personal Finance for example) I had to go out of my way to take as an elective, and then it got cut the next year altogether. I hated my school so much because it was run poorly and openly racist etc. But I think all course curriculum are kind of the same so I really didn't learn anything. I refused to show up to my graduation because I hated my school and my guidance counselor (who was a massive dick) was like "wow that sucks you aren't going you were one of the best students this year :/" like fuck him. Even tho I was a 4.0 kid in high school I ended up not doing as well in community college because I just couldn't bring myself to care anymore; I got mixes of A's and B's with I think a few C's even. My associates has never done anything for me. I was going to transfer to a 4yr school and get a bachelors in environmental science but ended up dropping that because it could NEVER be worth the price. I do not want to spend the rest of my life paying off college debt. The only reason college would be worth it, imo, is for the social experience (which I regrettably missed at a community college) or if you know you want X as a job and it require Y degree. That's it. But again all just my personal experience.
Ayyy fellow grade 10/11 dropout here. I don't regret it at all either, I just wasnt in the right mindset to be able to do it i guess, i remember being there and thinking why am i even wasting my time here?? And then i just never went back. Watched a whole 8 season show back to back though, that was pretty cool
nice :D
There's always room for the simulation next time around 😉I think people like you (and people like me which is why I watch your videos) truly don't have any other options. I'm approaching 40 and to give you a little insight there will always be this little devil on your shoulder looking at everyone and saying "if I had just been normal you could be getting that big partnership" or whatever corporate bs they talk about...but its a mask my friend and what everyone actually wants is what you will already have. Remember that. Be willing to adapt and change and continue to evolve and you'll always be part of that 1%.
Even though I graduated I barely scraped by. Having to sit and listen to lectures, reading, diagrams, and theories was not and still not for me. I myself am someone that either needs to physically see or do the task/job at hand to truly comprehend it. Everyone learns differently and it didnt take me long to figure out the college was not for me. I cant fault anyone that drops out and gets a GED because looking back today, had I of failed at all in my highschool/senior year I too would of walked.
hi hepin you are cool because I like animals and now I am getting a bearded dragon!!!
As a counter point, I was so close to dropping out of college because I wanted to study something else, but I got an internship that lead to a dream job in something I actually cared about. The internship was only available to college students. The job has nothing to do with my degree either lol
Youre doing phenomenal!
:D thanks!
i looked up this video because i just signed a paper dropping out of school super nervous for what lies ahead i realized that school wasn't for me around 10th grade and mid threw 11th grade i just stopped going to school when i got into 12th i just went 1 day the first day of school haven't gone since then plan on getting my GED
(trigger warning: way too many words, heart felt, hopefully comforting words in the end)
I don't think it's your fault. I have watched your videos for a long while now, I've been subscribed almost as long. I've watched you struggle for a while now, watching the passion fizzle out has been painful. I want you to know that there are still so many of us that care about you and want to see you happy and successful in whatever way that looks like for you. If you're reading this, I hope you don't take this the wrong way, because I don't mean it to be upsetting or disrespectful.
I say this as someone who is diagnosed with ADHD( wasn't diagnosed until I was 18)....Have you ever been evaluated for ADHD and Autism?
You have described just in this video
1. Hyper fixations,
2. Trouble learning things at the same speed as others..but,
3. Great success learning things you hyper focus on... until the hyper focus wears off,
4. Difficulty in social situations, making friends fitting in ect.
5. Finding cheat codes in life to help get through things, I bet you've gotten good at guessing through things because of your struggles to pay attention to school and other areas of your life.
6. You fidget constantly and you have a very anxious personality. ...
There's more, and you might know all of this already but they are highly Nero diverse traits.
I see your struggles and I see myself in this story because I was having and still have these same and similar experiences, especially before being diagnosed and finding the proper help and recourses. For me it was meds and therapy, for others it can be different.
If this is something you have, ADHD or autism or both (which from my long time watching your videos and even just this video alone I would bet money on), it is a physical disability(improper balance and production of necessary chemicals in your brain), it effects every aspect of your life and you've described it well here without realizing... or voicing it at least.
If anyone else or you are up to it, here's how I relate, don't let it take away from your experience, but hopefully it will add to feeling less alone and more accepted, because regardless of diagnosis or anything else, you are not dumb(no matter what you think), and you deserve to be happy and feel like you belong.
My story:
I was a little slow, and weird as a kid, and I have always really loved and still love animals. My family called me "the chicken whisperer" XD... because of the amount of time I isolated myself from people and spent time with our chickens, there would be a birthday party and there I would be away from all of the people, sitting in the chicken coop holding a chicken when they finally found me.
I went to public school and I didn't make many friends, but I was closest with the other "strange, weird, fun, problematic" kids, I argued with teachers the most in elementary school, but I didn't start slipping behind until about 5th grade, still no friends really apart from one at the time, getting bullied for my curly hair...they gave me the nickname "poodle" feel free to never bring that one back XD.
My grades slipped, I didn't hand in assignments, teachers said things like " has potential, needs to apply self, try harder, focus, would be find if she just did her homework." ....I tried my best and just couldn't.
I did try and play the flute through middle school, but I was pretty much faking it.. or feel like I was. I just knew I loved/ still love music, especially singing. So my mom pulled me out of public school to homeschool me when she realized I was doing really bad
I did homeschooling all through highschool (8, 9, 10, 11, and 12th), though I am pretty sure I didn't deserve to graduate and didn't feel smart enough I pushed through and managed to...
I graduated high school, and got into college (diagnosed with anxiety and depression my first semester ....despite having symptoms much longer). I went for zoology(still in love with animals) : )... until I was a sophomore and dropped out shortly after my adult ADHD diagnosis I was struggling before then obviously. For now I'm taking a break, though I plan to go back if I can figure things out better.
If I'm honest, I still feel a lot of shame around it, and like my life so far was cheated from me because I was diagnosed with ADHD when I was 19, but there are so many that go even longer some people into their 50s before ever getting diagnosed, it is highly under diagnosed. Especially if you have both ADHD and Autism, because they cancel each other out...a lot.
But that's about everything till now,
20 now, I've got a bearded dragon, 5 leopard geckos, and two crested geckos that I got from rehome/ rescue situations I've had them for a while now. Heck, I do pet sitting and think about starting a YT channel constantly, I tried doing insta cart XD most anything to avoid a regular job because deep down I never felt like I was capable and I really have to do everything all of nothing...and I should stop typing already ...yikes, I'm sorry if this is too much. but I want you to know you're not alone.
Thank you for sharing your experience, it helped me feel less alone at least, even if this did nothing for you.
Sincerely,
- Galaxy
Hey Alex, my boyfriend took a similar route and got his GED when he was 16 and went to college. Did general classes eventually went for a trade and became a chef and did fine dining for while but eventually got serious about college and was going for engineering but decided to go for computer science and that's what he graduated for. He went back to school late 20s so anyone hesitant don't, you can do it. It was hard and we made some sacrifices but if you keep at it you can do it, you're never too old!
The reason why is because health insurance and other normal job things aren't a reality in the food industry at least it's not common. Insurance wasn't as important when we were younger but then he had some issues with a knee and he had insurance but it could have been better or if he had no insurance that would have been terrible. Luckily his job liked him enough to keep his spot for him. Even in fine dining. Some places are different but not many. His career has changed so much for us. No kids but have been together for 17 years. ☺️ Your priorities change a point, at least they do for some. We just both took a week off from our jobs to hang out, do stuff around our state, and just enjoy existing right now. ❤
I had pretty much the same experience in school. I dropped out in 9th grade, I repeated it twice. In two different schools. Then I told my parents I would take the GED after I left 9th grade. I didn't until I was 17, turning 18. I got it in a few months and with that I was able to apply to study fine art at one of my countries top universities. And the funny part of it all was that they gave me a matric exemption. Which is when the dean decides you can attend without a high-school diploma, because in my case my portfolio was good enough? And they stopped accepting GED the year before I applied . But, it was crazy because finally when I was on my own I actually become really invested and enjoyed what I was learning for the GED. I don't even know if it was all necessary, it just made me happy that I was finally able to understand the things that teachers could never explain to me. And now I'm in a top university? This shit makes no sense. But at least I'm happy making art, sculpture and photography. I'm doing the things that I did when I dropped out. That's how I know it's the right place. Because I would have gone and done those things anyway. But in my room. It's crazy what a paper diploma can do. Was really interesting to learn more about your experience, I've been watching your channel for a while. One of my favourites🤌🏼 Good soup 🍲
tbh your school attitude i guess? is very similar to mine
im just so bad at learning in a structured sort of environment, i can do well enough to get by, and for subjects im interested in i have no problem
math classes i just cannot, and i wouldve gotten nowhere if i hadnt done what you should've for french
if you had gone to college at 18 like i did, you could have still been in college at 22, without a bachelors, it's pretty easy to fall behind that 4-year college timeline
if you fail or drop a class, you'll still need the credit, so you have to either take more summer classes or more semesters
livin the life
I think you should take a science class at a community college that would serve as credits for Vet school. Would be interesting to see if its easier for you now that you are older. If it is maybe you bcould go to vet school.
realistically, I doubt I'll ever professionally work with animals again... it's an absolute nightmare in every way.
@@GoHerping Wow. Considering how much time you've spent with animals that's a real statement. Kind of makes me feel basd for you. Dealing with all those animals in the end must have been over whelming I guess? I have dogs, cats, and rabbits and it is stressfull at times especially if any one is sick- I lose sleep.
I know this comment is a month late still hope you see it, the school system doesn't support anyone who thinks differently that's been a fact since even i was a young kid so seeing your overview of was it worth dropping out; in my opinion it is it can give you a brief time to breath and then slowly build your life up to something that you genuinely think would be better than sitting in a classroom for that long, that many times and as long as it's productive and makes you a better person it doesn't matter if you graduated from school
Totally missed an opportunity to say, "It's equivalent to a high school diploma, generally."
You remind me of my son. Smart and stubborn. Very logical. You probably point out mistakes in commercials and movies. Lol The way you think can make you seem like you are socially awkward. Uber driving will definitely help you with that. You may not like change, but you are good at adapting to it. With the determination that you have to keep moving forward. The only thing that I would like to say to you is, it is ok to make friends. I mean true friends, not acquaintances. You know what I'm talking about. I'm willing to bet you have a ton of acquaintances, but no "friends" by definition. Like come over and hang out, type friends. Which isn't a bad thing, don't get me wrong. It's just how you work. I know you don't get the astrology and signs thing. But you are definitely a Pisces. You have some traits from Aries, though, because you are at the end of Pisces. This probably isn't the first time you've been told this, but you feel like an old soul. You don't have time for "nonsense" per se. Lol, let me know if I'm wrong. I'm just saying, what would it hurt to have a game day at your place, or you go over to someone else's place and hang out for a bit. One day off a month 😆 🤣 Just once, try it. What could it hurt? 🤷♀️🤷♀️ Life is too short to just work yourself to death. That's all I'm saying. One day out and away from work of any kind. If you totally hate it and found it was a waste of time, fine, move on. Keep your determination you have to succeed, and you'll do great. But just take time for yourself once in a while or before you know it, you're 70, hahahahaha
agreed to everything you said!
I'd love to talk to you about TH-cam someday. I have questions. So many.
This video really resonated with me. I had trouble with general learning just like you explained, and I started cheating in school when I reached 8th grade, and then again in 10th with online school. I'm determined to learn and to get my GED and go to college. I struggle with ADHD and possibly autism, and I feel like we're both very similar. I'm worried to have a serious conversation about dropping out with my parents, because the moment I suggested the idea, my mom told me she'd kick me out. Do you have any advice?
Dude, you fine if you drop out of school hell im probably gonna do it because i got past this year my the skin on my teeth my parents say that dropping out of high school isnt good but you can still succeed without finishing highschool.
Greetings and Salutations
I have my G.E.D & someone college, I have recently transferred to public university with the right amount of credits. This is yes indeed 22 textbooks a class, I didn't receive my G.E.D until almost 1 year after dropping out of high school & traveling (#backpacking) until I was 19 years old
Good Luck Thanks
niceee
Your a Gen Z gem young man, reptar n froggoe love 😊 keep keepin your babies safe n chubby........
Idk how you had so much drive as a kid, I took years of film classes being some of the only classes I did well in but I just couldn’t force myself to keep working at it, streaming was the only thing I made it far enough to make money and still lost track and stopped a few times, I barely have drive now even though it’s my dream, but in middle school I just goofed off and games all the time
good video 👍
Agreed