Member-only story
Not Going to College Doesn’t Make You Stupid
You’re capable of doing amazing things regardless of how you receive an education.
Earlier today, my aunt told me my cousin is taking two AP classes. I told her I took an AP class when I was in high school too. Then I said, “I purposefully failed the class,” and laughed.
My aunt didn’t find my comment funny. Seriously, she said, “That’s stupid.”
I was offended, and I had to keep my eyebrows from rising. “It didn’t matter because I wasn’t planning on going to college,” I said.
“That’s still stupid,” she replied, shaking her head in disappointment.
I wasn’t serious. I actually passed the class with a B and minimal effort. There were tests and quizzes I purposefully failed because I never cared about school, least of all AP history, but I never set out to ruin my chances of graduating. I knew I needed to pass.
I wish you could’ve seen and heard her.
I can handle any negative comment thrown my way, but I’ve never been so hurt by a couple of words.
Her tone was rude and serious, and I had to look down at my plate to blink away tears.
