There are a number of reasons why people drop out of school. Some of those reasons could be lack of interest, financial reasons, being kicked out. But none of those are anyone’s business but the individual that it is directly affecting.
There is a stigma around high school drop outs; lazy, uneducated people with no future or potential. Here is a letter to all of those who have dropped out.
Dear high school drop-outs,
First off, I want to apologize. Not only for myself, as I admit to thinking down upon those who dropped out of school, but I want to apologize for the mistreatment and judgement of you by the general public. So, I’m sorry.
I don’t know the struggles you have had to face, and I don’t know why you decided to drop out. But I do know that it is not my place to pass judgement onto you or your decisions.
I can’t imagine having to constantly deal with the close-minds and negative reactions of people, having to justify your reasoning for making a decision in your life. So kudos to you who are patient with others.
There are some things that I’m sure you haven’t been told very often, or even at all. Support may not be easy to come by, more so with a decision such as this one. Here is my attempt to offer some type of support to you.
First off, you’re not stupid. Your level of education does not define your intelligence. Even though your family is angry, they’ll come around; they love you. You will find support and you will find love. It’s okay to change your mind and go back to school. It’s okay if this is a temporary solution. Take your time. Allow yourself to live freely, without the weight of this decision on your back. You will live a good life. You will be supported, you will find a job, you will be alright. School isn’t meant for everybody, remember that.
You are more than a statistic. You are not defined by your high school diploma, or lack there-of. You are a valid, smart, honorable human with the potential of 100,000,000 middle-class white men (that’s a lot of potential).
Don’t forget to take care of yourself. Don’t bend your back trying to impress those who don’t deserve you. And finally, don’t be too hard on yourself.
Sincerely,
Mercedes Redman
