"我相信你需要接受教育来决定你想在生活中做什么，但我不认为你一定需要上大学才能达到目标。"

You know, the gist of this is that having knowledge and skills for what you want to achieve in life is crucial. But the route to getting there doesn't always have to include college. It's more about finding the right education, whether that comes from traditional schooling, online courses, apprenticeships, or hands-on experience.

This idea has been around for a while, with people like Steve Jobs and Bill Gates famously dropping out of college but still making monumental impacts in their fields. The emphasis is on learning—being educated about your passion, your career, your goals—but not being stuck on the notion that college is the only way to do it.

Take, for example, the story of Sara Blakely, the founder of Spanx. She didn't go to a top-tier business school; in fact, she sold fax machines door-to-door after college. It was through this experience she learned about sales, customer needs, and tenacity. When she had her 'aha' moment for Spanx, she educated herself about the garment industry, took sewing classes, and learned about patents. She didn't need a college course for that—she needed the drive to educate herself in the areas that mattered for her business.

So, how can you apply this wisdom in your own life? First, identify what you're passionate about or the field you want to enter. Then, seek out ways to learn everything you can about it. This might mean finding a mentor, taking online courses, attending workshops, or simply diving into hands-on experiences.

Imagine you're into graphic design. You could spend years and a small fortune getting a degree, or you could start by taking online tutorials, practicing daily, and maybe even finding a part-time job or internship. You might discover that your portfolio speaks louder than a degree.

Let’s say your friend Jake is passionate about cooking and dreams of opening a restaurant. Does he need a culinary degree? Maybe, but he could also start by working in a kitchen, learning the ropes from seasoned chefs, taking specialized cooking classes, and experimenting on his own. Jake could save a lot of money and still gain the skills and knowledge he needs—perhaps even more tailored to his specific goals.

At the end of the day, it’s about being proactive with your education. It’s not about where you learn, but how you apply that knowledge. So, if you're in a situation where college isn’t feasible, or you just don’t think it’s the right path, don’t worry. There are countless ways to become educated and skilled in what you love—you just need to be resourceful and determined.

Think of life as a big, flexible classroom. Your education doesn’t have to come from a place with ivy-covered walls. It can come from books, the internet, mentors, or real-life experiences. The world is full of opportunities to learn—grab them, and let them guide you to where you want to be.