Why “This Is Different Than Real Life”

Is the Biggest Lie You’re Telling Yourself

Lets start off this blog with a slap in the face! Here it is, get ready..Start thinking of your education as an investment in yourself. The work you put in today—no matter how irrelevant it feels—will build the character, skills, and mindset you need to succeed in life.

When students step into a classroom, it’s not uncommon to hear a dismissive comment like: “This is different than real life.” It’s an easy way to justify disengaging, but here’s the hard truth—it couldn’t be further from reality. Your education & knowledge are a direct reflection of life and everything it demands from you. Let’s dive into why this mindset holds you back and how the lessons you’re learning today are shaping your future success.

Real Life, Demands Real Skills

Let’s start with the facts:

• According to the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE), critical thinking, problem-solving, teamwork, and communication are the top skills employers look for.

• These aren’t magical traits you’re born with—they’re skills developed through challenges like group projects, writing papers, and navigating academic deadlines.

Think of education as a practice field for the real world.

• Struggling with time management while juggling assignments? That’s the same skill you’ll need to balance project deadlines at work.

• Navigating a tough professor? Replace them with a boss, and suddenly your ability to adapt becomes a critical survival skill.

The Ripple Effect of Education on Your Future

Here’s some eye-opening data:

• The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that individuals with an associate degree (A.A or A.S) earn, on average, 18% more annually than those with only a high school diploma.

• For bachelor’s degree holders, that number jumps to 64%.

But it’s not just about money.

• A Pew Research study found that college graduates are 47% more likely to report job satisfaction and higher levels of personal well-being compared to those without a degree.

• These numbers show that investing in your education pays off in both your wallet and in real life.

Life Lessons Are Hidden in Every Assignment

Still not convinced? Let’s talk real-life scenarios:

Procrastination and Deadlines

• That 10-page paper you keep pushing off mirrors the tax deadline you’ll face every year. Miss it, and there are real consequences—just like missing a major project at work could cost you a promotion.

• The discipline you learn from tackling academic deadlines translates to your ability to thrive in high-pressure environments.

Collaborating with Difficult Classmates

• Remember that one group project where nobody pulled their weight? In the workforce, you’ll encounter colleagues who slack off or bosses who micromanage.

• Learning how to manage conflict, communicate effectively, and keep your cool now will give you the edge later.

Navigating the Unknown

• Tackling a tough course in college might feel irrelevant today, but it teaches you how to figure things out. In the real world.

• In life, you’ll encounter challenges without clear instructions—whether it’s buying your first house, starting a business, or fixing a flat tire on the side of the road.
  

Here’s a common argument: “I’m studying things in school I’ll never use.” I call B.S. on that.

Even if you never use calculus formulas in your career, the process of learning them sharpens your problem-solving and analytical thinking. Employers hire people who can think critically and adapt, not just those with job-specific skills.

Take Steve Jobs, for example. He once credited a college calligraphy class with inspiring the clean, elegant design of Apple’s products. At the time, it seemed irrelevant—but it became the cornerstone of Apple’s brand identity. 

When you find the negative IN EVERYTHING, you find more reasons to validate those negative emotions. This is also why emotional intelligence is critical for school, life, and beyond. Recognizing these emotions earlier and sooner allows you to take a step back and really analyze your feelings. “I know what happens if I keep thinking this way, I’ll just create more and more of it. 

How To Use Education as a Tool for Building Resilience

Here’s the reality: Real life doesn’t hand you answers.

• Just like in school, you’ll encounter situations that require perseverance, resourcefulness, and grit.

• Studies show that individuals with higher levels of education tend to exhibit stronger resilience in the face of adversity, as they’ve developed the tools to adapt and thrive.

The Truth About Part-Time Students and Dropouts

Let’s get even more real. At Cabrillo College, where I attended community college:

• Only 29% of students graduate within eight years, according to CollegeFactual.com.

• Approximately 60% of students are assumed to drop out, with many citing financial challenges, lack of motivation, or time constraints. Which isn’t far off from the national average.

Why is this important? Because success isn’t guaranteed—it’s earned.
The students who make it through understand that showing up and putting in the work are the keys to overcoming challenges, both in school and beyond. I give praise to Cabrillo College, I’m not dinging them or hating on them. There’s always room for improvement- regardless of…

Flip Your Perspective: Education IS Real Life

Instead of seeing school as separate from real life, recognize it as the training ground that prepares you for life’s toughest battles.

• Practice for the Workplace: Every assignment teaches you something transferable—whether it’s writing emails, presenting ideas, or analyzing data.

• Building Habits of Success: Life rewards consistency, effort, and the ability to keep going when things get hard. These are the same habits you’re practicing every day as a student.

The Challenge for You

Here’s the real question:
Will you be part of the 29% who graduate, or will you let excuses define your journey?

Start thinking of your education as an investment in yourself. The work you put in today—no matter how irrelevant it feels—will build the character, skills, and mindset you need to succeed in life.

What Can You Do Now? 3 Steps

1. Engage Fully: Attend every class, ask questions, and participate.

2. Take Advantage of Resources: Use tutoring centers, meet with advisors, join study groups, and join school clubs.

3. Commit to the Long Game: Success doesn’t happen overnight. Stay the course and trust the process.

Success Begins Here

It’s easy to dismiss education as “not real life.” But the truth is, education is the foundation of every success story. What you learn now will shape the way you face challenges, adapt to changes, and achieve your dreams.

So the next time you’re tempted to say, “This is different than real life,” remember this: Real life rewards those who show up, learn, and grow. That’s exactly what you’re doing here.