I decided not to go to college. As a writer now living full time in Italy, I know it was the best decision I could've made.
- I knew I didn't want to go to college, so I decided to skip it and follow my own path.
- I moved to Italy — I've now lived here for 10 years with my husband and child.
When I was in high school, I got an inkling that college wasn't for me. To be honest, school was never my forte. When I actually went to school I was a very good student, but most of the time I didn't enjoy being in class.
I loved being active and creative. From a young age I loved theater, classical music, writing, exploring, and going to museums. I knew I wanted to be an artist, and I couldn't see how college would help me.
I tested the waters by spending a summer at New York University, studying theater. I loved being immersed in singing, dancing, and acting, but I didn't love being in a school environment.
That's when I decided to skip college. It's still the best decision I ever made.
After high school, I followed my own path
Instead of going to college, I studied privately with my vocal coach, took dance classes, and joined a prominent theater company as part of the chorus. I also spent my free time going on auditions.
Luckily my parents supported me, especially when I became a part-time nanny to make ends meet.
One summer after high school, my life took a major turn. I was invited to sing at an opera festival on the island of Ischia, off the coast of Naples. I fell in love with the country and decided to move there permanently one day.
I've enjoyed all the twists and turns of my life
After that festival, I returned home and sang in opera companies in the tristate area when I was 19. Then I switched directions and became a private chef. I hosted themed pop-up dinners that were usually focused on theater and music. I even spent a few more months studying cooking in Italy to enhance my skills.
While most people my age were at college, I was open to different experiences and jumped at opportunities that came my way. It helped me explore and build an unconventional life.
I've been living in southern Italy for almost 10 years now, and I've built a life I'm proud of. I'm happily married, I have a daughter, and I have another baby on the way.
Instead of being an opera singer or chef, I make my living as a freelance writer and public-relations consultant. These days I write a lot about my life as a mother and an expat.
I wouldn't have had the freedom to enjoy all these twists and turns if I'd gone to college.
I owe my success to not going to college, and I don't regret my decision
I'm so grateful for the life I have now living in Italy with my beautiful family. I get to work on my terms and do work that I love.
By not going to college, I was able to take several detours to find what makes me happy. I became savvy about crafting my own life and creating my own opportunities.
College can be a wonderful experience for many people, but it just wasn't for me. I've never regretted my decision, and I never will.