What to do after high school? - Harry Shin

Many people fear pursuing their dreams, believing there's a "right" answer in life. This fear often stems from societal pressures, family expectations, or the comfort of following a well-trodden path. However, I've come to realize that life doesn't offer clear-cut right or wrong answers. As a founder, one of many things I've learned is that the future is unpredictable, however having the right direction with a clear desire is possible. 

This unpredictability, while daunting, is also what makes life exciting and full of possibilities. It's a lesson I've learned through my own unconventional journey, one that has led me to challenge traditional notions of success and career progression.

My journey has been far from conventional. During my university application process, I never imagined deviating from the traditional path. Like many of my peers, I thought I had a clear plan: study Economics at a prestigious university, then aim for a career in startups, finance, consulting, or academia. It was a safe, respectable path that seemed to promise success and stability.

But life had other plans for me. Instead of following this predetermined route, I'm now a full-time founder, fully committed to my startup and the nonprofit organization I founded when I was in high school. This dramatic shift in my life wasn't a sudden decision, but rather the result of a series of choices, experiences, and most importantly conviction that opened my eyes to alternative possibilities.

The pivotal moment in my journey came when I decided to take a gap year before college. This decision was driven by my passion for the nonprofit I had started in high school and my desire to experience full-time dedication to a project without the distractions of school and other commitments.

I can confidently say that my gap year was one of the most impactful decisions I've made so far in my life. It offered me a glimpse into what life could be like when fully invested in a passion project. The experience was not only educational but also transformative.

During this year, I learned more about myself, my capabilities, and my aspirations than I had in all my years of formal education. I faced real-world challenges, made important decisions, and saw the direct impact of my work. This hands-on experience was invaluable and helped shape my future path in ways I couldn't have anticipated.

It's why I strongly recommend recent high school graduates to consider taking a gap year before making significant decisions about college or career paths. This time allows you to explore your interests, test your assumptions, and determine if full-time commitment to your passion aligns with your style, needs, and aspirations.

Key Lessons and Advice

For those considering a gap year, debating whether to not attend or drop out of university, or starting a startup journey, here are some insights I've gained:

1. Embrace Openness: Be open to new ideas from unexpected sources. My startup concept originated from an investor sharing his pain points – an opportunity I might have missed if I wasn’t open to new possibilities. This experience taught me the value of active listening and being open to inspiration from all quarters. Sometimes, the best ideas come from the most unexpected places, and being open allows you to recognize and seize these opportunities.

2. Embrace Uncertainty and Don't Over-Plan: Don't try to plan everything from start to finish. After reading "The Almanack of Naval Ravikant," I realized that happiness and peace are skills we can learn and master just like how we can master reading, writing, etc. Reducing desires and accepting uncertainty can lead to greater contentment and present-moment awareness. This doesn't mean abandoning all planning, but rather being flexible and adaptable. Embrace the journey and be willing to adjust your course as you learn and grow.

3. Dare to Be Different: It's natural to fear diverging from the norm, but remember that everyone's journey is unique. If you have a strong conviction about something, pursue it. The worst-case scenario often results in valuable lessons learned. Being different isn't just about standing out; it's about being true to yourself and your aspirations. Don't be afraid to forge your own path, even if it means facing skepticism or criticism from others.

When I first started my Nonprofit during 2020, a lot of the people I pitched to told me that it simply wouldn't be possible because I was a high school student without any prior experience in starting or running a nonprofit organization. Alongside the immense amount of academic pressure and rigor, people told me it simply wouldn't be possible. I proved these people wrong by creating the results I had already dreamed of, which allowed me to realize that it's perfectly fine to be different from the norm and anything is possible when you have conviction that can't be stopped.

4. Follow Your Convictions: Strong conviction should be your guiding principle when making life-altering decisions. If you truly believe in something, it's usually worth pursuing. Conversely, lack of conviction might be a sign to reconsider. Your convictions are your internal compass – they help you navigate through difficult decisions and challenging times. Trust in them, but also be willing to reevaluate them as you gain new experiences and insights.

5. Network, Network, and Network: Building a network is crucial, regardless of your stage in life. Networking opens doors to opportunities, provides valuable insights, and can be instrumental in various aspects of your personal and professional life. Remember, networking isn't just about what others can do for you – it's about building mutually beneficial relationships. Be genuine in your interactions, offer help when you can, and nurture your connections over time.

Conclusion

I hope this article provides some helpful insights and perspectives. Always remember that life is a journey of self-discovery and growth. There's no one-size-fits-all approach to success or fulfillment. What works for others may not work for you, and that's perfectly okay.

As you navigate your own path, strive to stay open to opportunities, embrace uncertainty, follow your convictions, and build meaningful relationships. These principles have guided me through my unconventional journey and have led to experiences and achievements I never would have imagined when I was planning my college applications.

Your path may lead you to college, or it may take you in an entirely different direction. Whatever you choose, approach it with confidence, curiosity, and a willingness to learn and adapt. Your unique journey is what will ultimately define you, not how closely you adhere to societal expectations or predetermined paths.

Remember, the goal isn't to live someone else's definition of success, but to create a life that resonates with your values, passions, and aspirations. Embrace your journey, with all its twists and turns, and trust in your ability to navigate through uncertainty towards a future that's uniquely yours.