If you had told me that I may have to wait a little longer to walk in the halls of a college or university campus, I wouldn't believe you. I'd cry and ask, why me? Why can't I also go to a class?

I haven't been able to further my education for years now. The inability to go was mostly out of my control. I had the time, discipline, and availability, but money always sat at the tips of my fingers and slipped away when the time came. I often lamented about how much further I would be if I just finished a degree. What was the point of studying without going there?

Then it hit me. Why can't I learn as a part of life? Why do I need proof of my education on a piece of paper? Why can't I gain the knowledge for the sake of it?

I worked at removing the stigma by just reading all the books I was interested in. I went online and researched what it's like in that specific career. I made notes and got better clarity as time passed.

This is something that has alleviated my inferiority complex around education. While I earned money to survive, I used some of it to keep learning. I found education through my job, conversations with students I knew, constant reading and watching educational content.

I buy all the stationery I would use. I create a timetable for what I want to study that day and make meticulous notes. I act like a student. I also use free certificate platforms like Alison.

Whether or not I go back to class in the future, I will keep on learning new skills and anything else that I am curious about. I will continue to self-educate.