Universities have their own rules and rhythm. Frequently, students stick to the rules of the university which can stifle creativity[1]. Students follow a common path that includes taking the same courses to fulfill majors. Anything that breaks the path is deemed wrong or risky, affirming that at the end of the day grades and exams are what matters.
I personally experienced this myself when I considered starting my own business last year. I had a decision to make, and during that time I learned that being indecisive is the worst enemy of productivity and passion. It became evident that doing is more interesting and exciting than studying.

The influence of my teachers were not enough, and I realized I needed to do something worth waking up for. Dropping out was an option. After all some of the most successful people were dropouts[2], nonetheless I wanted to use college as a runway, using its people and opportunities to increase my chances of success.

The lessons learned in the classroom became tools to start something new from scratch. I realized that college is all about learning lessons, but it is not limited within the classrooms. Entrepreneurship is not something only done after the graduation ceremony.

I finally decided to stay in college, but not to settle. This was not because I did not want to take the risk of dropping out, it was about the challenge of doing both things competitively at the same time.

So far, the opportunities I have come across and the people I have met in the academic area are proving me right. I have learned in this venture that my time is limited, so I have to move fast, as the market and customers expect me to do, but smartly at the same time, choosing carefully the people I want to work with.

Thanks to Dianna Yau for reading drafts of this.

[1] How schools kill creativity, Ken Robinson, TED, February of 2006

[2] Saying No to College, Alex Williams, New York Times, November of 2012