A Chinese teacher and philosopher by the name of Confucius once said, “Life is really simple, but we insist on making it complicated.”

Over the years, acceptance rates for prestigious colleges have decreased and high school seniors nationwide are left to develop the opinion that attending universities such as Harvard or Stanford is the only way to become successful in the twenty-first century.

However, that is not so. The youth of this generation are not only exceptionally gifted but we are all an experimental breed who are creating new career paths as we go. Whether it be technological advancements or creating new forms of art, we are constantly innovating. After all, who would have thought that somebody on a site such as Youtube could garner millions of followers, inspire future leaders, and maintain financial stability, just by posting videos?

So the question remains. Do I have to go to a college with a six percent acceptance rate to achieve my own type of success? The answer is no, absolutely not. Although it would be a momentous accomplishment to be accepted into a university of such standard, the level of determination and hard work ethic you display will ultimately lead you to your place in life.

This week, I decided to interview one of the amazing art teachers at Pitman, Mrs. Gianotti. I thought it would be beneficial to hear her quick thoughts on topics such as higher education and the creation and importance of modern day careers.

The following is a transcript of our interview.

Kooner: Which college or university did you attend?

Gianotti: Sonoma and California State University, Stanislaus

Kooner: Do you believe a higher education at a renowned college is necessary to attain success?

Gianotti: No. Follow your own passion and you will be successful!

Kooner: Do you believe there is an importance to modern day careers involving social media and art?

Gianotti: Yes! Both are a HUGE part of our lives and they will only continue to grow.

Kooner: This last question may be a little off topic, but what advice would you give to seniors who are getting ready for college?

Gianotti: Be realistic about cost. Ask for placement rates before committing. Time is money.

No matter which path you pursue after your four years here at Pitman, know that there is something larger in the world than the four walls of your future college dorm or workplace. Stay creative and driven and the future will be yours to conquer!