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With the advent of graduation and college entrance test results, everyone is getting frantic over the next chapter of their lives.

And I get it. College is the time when you’re preparing for adulthood and the real world. It’s where you start thinking about what you want to do in the future and work toward that goal. And based on my experience, I understand how stressful and full of pressure it can get.

Growing up, you’re conditioned to believe that the Big 4 colleges are the way to go. I’ve heard so many times that the college you go to can define your career because, apparently, your educational background is the first thing employers look at.

It’s hard to say that’s not a possibility since it could happen and there really are employers out there who are biased toward certain schools. But ultimately, the school you go to doesn’t define who you are and what you can do.

Skills, determination

Sure, it looks good on paper, but it doesn’t always mean you’ll automatically have this huge head start over others. Your skills, determination and persistence are just as important as whatever kind of status you get from being part of the Big 4.

And if you think about it, they’re all just schools anyway. All colleges are competent. What is most important is you choose a school where you can grow, develop your skills and learn as much as you can.

There are so many other schools to choose from outside of the Big 4. Yes, these colleges rank the highest on lists, but are these the right colleges for you? There’s no need to box yourself into the Big 4 mentality if you’re looking for a place where you can better yourself. Just do your best in the field of your choice.

I do admit that at one point, I felt a tad jealous over not being able to cheer for a school during University Athletic Association of the Philippines season. And I felt bad about not being one of those people who put “Thomasian” or “Isko” on their Twitter bio.

But after years of staying in Miriam College, and with all the people I’ve met, school orgs I’ve been a part of, and professors I’ve silently cursed for the heavy workload they’ve given me, it’s been a hell of a ride. I might not have been part of a Big 4 college, but so what? No one should be discriminated for whatever college they’re in and their circumstances in life. And just because everyone has that mentality over the Big 4, it doesn’t mean you should.

And let’s be real. Shouldn’t we all be lucky to have the privilege of a college education? That’s what really counts.