Why College Isn’t for Everyone (and That’s Okay)

By Lori Conway, Crazy Busy Mama – with special guest, my daughter Ella

As a mom of four (2 now adults), I’ve learned something over the years: no two kids are the same, and no two journeys into adulthood look alike. Some, like my oldest son, take the “traditional” route—college, internships, a degree, and a first job neatly lined up like dominoes. Others take the scenic route—gap years, traveling, learning trades, or pursuing passions you can’t find in a classroom.

And then… there are the rare few who decide to forge a completely new path. The kind that has no syllabus, no professors, and no guarantee—just faith, grit, and a dream.

That’s where my daughter Ella comes in.

If you’ve followed Crazy Busy Mama for a while, you’ve seen her pop up in videos, take over the camera for food photography, and even jump into the kitchen with me. You’ve seen her humor, her creativity, and her heart. What you might not know is that she’s just stepped into one of the biggest seasons of her life so far.

Ella is officially going full-time working for Crazy Busy Mama—while also building her own career as an influencer and photographer. She’s 18, freshly graduated from high school, and instead of moving into a college dorm, she’s moving into a season of entrepreneurship. She’s booking photo clients, planning content calendars, connecting with brands, and learning the ins and outs of running a business—while also staying in town to support her younger siblings.

I’ll let Ella tell you her story in her own words, but before I pass the mic, let me just say: I am proud. Not because she’s following “my” footsteps, but because she’s bold enough to not follow the crowd. She’s choosing to work hard now, live intentionally, and listen to God’s calling—even when it’s not the easiest or most popular choice.

Take it away, Ella…

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Ella’s Story: Called to Something Different

Hey friends! Ella here—yes, the “Ella” you see mentioned on Crazy Busy Mama’s socials from time to time.

My choice to skip college wasn’t last-minute or rebellious. It was prayed over for months. I truly felt the Lord nudging me in a different direction—a direction that didn’t look like what most of my classmates were doing.

God has a unique plan for each of us. For some, it’s walking across a college campus and into a degree program. For others, it’s jumping straight into work. For me, it’s entrepreneurship. It’s building something from the ground up with the gifts God has given me—creativity, connection, and the drive to make an impact.

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How Losing My Dad Changed My Perspective

 

When my dad passed away unexpectedly, my world flipped upside down. I was still in high school, still figuring out who I was, and suddenly I was forced to see life differently. Before, I thought I had “plenty of time” to chase dreams. After losing him, I realized… we don’t get forever.

I learned that waiting for the “perfect” time can mean never starting at all. If God has put something on your heart, you can’t keep filing it under “someday.”

That’s why I decided not to wait. I didn’t want to wake up in five years wishing I had started earlier. I wanted to take the leap now—while my passion is fresh, my energy is high, and my dreams are still sharp in my mind.

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High School: Bittersweet Goodbyes

Here’s the thing… I actually loved high school. I know that’s not what everyone says, but it’s true for me. I loved walking into the theater room and hearing my friends rehearsing lines. I loved pep rallies, late-night study sessions, and Friday night football games. I loved the routines, the familiarity, and the feeling that you always knew where you belonged.

Graduation hit me hard. Yes, I was proud of myself, but I wasn’t quite ready to close that chapter. High school was a place where I grew into myself, found lifelong friends, and collected memories I’ll cherish forever.

But as much as I’ll miss it, I know I’m stepping into a new season with bigger and better opportunities. God has opened doors I didn’t even know existed, and while it’s a little scary to walk through them, I know I’m exactly where I’m supposed to be.

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Why College Isn’t the Only Path

The world often makes it feel like your only options after high school are: go to college or risk failing in life. But that’s not true. There are many ways to build a meaningful, successful career without following that one blueprint.

Entrepreneurship is a real option. Trades are a real option. Starting small and growing something from home is a real option.

For me, that meant:

• Investing time and money into my photography business instead of tuition.
• Learning hands-on skills like branding, marketing, and customer service.
• Building a social media presence that allows me to work with brands and connect with audiences.
• Being present for my family, especially my younger siblings who still have so many milestones ahead.

I want to be there for their games, performances, and everyday moments. I don’t want to miss the little things that actually turn out to be the big things.

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The Entrepreneurial Mindset

Choosing this path means I have to:

• Motivate myself daily—there’s no professor or boss keeping tabs.
• Keep learning new skills to stay competitive.
• Budget wisely and plan ahead financially.
• Adapt to challenges quickly.

Some days are exciting—shooting at golden hour, landing a new brand partnership, or getting the perfect shot during a photo session. Other days are long hours of editing, late-night emails, and endless to-do lists. But the joy outweighs the hard work every time.

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My “Why”

I want a life I’m excited to wake up to. One where I’m working on projects I’m passionate about, with the freedom to make my own schedule and the ability to be there for my family.

Watching my mom build Crazy Busy Mama showed me what’s possible. She started small, but she stayed consistent and trusted God with the growth. That’s the example I’m following—trusting that God has a plan for my work, too.

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Faith + Hard Work

I believe God calls us to be faithful with the gifts He’s given us. For me, that’s photography, storytelling, and connecting with people. This is my season to use them boldly.

It doesn’t mean I’ll never go to college. But right now, the real world is my classroom, and every client, photoshoot, and collaboration is a lesson.

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Advice If You’re Considering a Different Path

If you’re reading this and wondering if college is right for you—or if you feel God calling you somewhere else—here’s my advice:

1. Pray first. God’s guidance will give you peace in your decision.
2. Be real with yourself. Don’t do something just because everyone else is.
3. Have a plan. Winging it in entrepreneurship is a recipe for burnout.
4. Work harder than ever. Your effort will be your best argument for your choice.
5. Don’t wait. If it’s on your heart, start today.

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What’s Next for Me

This year, I’m:

• Launching more themed mini photo sessions.
• Expanding my social media with photography tips, lifestyle content, and behind-the-scenes peeks.
• Partnering with brands I believe in.
• Continuing to grow Crazy Busy Mama alongside my own brand.

And the best part? I get to do it all while staying home, surrounded by the people I love.

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Back to Lori: A Mama’s Perspective

When your kids grow up, your role shifts from manager to cheerleader. I’m not here to control Ella’s steps—I’m here to encourage her to take them boldly.

I know this path will have challenges. People may question her decision. But I also know my daughter: she’s talented, determined, and grounded in her faith.

If you’re a parent reading this, I encourage you—support your kids if they choose a path that’s different from the “norm.” College is wonderful for some, but it’s not the only way to succeed. Sometimes, God calls them to build their own door—and the best thing you can do is hand them the tools and step aside.

Ella’s story is just beginning, and I’m blessed to be part of it. Crazy Busy Mama has always been about family, #ReclaimTheTable, and living with intention—and now, it’s also about watching the next generation chase their God-given dreams.

Here’s to bold choices, big dreams, and trusting God with the outcome.