Yesterday (Aug 25) marked the end of an era for many as Year 11s across the UK found out their GCSE results. Amid the fog of celebrations, commiserations and wondering what on earth you’re gonna do with your life, the wisdom of one man in particular provides a guiding light, inspiring acceptance, determination and self-belief. We present to you what we learned from some of Kanye West’s most motivational moments.
1. It’s OK to fail
“I’m trying to take it full ‘Will Ferrell level drunk brother at the wedding’ level. Have I reached that level yet? Have I fucked it up? Good. Here’s to fucking everything up!”
2. School uniform isn’t for everyone
https://twitter.com/kanyewest/status/707705291056541697
3. Be proud of your achievements
“I got A’s and B’s. And I’m not even frontin’.”
(In an interview with MTV at Santa Monica High School)
4. Understand the real issues facing education
“I think it’s dope to help kids out with money and school. That’s the main problem. When I was a college student I was broke, and I really like clothes.”
(In an interview with MTV at Santa Monica High School)
5. Don’t be afraid of getting things wrong
https://twitter.com/kanyewest/status/712426781245050880
6. The curriculum is outdated
“People are so behind. There’s poetry classes, but why aren’t there rap curriculums? It takes people like myself to stand up and say this is part of our culture, why not use it to educate.”
(In an interview with MTV at Santa Monica High School)
7. Aim high – whatever you study
“My goal, if I was going to do art, fine art, would have been to become Picasso or greater. That always sounds so funny to people, comparing yourself to someone in the past that has done so much, and in your life you’re not allowed to even think that you can do as much. That’s a mentality that suppresses humanity.”
8. Punctuation can be very effective
https://twitter.com/kanyewest/status/712430936365862912
https://twitter.com/kanyewest/status/712431014509944834
9. Trust your own career plan
https://twitter.com/kanyewest/status/706897396425498624
10. Anything is possible
“One of my biggest problems, one of my biggest Achille’s heels has been my ego. And if I, Kanye West, the very person, can remove my ego, I think there’s hope for everyone.”
(Oxford Guild 2015)