I dropped out of school because of pregnancy and found life took precedence over education. There are many more resources for help now than then. I have always regretted not being able to go back. However, I was an honor student and had no problem moving forward (self-educated) and becoming middle class. All situations are different. For every sucess story there is a failure and the same applies to those who are educated by institutions. I know many individuals who are college grads who don't have jobs, don't speak proper English, can't spell and who aren't as knowledgable as I am. I often wonder how they ever obtained a degree. However, those degrees can open doors that may otherwise be closed, so the message is stay in school. Obviously, these successful dropouts took the time to become self educated in their chosen fields and had the motivation & drive to pursue their dreams. The motivation part is the key element. Kudos to them.