The Privilege of Education

I sometimes complain about McGill/education in general in my videos

But the only reason I am able to complain about it is that I have the privilege of directly benefitting from the system

I was born in Montréal, and hence get very cheap tuition fees

On top of that, education for many people my age isn’t even a possibility

Being able to continue the Velikonja family’s legacy of graduating from prestigious institutions is an honor, and going to McGill has easily been the best decision I have ever made

I learned French, launched my adult life here, made a ton of new friends, and started my content career in this gorgeous city, Montreal

And I will forever have a degree in Economics from McGill University, Canada’s most prestigious institution, no matter what happens

University is and never was “the peak"

I hate it when adults, or unintelligent former friends of mine, tell me that “you need to enjoy university because it’s the best 4 years of your life”

So you’re telling me the rest of my life is just downhill from here?

I, like many people, would be very disappointed to peak in life at 22

I’m not saying you can’t be proud or enjoy this phase. I very much did despite some issues (bad relationships, a drinking problem, social isolation during winter, etc)

But graduation was a clear “end” to his phase.

And I’ve always had a sad feeling when things “end” which comes from the fact that when you move countries as often as I have (I’ve lived in 6 countries, and had to say goodbye to a ton of people) there’s a sinking feeling in your stomach as you get so attached to people and places and suddenly… they are no longer there

That sadness came up many times in the buildup to me walking across the stage

But as soon as I woke up the next day… life was the same

I still am “Short Form Mike”

I still have clients I need to make videos for

I still have friends I wanna see

I still have adventures to go on this summer (flight to Paris on Monday!)

This is just the beginning… even though for a moment, it felt like an end

And I’m glad you’re here with me

Ciao!

Mike

Montreal, June 11, 2025

shortformmike

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