what they don't tell you about college.

Gear ➳

[wholesomesimon]

Director's Commentary:
It's weird becoming the bad guy in your own story. I think that's definitely what happened over the past few months - obviously being in college is an extreme privilege and all these issues are inherently not that big of a deal. I want to make that clear, even I find myself cringing at a lot of the thoughts in this video. However, it's how I felt at times and it's what I went through.

This vlog wasn't the hardest to edit, or most difficult to script, but is definitely the scariest to post. I'm not traveling anymore and even though that's what the last few videos indicate - I want this episode of the wholesome vlog to show the true colors of this series.

Every episode won't be van life or going on adventures, this series is simply my own attempts at documenting my life in it's most accurate way. The niche is Simon Kim and whatever dumb things I find interesting :)

Moving forward I've come to understand that having this fear before pressing publish is one of the most important things we have. It's a reminder that you are constantly growing and pushing yourself into new territories. Above everything, thank you so much for all your support it's been a hectic ride that has led to so many impactful moments.

But of course I'm still open to everything - if you have a crazy idea or adventure feel free to shoot me a dm. If you want to see the breakdown of this video + other bts sub to the patreon. If you go to the University of Michigan join camping club. See you next month :)

mwah
-Simon

[hannahdigitals]

The college experience is both overrated and underrated. It isn’t always gonna be the best years of your life but there is something magical about being able to meet and collaborate with a huge community of people at similar place in life

[jovie]

if you're reading this you're beautiful i hope you find peace you deserved <3

[papogarcial]

college makes me feel like i’m missing out of so many things outside, to me is hard to balance all the things that are part of my life, of me, in these years

[Atlmate]

Crazy how you balanced school, social life, and YouTube

[kaleyhanlon]

Love how this video shows the importance of community

[rachellobo]

Hey Simon! I am at my lowest point in life right now. I am lonely, left out and feel unloved by my friends and family. I was just going through Youtube and came across your video "PROJECT WEST". Best video I had seen in a long time, made me feel good in a long time. You're voice is so soothing, and I leave all my troubles behind when I go through your videos. I came across an amazing Youtuber that relates closely to me. Simon, You're a blessing in my life. Never stop making videos, it really does create an impact on people.

Love,
Rachel Lobo

[stealthy_sock]

the silent voice soundtrack i cant this video is too beautiful

[blankets]

I love that Simon incorporated camping, a main motif in his gap year, to make new friends in college. College is the most connected, but also isolating, experience during anyone's educational journey. Happy Simon made socializing easier for people IRL and to anyone watching. 😊

[anismakesvideos]

I discovered your content a few weeks ago and I am so glad I did, your videos are so cinematic and impactful. The messages can resonate with myself and many others - and that is something that is truly special. As an aspiring content creator you inspire me to be more creative and thought provoking with my videos. Stay passionate and authentic, KEEP IT GOING SIMON :)

[elisspie]

Studying at college is a new experience of interacting with people. In any case, the main thing is to do what you really want. Thanks for the video, it was interesting

[chez_guy]

i’ve been rlly stressed bc i have ~half a year till i go to college and i’ve realized that what i do with youtube will bring success, and ofc what everyone tells me is that i shouldn’t go to college and should just primarily focus on youtube, but i want that learning experience and social life with college.

i’ve been back and forth with everything. i’m worried that in between focusing on my studies, making new friends/hanging out, and balancing my youtube channel, i will only have time to do only 2 of those things. if that makes ANY sense 😂

but this video gives me hope to just go for it and see where life takes me. i know whether or not youtube or college works out for me, i’ll be happy no matter what.

thank you simon. as someone who discovered you only a few days ago, i already look up to you so much. thank you so much for doing what you do 🫶

[roni_rice]

I think it's great that you took a gap year to do amazing things and seriously consider whether college is right for you. Most people go to college by default, without really considering the implications and exploring their other options.

[ajprozone]

Your slowly becoming my favorite youtuber of all time, your cinematography is always impressive and the messages you put out there are much needed today… Life isn’t purely about success, but instead about the people you meet and the memories you make with them

[itsdsanti]

I'm starting college soon and I've been having similar thoughts of trying to figure out if I should take the "normal" path that everyone expects or do what I was first passionate about and forget college. Anyways thanks for the video, it's comforting knowing other people have these similar feelings.

[Tundosjournal]

I love these types of videos a lot- an funnily enough, this video has come at a time where I have also decided to go back to college to re-do a course that I never completed so I can pursue my own dreams despite everybody else's negative comments and low faith in me.
Thank you, Simon.

[bradenwatt]

Bro this is exactly how I feel right now trying to balance my passion for building business, photography, and making videos bringing people together etc. Its hard to know where to draw the line because that normal life seems nice but the other life pulls you so much.

[DarkDre-ootm]

That's unbelievable men. This video really helped too much to see life from a bright way I'm actually 15 my life is terrible I live in a poor country whit no motivation and constant depression I also have some sort of social anxiety thank you so much for your hard editing to make this video whit that quality and spread an emotional vibe into. The video before this one was very Inspiral too, and it let me to discover your channel if you noticed my comment whit a heart or anything will make me so happy at least for some time 🙂

[tanGinko]

Hey, just wanna say thank you and I love you. You made me realize how special and meaningful life are supposed to be.

[josiebythesea]

Your creations are amazing! You are such a big inspiration for me! I started filming myself and I am loving this form of creativity! A few years ago i left college (halfway through junior year) to start my own business. The last have years have been absolutely wild, and I am still working everyday to find myself. Being an entrepreneur can be so difficult but also rewarding in many ways, and I relate a lot to your journey. Now Im learning that creativity is where I feel the most me, and therefore leaning into all things painting, pottery, journaling, filming, and capturing the peaceful and the adventures times in nature that I cherish. Anyway, thank you so much for creating and I am sending gratitude and good energy:)