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𝐎𝐏𝐈𝐍𝐈𝐎𝐍 | 𝗚𝗢 𝗪𝗜𝗧𝗛 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗙𝗟𝗢𝗪 𝗢𝗥 𝗚𝗢 𝗔𝗚𝗔𝗜𝗡𝗦𝗧 𝗜𝗧 

by Joshua Dela Torre 

“𝘖𝘯𝘭𝘺 𝘥𝘦𝘢𝘥 𝘧𝘪𝘴𝘩 𝘨𝘰 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘧𝘭𝘰𝘸,” they say. It is a bold, romantic statement, often used to inspire rebellion, individuality, and resistance to the norm. But in the real world, especially in a country where survival often outweighs dreams—can everyone truly afford to go against the flow?

In every enrollment post on facebook, and on  university promotional materials, students are told to “follow your passion,” “choose your own path,” or “ pursue your dreams.” These are words of empowerment. But behind them often lies a silent judgment: that going with the flow is weak, that comfort equals failure, and that those who follow the crowd lack ambition. However, the truth is not that simple.

Take the case of freshmen students choosing a course. Many are pushed into programs not because of passion, but because of limited slots, financial constraints, family expectations, or the simple reality that not all dreams are sustainable. Is it really fair to tell a student from a struggling household to take the road less traveled when the road they’re on now is the only one they can afford to walk?

A 2022 study titled "On the 'income advantage' in course choices and admissions" by International Journal of Educational Development found that students from higher-income backgrounds have an advantage not only in university admissions but also in being admitted to their first-choice course clusters, suggesting that lower-income students may be more constrained in their options .The message is clear: not everyone has the luxury to dream boldly.

Despite this, we continue to push the narrative that “going against the current” is the only noble path. This mindset ignores the complex, lived experiences of those whose decisions are shaped not by comfort, but by necessity. It romanticizes the struggle without recognizing the privilege that often underpins it.

This is not to say that we should abandon ambition or stop advocating for passion. But we must start redefining what courage and growth really mean. Sometimes, it takes more strength to stay in a situation, make the most of what’s given, and find meaning in what once seemed like a default path. Choosing comfort is not always cowardice. Often, it’s strategy and survival.

Instead of dismissing those who go with the flow, let us reconsider what strength can look like. The challenge is to bloom where you’re planted, yes, but also to remain open to new soil when the time comes. Maybe you chose your course out of necessity. Maybe you followed your friends. Maybe it was not your first pick. But that doesn’t mean you cannot grow to love it, or shape it to serve you in ways you never imagined.

To those who dare to swim upstream, we admire your courage. But to those who stay with the current because they have to, your resilience is just as valid.