Kris Jenner, the matriarch of the Kardashian-Jenner clan, recently shared her thoughts on the importance of higher education during an episode of the popular podcast SmartLess, which aired on 9th March. At the age of 70, Jenner reflected on her own experiences and those of her six children, addressing the pressure young people often feel to pursue traditional academic paths.
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During the discussion hosted by Jason Bateman, Sean Hayes, and Will Arnett, Jenner weighed in on the increasing stress placed upon young individuals to excel in business schools. She offered a pragmatic perspective, noting the diverse educational journeys of her children: “Half of my kids did it and half of my kids didn’t, so it’s a mixed bag for me,” she said.

Having not attended college herself, Jenner candidly acknowledged her own academic choices, explaining, “That wasn’t important to me because I wasn’t the most amazing. I didn’t love school because I was social.” She emphasised that her enjoyment of social interactions during her school years had influenced her educational trajectory, a sentiment that resonates with many individuals who view learning as a multifaceted experience rather than simply an academic one.

Jenner expressed her belief in the value of education, particularly as a “safety net” for life’s uncertainties. She advised that, while not everyone may require a degree for success—especially in entrepreneurial ventures—the importance of education cannot be dismissed in fields that demand specific qualifications. “I think it really depends on whether you want to be a doctor or a physician of any kind of surgeon,” she stated, reinforcing the idea that certain careers necessitate formal education.
Reflecting on her children’s varied paths, Jenner highlighted that her son attended the University of Southern California, while Kim Kardashian’s foray into college lasted only a few weeks. Kourtney Kardashian successfully graduated, showcasing the spectrum of academic achievement among the siblings. Additionally, Jenner’s youngest daughters, Kendall and Kylie Jenner, opted for homeschooling, which aligns with the family’s non-traditional approach to education.
Throughout the conversation, Jenner underscored the idea that “everyone learns differently” and encouraged listeners to follow their passions when contemplating their career choices. She urged young people to consider what excites them about life and to pursue those interests, regardless of societal expectations regarding formal education.
Among the various enterprises her family has established, including ventures in beauty, fashion, and lifestyle, Jenner’s entrepreneurial success serves as a testament to the diversity of pathways available to young people today. Her children have shown that skills and determination can sometimes outweigh formal qualifications in the competitive world of business.
Concluding her insights, Kris Jenner reiterated that achieving success does not strictly depend on attending college. Instead, she emphasised the importance of self-discovery and passion in one’s professional journey. As she stated, “What is it that gets you excited about life and what you want to do with your career?” This encouraging message serves as a reminder to embrace individuality and to carve one’s own path in the world, regardless of educational background.
Jenner’s appearance on SmartLess has not only sparked conversation about education but also highlighted the realities of success in the modern world, encouraging young people to weigh their options carefully and pursue their dreams fervently.
