A breakup doesn’t delete what you learned. You leave with the lessons, even if you don’t leave with the person.

An ending removes the future you were planning, not the years you actually had. What you understood about yourself in that time, the tolerance you built, the things you found you need, all of it stays with you. Grieving the loss and keeping the education are not in conflict.

When you can, write down two or three things you know now that you did not know before. Not to make the ending worthwhile, since it does not have to be, but so the knowledge is yours on purpose. The pain will fade at its own pace regardless.