College is an experience that can be described in many ways. Albert Einstein once said, "The value of a college education is not the learning of many facts, but the training of the mind to think." I chose to describe college experiences in a different way -- through foods.
1. Easy Mac - Freshman Year
We all know the feeling. First time away from home, you're still not used to fending for yourself. You either settle for the new experience of dining hall food (ew), or you rummage through your closet and stumble upon ol' reliable -- Easy Mac. Not quite the same mac and cheese you're used to from home, but there's something about those stale elbow noodles and powder crayon-yellow cheese that symbolizes new beginnings and a new sense of independence and adulthood ahead.
2. Burrito - Hangover Cure
College is definitely a time of new experiences -- one of the biggest being partying and drinking. Inexperience and youth add some difficulties to this new social setting, and we've all experienced the terrible headaches and exhaustion the morning after. You and your friends learn to understand the magical powers of greasy foods, and make it an unofficial tradition to hit Chipotle for its hangover-curing burritos. Your experiences and ages might grow, but the memories of these burrito meals will be cherished much more than the drunken nights.
3. French Fries - Sophomore Year
Sometimes overlooked, but never a regret: sophomore year is like a good side of fries. Coming back to school no longer at the bottom is such an empowering feeling, but now you know you won't get the "freshman" excuse anymore. Salty at times, perhaps more than you could handle, or those weird super-fried ones you find at the bottom of the carton, you know not everything is gonna be great all the time. But when you look back, you'll know the comfort of sophomore year was a great side dish to your college years.
4. Coffee - Hard Work
College isn't all fun and games. After all, we can't major in beer pong, can we? Long nights of studying, writing papers, or reading textbooks are common in everyone's college lives. And, I guarantee you, with every long day or long night, there's a cup of coffee nearby. Behind every good grade is a caffeine addict.
5. Donuts - The Rewards
That doesn't mean that there isn't any fun or games. Hard work usually is rewarded with accomplishments, and those accomplishments deserve to be celebrated. That good grade on your paper, the A you got on a tough test, or just surviving to the weekend makes you feel like you can do anything- and should be rewarded with your just desserts.
6. A Glass of Wine - Junior Year
The most exciting part of starting your third year of college is the fact that everyone will be turning 21. And when that day finally comes, you're overly excited to drive to closest liquor store, grab your favorite bottle of wine, and confidently slap your I.D. down on the counter before the cashier even asks for it. "Go ahead," your 21-year-old self says, "Dare challenge my age." That bottle represents more to you than some $10 Pinot Noir -- you hoist your glass feeling victorious, taking your first sips of the real adult world.
7. Ice Cream - Tough Times
Stress in college is like an eternal flame -- for four whole years, a burning fire that is extinguished only by a diploma. School, work, friends and relationships are the wood that keep the fire going, and can definitely leave you with some burns. Keeping a container of your favorite Rocky Road or Mint Choclate Chip nearby always helps to soothe those burns.
8. Kale - Trying To Stay Healthy
If you're trying to finally get rid of all that Freshman 15, or just don't have any room in your schedule this semester for a trip to the gym, staying healthy in college is just another part of the long lust of worries. You're not a kid anymore, where you can just eat whatever you want and gain nothing. Although your food might not taste as good anymore, you'll probably feel and look much better if you start planning your meals with more greens and browns. Owning up to your eating habits is just another step on the transition to adulthood.
9. Ramen Noodles -- Being Broke
One of the biggest expenses of your life is your education. So while you're getting your education, you usually try to keep your purchases low. Sure you can get an on-campus job, but with all that school work there isn't too many opportunities for hours. That means this Asian noodle cup is your savior, and most of the dinners you eat. As you pour your flavor packet into your steamy hot Styrofoam cup, you daydream of the delicious meals you'll be able to pay for once you have a job and make your own money. The promising feeling of the future almost makes this mediocre meal worth it.
10. Pizza - Going Out
No matter what major or year you're in, all college students share one common interest: going out. Blasting music with your friends on a Friday night while you all get dressed in super cute outfits and order your Uber to take you to the bar, frat house or club is what you look forward to all week. And it doesn't happen every weekend, since you have to study, work or just don't feel like getting out of your pajamas. So when it finally comes, and the stars align so everyone's schedule works out, grab onto that slice of life.
11. Cheeseburgers - Senior Year
And with a blink of an eye, the four-course meal that is college has come to an end. But before you go to pay the check, you have to get your money's worth. You look back over the meal and think about all the experience you have piled up under your bun: the crisp vegetables, melty cheese, sweet ketchup and juicy meaty patty sum up all the highs, lows, and everything in between. Layer upon layer of academics, friends, professors, dorm rooms, sport events, parties, and work create the perfect flavorful bite of memories that can't be matched by any fast-food experience. At the end of it all, all that fat and calories are worth it, and you wouldn't change your own personal cheeseburger for anything.
