First off, if your high school years were "the best years of your life," I feel sorry for you. The undergraduate college years are most definitely a step above high school drama and the nine p.m. curfews (not saying they are the golden years either). The longer I have been at school, the more and more I realize that college has turned me from a Spongebob into a Squidward. Don't get me wrong, I've had some Patrick and Mr. Krabs moments along the way, but Squidward is now my spirit animal.
Freshmen Move-In Day
When I first stepped onto my campus on move in day, like most freshmen, I was thrilled. There were frat guys throwing footballs, free food and a fresh start. My eyes were wide and my heart was open. I introduced myself to too many people and never noticed how hot, sweaty and gross my first impression was. I basically looked like Spongebob Squarepants walking into Super Weenie Hut Junior.
Everybody Cries... Everybody
I had my first break down pretty early. Once my family drove away, (1,531 miles away to be exact) I was alone. I suddenly had to balance time management, making friends and learning how to feed myself. The stress hit me quickly. Another highly stressful time was finals. The most tears are shed on college campuses during exam weeks. We all know the feeling when your GPA and entire future are on the line. The result? A few stress induced criers, the all night Adderall users and the occasional kid riding around on a scooter wearing a Snuggie. In college, all are equally acceptable.
Awful General Education Requirements
Like most first-year college kids, I had the pleasure of sitting through classes like Composition 1000 and Potato-Level Math. No matter how hard I tried, I just didn't give a shit... but I tried like hell to keep a positive attitude... and an imagination.
Money
Whether the parents sent it, or it was pay day, people flaunt their cash. Now, for me, I work to pay for most of the things I own like my car, insurance, gas, student loans, food, etc. So nothing is more annoying than the guy whipping a brand new Beamer and buying rounds at the bar on Daddy's tab.
Annoying People
They are everywhere. Nothing is more tragic than being stuck in a two-hour lecture next to the kid who constantly asks a million questions, or tries to steal the Krabby Patty Secret Formula from you. Also, there is always that one guy who thinks you are his best friend, but in reality, you despise the sound of his voice.
People Suck
After a few semesters with the same group of kids reppin' the same major as me, I got tired of being nice all the time. I gave up on liking most people. I now stick to myself and my small group of friends and I have never been happier. My patience for slow walkers, loud talkers, and mid-class laughers is now slim to none. I have grown to hate pretty much everyone.
College is difficult. It requires a ton of effort, determination, and perseverance. The most important part of a college education, of which usually goes understated, is learning about who you are as a person. The undergrad years have given me the opportunity to learn about myself, who I wished to be and who I wanted to associate with. It is not always bad to be a Squidward. It just means that you have seen past all the bullshit and are no longer a Spongebob.
