College is, for many people, the pinnacle of the American education. Late nights, partying, movies, and lots of hangovers....or at least that's what the movies show. It's not really like that at all, which is why it's pretty hard to describe exactly what college is. For the enjoyment of all, here is college as told by 10 college students.
1. "An EXPERIENCE."
College is one heck of an experience, for good or for bad; it's an experience.
2. "A Relationship."
College is a relationship with yourself, your professors, your friends, your spirituality, your beliefs, and your family. You build, you burn, you break, and you repair. You make mistakes, but you continually learn how to be better at being you.
3. "A New World."
It's sort of like being in the middle of a real life Aladdin movie. You find some treasure, hot significant others, and a bunch of fun stuff....and then everything get's burned down by a dystopian dictator and you've got to pull everything together and get your life straightened out.
4. "A Blessing."
Truth is, if you take college for granted, you've missed out on an incredible moment to see other people's lives through their eyes.
5. "Hard Work."
Yes, I'm hungry. Yes, I'm tired. Yes, I have a three finals back to back today. No, I haven't eaten in 24 hours. No, I haven't slept in two weeks. No, I am not going to pass any of my classes. I'm probably exaggerating a bit. The point is: college is a lot more than just fun. You have to put in work to succeed; sometimes you make big sacrifices. Sometimes you make a lot of small sacrifices.
6. "Looking for Parking."
If you don't understand the feeling of true love as you circle the parking lot with 7 other cars like vultures, and then the feeling of sheer betrayal when someone steals that spot you just saw, you don't go to a real college.
7. "Expensive."
I don't care if you're paying your way or riding on a golden pony scholarship; that education is worth more than my life. That's a fact. If I had those digits in my bank, boy I'd be rolling in the dough.
8. "Not Always Necessary."
Hey, guess what!? College is not a requirement for success or normalcy. You can be uber-successful and have a great life and not set foot on a college campus. However, you still have to put in your time like the rest of us. Education is a lifestyle. If you don't like the price tag or the format, you may not NEED college.
I know I said it. It's okay. Calm down; it's just college.
9. "Playing in a Fountain for 4 Hours."
You should be in class. You should be sleeping. You should be studying. You should be eating. But where are you? For some reason, you and your best friend are splashing around and lounging in the public fountain around some fancy statue. No one knows how campus security hasn't noticed you yet. No, you aren't drunk or high.
10. "College Is FUN."
When you finish surviving, you laugh and joke about the tough moments. When you have a relaxing days and easy classes, you laugh and joke about the tough times ahead. You hate some classes, but the one's you love make it all worth it. And no matter what, you have your friends and a ton of classmates right beside you going through the same things.
