As I ascend out of the sweltering and claustrophobic subway after work I surmise that I may be experiencing the real world. To me, the expression "the real world" is such a strange concept. Who can accurately judge what "the real world" entails? And if, in fact, I have been experiencing this subjective concept, I feel that all I have learned is that I know nothing. Most of us, maybe all of us, know nothing.

Yes, it's true. You don't know anything. You may know a lot, but you can know a lot more.

The most important thing I think this fickle and elusive concept of "the real world" has taught me is that the more you know, the less you know. As we spend more time in "the real world" we become accustomed to going through the motions; settling into our routines in order to feel like we are coming out on top. But what if we remind ourselves that we, and others as well, can always change direction? What if we remind ourselves that we're not always right?

If I am really experiencing adult life, or the components that may comprise adult life, then my experience is one of having one foot in ‘the real world’ door while also fighting to remain un-jaded. In "the real world" most people seem to be faking it until they make it. Even when surrounded by intelligent people, it's easy to see that most people want to display a facade of knowing it all. Yet, even the experts always have something to learn, and if they then deny that, they are left bereft of a crucial point. When our world becomes comfortable or monotonous it's imperative to let ourselves be less guarded and approach people and situations from a more humble place.

"The real world" doesn't have to be anything we don't want it to be. College, work, real world experience shows us that we always have something to learn. The real world is experienced in a billion different ways and every individual does have something to contribute. In my humble opinion, I want to experience the real world; the real world is not defined as one set path but as embracing life as a young adult and moving forward with a purpose and an understanding that not everything can be predicted.