Unless you call home the dirty ground underneath a rock, then chances are you've probably heard Adam Sandler singing this little tune: "ohhh back to school, back to school, to prove to dad that I'm not a fool," Billy Madison truly said it best folks.
Going back to school, a dread to the young, but a privilege to the old and college kids of America alike, because let's face it, getting back on campus is like coming home after a long vacation. You return with a fresh glow and a care free conscious, but it doesn't last forever thanks to the stress of midterms and exams, yet it lingers in your system just long enough for you to survive welcome week festivities and your first week of classes.
Yes, the preparation for college isn't as fun and glamorous as it was when we started the first grade. Gone are the days when we begged our parents to buy us the 64 pack of Crayola Crayons and sparkly, bendy pencils from the school store. You won't find folders and notebooks adorning Lisa Frank's signature glitter vomit in our backpacks, because that would just be embarrassing. We won't be bringing in a shiny apple for our favorite teacher because I think we can all agree that college professors don't take bribes of any kind. Zero consideration goes into choosing our "first day outfit," because we are more focused on not walking into the wrong 230 person lecture 20 minutes late!
We will still enjoy a nice morning pop-tart, partially because they are just too hella affordable and fit into our strict food budget. No one said a college student's life was easy.
Going back to college means being reunited with some of our best friends who we haven't seen in a few months. There is no better feeling than being reunited with the ones we love.
Not everything changes as we grow up. You sometimes will still get stuck next to that guy who forgets to wear deodorant. I'm very sorry. Your mom might still shed a tear as you say your last goodbye, just like she did when she sent you off to your first day at preschool. Beginnings are a beautiful thing, but not easy for everyone.
My best piece of college advice: don't forget to pack your toothbrush. People will tell you that the key to being successful in college is planning, but don't forget the power of spontaneity. Learning doesn't just take place in a classroom, it goes beyond that.
A new school year offers a fresh start. For some, it's a chance to improve their grades and skills, for everyone it's being back with the people they love at the place that they call their second home. That familiar feeling of belonging begins right when you step foot on campus again.
Here's to already having your lunch packed up, your boots tied tight and being hopeful that you don't get into any fights. College students unite!
