One of the reasons music is so important to people is because of its accessibility; lyrics offer relatability and understanding at times when maybe friends and family just can't. In middle school, maybe you were confused about the concept of war and could turn to a band like Green Day with songs such as “American Idiot” and “Holiday” that gave you and many others an outlet to explore their confusion and anger. Not all lyrics demand that you take them literally, though. At a Twenty One Pilots concert, at some point Tyler Joseph will probably say “Take this song and make it your own." Many musicians write lyrics from personal experience but also give their listeners the freedom to interpret and apply those lyrics to their own personal life. Music can be a way to cope, a way to learn, a way to heal or a way to deal with hurt. It’s a very serious topic but I decided to explore it in a more lighthearted way by exploring one of favorite bands, Brand New, for lyrics that probably have nothing to do with college but take them and apply them to exactly that.

So the semester starts and you are questioning the entire education system. Am I actually learning anything useful? Will I graduate and just suddenly understand how to file taxes and get health insurance?

Then you have to write your first paper and you're giving yourself a pep talk but know that you're just winging the whole thing.

Eventually, you and all your friends get too busy to hang out.

But your first paper isn't nearly as bad as your first midterm. You stay up all night and at some point you do a google search for "is it safe to hook myself up to an IV of Starbucks coffee?" because that seems like the only solution to survival.

You start wondering why you even go to school still. What if instead of student loans I borrowed just enough money to buy five beautiful dogs and a hippie van?

One night you look at your grades and remember how you got all A's in elementary school.

You might even accidentally develop a crush on someone you have class with. You actually start washing your hair everyday instead of every two...or three.

Of course, you become addicted to some form of caffeine. No the IV thing isn't safe, sorry.

You hit the point when you just want summer break more than anything.

You are ready to just give up. The breaking point is hit, but...

...then you remember college is more than grades, it's an unforgettable experience. A place to make friendships that will last a lifetime and learn lessons you will never forget. You wouldn't trade it for the world.