The Last Hoorah
about the author
Lynne Guey is a recent graduate of the University of Florida, who currently lives in New York City working as a digital strategist for entrepreneurs. If you would like to nominate a burgeoning young entrepreneur or program to be featured in this column, please send information to lynneguey@gmail.com or tweet her. More of Lynne’s writings can be found at http://socialynne.com.
My friend who is currently in law school posted this Facebook status a few weeks ago:
“College was the best of times. I just wish somebody had told me.”
As I slaved through another chapter of what seemed like an endless amount of reading, my friend’s epiphany did not seem entirely relevant. Sure, parties and debauchery are fun, but I still felt constrained by the freedom college supposedly affords us. Unlimited access to textbook knowledge, technical jargon, and antiquated learning techniques? Wonderful! But what use comes from this when a more enlightening classroom awaits? I’m talking about real life lessons. Reality. The world. Boy, do I yearn for some of that. A college girl can dream from inside her educational bubble.
I often find my mind wandering from the boundaries of campus life to the towering reaches of the world beyond. My daydreaming occurs particularly when I’m loaded with a pile of mundane schoolwork. As a senior, I also have the added privilege of figuring out my uncertain post-graduation future. No longer can I lean on college as a safety net.
I should be celebrating. I’ve been waiting my entire college career for this very moment – the time when I can jump into a real career! The fresh prospect of life’s greatest adventure awaits. Fanciful dreams involving flying through the sky and traveling the world can finally be put into practice. But wait…reality check. Who’s paying the bills? How am I going to just get up and leave? Where do I go from here? What do I actually want to do with my life? …And the stampede of questions attacks.
Reality stares me straight in the face and I’m tempted to run in the opposite direction. My friend’s words resonate clearer than ever. Yes, college is a controlled environment somewhat immune to the woes of the world. But don’t discount its value. There really is no better place and time to maximize our potential! Where else can we mingle with Ph.D. scholars on the brink of developing the next medical advancement? When else can I run and jump on my roommate’s bed at 3 in the morning simply because I am immature and on a caffeine high? What about rolling out of bed and walking to class in our PJs? Certainly not possible in your usual professional working environment (Unless I score a job with Google, in which case all my current worries will dissipate).
College. There’s nothing like it. Amid the stress, it’s easy to complain and yearn for something more. The grass looks greener on the other side. But let us not forget the invaluable opportunities presented to us now. Our ultimate dreams may be outside this ballpark, but there’s something to be said about cheering for the game playing before our very own eyes, right NOW.
College is our playground, and it’s recess time. Life will call me in and advise me to get serious soon. But until then, I’ll be playing away on our beautiful (if ever utopian) stomping grounds.
“College was the best of times. I just wish somebody had told me.”
I’m telling you now.
