Man, I Love College

If there is anything that this summer has taught me, it is to appreciate that beauty of college. I mean seriously, compared to the “real world”, or the sliver of it that I have been experiencing this summer, it’s an absolute cake walk. Never again will I complain about cafeteria food. Because I’m sure when I return to my home campus, I will marvel at the magic that is a meal plan.

“Wait, so I just swipe my card, and I get already prepared food? Whoah!” I don’t see Tootie, our cafeteria worker, being too patient with me.

But that is almost my reaction. I don’t have to pay up front, or go and purchase, or cook my food, like I’ve had to do this entire summer? It's just…there! And I don’t have to factor in a 45 minute commute to get to work? I can just walk across campus? In my pajamas?!?! No suit and tie in 95 degree weather? I’m honestly getting giddy at the thought of it. This summer has taught me to appreciate the comforts of campus living for the one final year that I will have access to it, and I’m glad that I’ve know what I’ve got before it’s gone.

My understanding of the differences between the real world and college life is that, in the real world, not nearly as much is handed to you. Things that you stopped even considering while in school are suddenly things you have to manage when you’re living on your own, and working the equivalent of a full-time job. Like dry cleaning. I’m normally a drag my clothes to the laundry room at 3 a.m. kinda guy, but waking up at 6 a.m. every morning doesn’t exactly make this feasible. And to think, I used to complain about paying a couple bucks to wash and dry. I’ve learned to shut up now.

The Washington Center has not only allowed me to savor my final two semesters of college, but has also eased my transition into the real world. Because after a couple of months here, I did begin to miss living in a dorm a bit. But I was comforted by the fact that I could go back. If I had experienced this for the first time next May, it might not have been so pretty.

The point of my rambling is, essentially, appreciate what you have. Because you’ll only have it for four years (although you can stretch it to five if you really try).

Until next time…