Prepare yourselves for this musically inspired rant about... college. First, watch this video. If you're in college, or have ever been in college, I think you'll find at least a few of these things to be true.
I have to vehemently admit that this pinpoints my sentiments exactly as of recent. I miss being home. I miss not having to worry about where I'm going to live or paying for where I live or balancing the three jobs it takes to pay for where I live. ("I"m poor, I'm starving, I'm flat broke, I've got no cash to spend.") As graduation approaches, student debt is increasingly weighing on my mind ("80 grand later...") I miss high school, where the social calender didn't involve even one boring, repetitive, same-thing-every-weekend frat party ("The party scene is kinda mean, I think it's sick and twisted").
Honestly, college has been a disappointment in a lot of categories. When my best friend from high school left for college in Tennessee a year before I graduated, I'd get letters from her describing everything incredible about college. I had high hopes. After I'd been offered four full rides, my dad chose Westminster. ("What my parents told me is what I did.") I wanted him to choose; I trusted his instincts and his perceptions. I was prepared to take a journey of self discovery, to learn who I was and delve into linguistics and literature.
Ironically, college has been a place where I've lost myself. I don't always remember who I am, and the tedious busywork of classes has cost me my passion and creativity ("I find out that all that I had learned is that you should show up to take your finals and your midterms"). I find myself constantly fighting the monotony, now having to force my naturally optimistic self to look on the bright side. I feel as though I'm spending my time, money, and energy on something that, at least to date, hasn't had much return.
I'm not saying that there's been nothing beneficial; I've made some good friends, I've had some great professors, and I've learn to be entirely self-sustaining. As socially "normal" as it is to graduate high school, go to college, get a degree, and then get a job for the rest of your life, I've come to the conclusion that college isn't for me. I'm excited to put it behind me and join this world which is thriving with life and opportunity.
"Do what will make you happy; do what you feel is right. But only one thing matters, learn how to live your life."
There are certainly some other options I like other than going to college, but most of them would be more difficult for me, I imagine. College seemed to be a more secured path for me, a path I think that I could probably enjoy the same. I don't think I regret my choice, though. Going to college certainly opens up some good options for my future path, which I could be continuously passionate about. I agree a lot that college is a place costing great energy, money and time, or even passion. I think that passion is something significant for everyone. If passion got worn out, then maybe it's a time to reconsider the pros and cons.
ReplyDeleteI really connect with a lot of the things that this song focuses on about college. I laughed at the line about selling books to buy tickets for a concert because when the semester ends I sell my books for money to spend on summer activities as well. Although it is not like this here at Westminster, at my friends schools they sometimes only have to show up and take midterms and finals, just like the song points out.
ReplyDeleteThis was a great song. There were parts that definitely spoken to me. Like you I'm ready to be done with college.
ReplyDeleteI think all college students go through a phase like this. Some shorter and longer than others. College years are tough, and I find that the "ideal college experience" is really unrealistic. I wish this image wasn't portrayed to young people sometimes.
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