Students Run the Town

Lesson: Find yourself

Yes folks, it is that time of year again. The store shelves are freshly packed with all the necessities for future success and yes, that means it is "Back to School." By now most students in this town have been dancing this jig long enough to know what college rulled paper is and what kid of pens they like.

The streets are getting more crowded and Uhals are often seen in front of the dumpiest houses and apartment buildings in town making the move. As I drive past I remember what this time of year was like for me—-Releif from the summer job ending, glad to be away from home again, happy to see and catch up with friends after 3 whole months and excited for the everyone-is-finally-back-from-summer-parties…. ahhh there is nothing like a college town. What is better than 25 cent wings and penny pitcher beer night?? I am envious of that Uhal and wish that was my dumpy apartment again.

This is the first time in my life that I am not apart of the back to school craze. (If you can even call it a craze) And I knew it would feel weird, but this is WEIRD. It’s weird not to be worried about class starting soon, wondering who is in my class or even where they are. Buying books, writing papers and final assignments, all behind me. I have done my part. I have graduated and now those things are over for me. Of course I knew that, but I didn’t think it would feel like this. I miss it. I never knew how much I loved going to school. It’s been such a big part of my life and so strange to think it’s now over.

How I wish I could re-do college. What an incredible and unique experience it is. Not quite a kid, but not yet an adult either–just trying to figure out what to do with your life and taking random classes and drinking beer in the meantime. Too bad for me that I didn’t find out what I wanted to do quick enough because now I’m in the real world. And it sucks. I’m not sure I was prepared for this, but what choice do you have?

I had the worst hang over of my life my freshmen year of college. I went to a wine and cheese party down the street from the dorms with my roommates. It was with brother/sister frat and sororitys and I thought it was the coolest thing ever. That’s about all I remember about that, but I know I had fun. I’m not sure I ever saw the cheese, but we drank wine like water, even chugging right out of the bottle. I paid for it the next day like no other. I didn’t drink wine for years after that.

Now I wonder if I will ever go back to school. With nearly 30 thousand dollars in student loans is getting a masters degree the right thing to do right now? I, without a doubt, want to get my masters. I orginially wanted to do it in Journalism but when that plan fell through, I had no Plan B. Now I am re-evaluating my future career plans and might should consider getting a masters in something else, something that matters a little more to the world. Surely there are tons of journalists without masters in this world, I just want one. I want to learn more.

But what? I can’t help but feel a little stupid being 23 years old graduated from college and still confused about what to do with my life. If only I had listened to my dad and gotten a degree in education, then be a teacher and a cheerleading coach. I wanted more than that. Anyone can be a teacher. I should have done what I wanted to do and studied physical therapy or exercise science. But no, I listened to my so very wise father, and now look at me. EXECUTIVE RECEPTIONIST.