The eNotes Blog How College Is Like That Juicy Hamburger You Just Dont Want toEnd

How College Is Like That Juicy Hamburger You Just Dont Want toEnd Just come with us on this one intern offers more advice on how to savor college and prep for the real world, which in foodie-terms can only be likened to that salad bar at the Souplantationa bottomless pit of just meh. So, now that weve livened your spirits Picture this. You’re at a restaurant, and it’s around 3 or 4 o’clock. You woke up late and didn’t have time to grab any breakfast, and you had class for a couple straight hours without a break. Essentially, you’ve gone all day without a single bite of food, and MAN you’re hungry. So hungry, in fact, that the moment the waiter brings you whatever it is you’ve ordered (probably something with french fries), you praise him for his good deed, nearly yank it from his hands, and devour the entire meal before you even realize it’s happening. The next time you look at your plate, you realize it’s just you and a couple crumbs left. You aren’t even sure what you just ate. Now, I didn’t just use this example because this is my life on a near regular basis†¦ I used it because it’s really applicable! Watch me go, I promise, this is totally going to resonate. That hamburger and french fries you just savagely took down in 2 minutes flat- that’s college (Oh my GOODNESS, what is that you say?). Chances are, you (you near graduate, you) feel like college â€Å"whoosh†ed past you in 2 minutes flat, or something close to that. You’re looking back at all those fragments of memories and experiences, and probably freaking out a little bit. Okay, maybe a lot-a-bit. I know I’ve spent the past couple nights rehearsing lines like these: â€Å"where’d all the time go?† and â€Å"I can’t believe it† and maybe some â€Å"†¦Ã¢â‚¬  (that’s just some silent wall-staring). Fret no more, fellow sorry souls. We’re all in this together. We’re going to make it through. We’re going to savor all the best things about college while we still can. For those of you who aren’t as close to the end of the plank as us, pay heed to this list of top 10 things that are awesome about college (and maybe try to chew a little slower). When someone asks you what you’re doing with your life, you are allowed to answer â€Å"I’m a student,† and just like that, the â€Å"I now have to tell a stranger I have no idea what I’m doing with my life and I’m unemployed† conversational crisis is averted. Seriously, just like that. Enjoy this. Even if you have to awkwardly linger around people until they ask you that question, just do it. You essentially live in a weird village full of likeminded, crazy 18-22 year olds, and you’re friends with a ton of them- this is something that could only be crafted by a spirit above. Seriously†¦you live surrounded by your friends. Surrounded. This will likely never happen again in your life. Ever. Go hang out with your neighbors (and by neighbors I mean those that live: next door, across the street, down the street, and anywhere from 1-10 blocks away from you). This weird village you live in has its own set of moral codes and ethics. Close to 50% of the things you do in the little microcosm of a world that is your college town will never be accepted outside of that bubble. Revel in it. On the same vein, once you graduate, you will no longer be able to recount events of the past night or week and shrug it off with a smirk and the words, â€Å"college, man.† Self explanatory. The opportunities your university provides for you are endless. Clubs, events, speakers, concerts, special lectures, counselors, employment- the list goes on and on. You should participate as much as you can and take advantage of it all. Don’t be lazy, you’ll miss out on a lot of experiences you won’t be able to get anywhere else. You can cook like you’re a survivor on the series Lost, and no one will judge you. Pre-packaged foods, a microwave†¦who needs a stove or forks or knives? I mean, even if you wanted to have a dinner party, Trader Joes has some frozen meals that serve at least four people. You’re all set! Once you leave college, people actually may start expecting you to use fresh ingredients and things like spices (not the kind that comes inside your top ramen package- mmm, MSG). Eat as many microwavable chicken nuggets and taquitos as you can, while you still can. You get to learn the things you want to learn about. I know everyone complains about school because of all the work and studying and blah, blah, blah. But we all know, deep down, we like it at least a little bit. The fact that we get to fill our brains with new information on a daily basis, and that that information may lead us in one direction or other, building our interests and leading us to new ones†¦that’s just awesome. You know it, I know it. We just don’t like to really admit it all the time. College students are stubborn. You can wear sweatpants whenever you want because your day job isn’t really a job at all. Your job is to sit in a lecture and try to stay awake while learning things. Nowhere in that description are the words â€Å"business casual.† Pajamas are only pajamas if you’re in bed and sleeping- otherwise, they’re just clothes. Think about that. You’re allowed to dabble in things without being talked about as if you’re a lost soul searching for your way. Hey, it’s college. You’re encouraged to try new things, regardless of what they are. Literally, you can do anything and people (essentially by law) have to just nod and say, â€Å"that’s what college is for,† and they’re right. So explore, a lot, and do the weirdest things you can possibly think of because you never know what’ll stick. Soon it’ll be too late and your dreams of being a figure skater will be looked at a little more critically (Not that that should hinder you. You should always chase your dreams, even if people laugh at you, or think you’re nuts. I’m just saying, take advantage of the head start college is intended to give you). You are told, around three times a year, that you must stop doing schoolwork and instead, â€Å"relax.† Winter break, spring break, and summer vacation are some of the best inventions that have ever been created in the history of the world. Fire, the wheel- they pale in comparison. It’s mandated, enforced relaxation. This will most likely never be permitted at any other time in your life. Phew. Good luck. If all else fails, listen to some ‘90s music. Or to Hall and Oates (specifically, â€Å"You Make My Dreams†). You will feel like a kid at Disneyland who’s eating a churro (and we all know that’s the best feeling in the world).