The thing I miss most about high school is the routine. When I was a senior I swore up and down there would be nothing I missed about high school. At this point last year all I wanted to do was leave and never look back. I desperately craved the freedom that came with college: picking my own classes, staying out as late as I wanted and getting to do everything on my own time. However, now that I have that freedom I would give anything to have the routine back.

In high school everything I did was on a schedule. From waking up at 6:00, going to sleep at 11:00 and everything in between. I always knew exactly what I would be doing at every part of the day, where I would be and who I would be with. Knowing those details gave me a sense of confidence that I could conquer the day. The thing I miss most about my coveted routine is eating every day. In college I never find the time to sit down and actually eat a meal. I am always too busy writing a paper or going to extracurricular events that I oftentimes find myself missing out on the most important part of the day. In high school every night I would sit down with my parents at a reasonable time and eat dinner. Now, I find myself eating at one in the morning with my computer and it usually is an expired chicken quesadilla.

With that being said there are certain aspects of the spontaneity of college that I enjoy. I love walking around campus and seeing live camels or a poster for an event such as Bingo or Trivia night that I end up going to. College is full of unforgettable experiences that oftentimes come at the most unexpected moments which require flexibility.

The secret is finding the balance between routines and spontaneity. The structure of high school and the strict rules prepare students for college whereas the ever changing conditions of college provide students a glimpse into the reality of a real world setting. Routines are necessary. They keep things fluid and in order, but spontaneity is also imperative. So while on my late nights of studying I do miss the easiness that came with my days in high school, I am going to remember the importance of this golden rule.

Now, as I nostalgically look back, I would give anything to go back to the days when staying up late was midnight instead of pulling all-nighters, where papers were two pages instead of ten and where every day I knew what I would be doing. They say college is the best time of your life and I agree but for now I am going to start establishing some of the routines I neglected in high school, in an attempt to find the perfect balance.