Hurried people, speaking to each other excitedly, flirtatious glances cast in all directions, constantly shifting social dynamics between different cliques; these are but a few of my most memorable observations from a few days with my brother at his new university. Only less than two years removed from the collegiate experience myself, I was curious to again immerse myself in the extravagant, unworldly, and typically artificial college environment. Equipped with my still relatively fresh impressions and experiences of college, yet since molded by ‘real-world’ demands, I viewed my surroundings with equal parts nostalgia, enthusiasm, and scrutiny.
The source of my fondness for the college-life is easily identifiable. At nearly every pause you take on a college campus, the allure is easily discernible; spirited, youthful people your age mingle in abundance, entertainment to stroke your every possible interest is omnipresent, resources to satisfy even the most eclectic intellectual interests are readily available, supremely lenient schedules reign, and an atmosphere largely disjointed from the uglier areas of life shields your perception of our world. For the exorbitant tuition prices in the United States, it should not be surprising that the college sphere is geared toward self-improvement and discovery in incredibly innovative and sensitive ways. In essence, a college education affords students an immensely favorable work – benefit ratio. Foremost, mostly any of the work is of a very intellectually stimulating nature. Granted, academic expectations can be rigorous, but when considered in the context of a life mostly devoid of other responsibility or adversity, a fairly desirable lifestyle emerges.
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Socially, it is miraculous that anyone can muster enough discipline to advance him or herself academically. College environments are drenched in hormones, curiosity, and an often unexplored and unprecedented sense of freedom. Partying knows no bounds, alteration of one’s mindset is often standard, and the only constraint on living a largely hedonistic lifestyle is the threat of academic probation or outright expulsion from an institution. Otherwise, the good times roll as the neural activity in young adult brains biases itself toward the reward centers and shuns the humdrum regions governing judgment and responsibility. And who is anyone to judge? If it feels good, and no ill effect is immediately recognizable, why would you want it to stop?
Beyond the surface layer of adrenaline, bliss, and ecstasy, though, there lie curious minds, undeveloped interests, and unidentified passions; all of which will chart the course of our world in the very near future. And while these characteristics of college might not be the most distinguishable, immediately gratifying, or romantic, they are undoubtedly present. Students will perfect habits to capitalize on their innate talents and learn to prioritize their lives in ways most likely to lead them to success and fulfillment. Rewarding connections between professor and student, mentor and apprentice, ‘old’ and ‘new’ will fortify and flourish as a proverbial torch is passed onto the new generation; young minds entrusted with their freshly discovered secrets to the world. Adolescents will undergo a sort of metamorphosis as they slowly and purposefully abandon inherited flaws but steadfastly retain invaluable lessons ingrained within them by their parents and role models. It is for these reasons that I grin with satisfaction as I see organizations proudly advertising their causes as the new students explore their new home away from home.
I think, though, my most profound realization from the past few days is how improbable, if not impossible, it is for a typical college student to appreciate the spectacular fortune they’ve stumbled upon in a higher education. Granted, ‘typical college student’ is a broad and subjective term; shallowly, for me, it conjures the profile of someone raised in a stable country, supportive household, devoid of stresses separate from their studies. For many traditionally aged, American college students, this seems to be the case. How then, could they possibly understand the rarity of a realm, which accentuates mostly only the desirable components of life? The demographic is steeped in intelligence, youth, and wealth. The amenities are only the soundest quality and innovation. The lifestyle is relatively forgiving, accepting, and supportive.
This is not to say that simply because not everyone in the world will have access to a higher education, those who are should feel guilty at their good fortune. I only think a vast, diverse, and worldly perspective imperative to a college student’s ability to fully embrace the infinite opportunity placed at their feet. There should be no shame in enjoying relationships, self-discovery, and the finer bits of life. Guilt and shame may only manifest themselves when the abundant opportunity offered by the college is underappreciated and the wishes of the less fortunate trodden upon by a mentality of entitlement and oblivion.
I can only vow to remain keenly aware of how lucky I was to be afforded a college education and to cultivate my gained experiences in the best interest of society. Otherwise, I fully intend to vicariously enjoy another four years of the utopia, which is the college life.
