The Longest Four Years Without Enough Time: In class writing

College. It is hammered into the minds of young school children from the moment they purchase their first pack of Number 2 pencils. The concept of graduating and attending college is something that has become almost a necessity to “make it” in the grown up world. Because of this, college and all of the promotion it envelops can often confuse students on where or why they would have the desire to attend college in the first place. Sometimes it is portrayed as a raging party that never ends, while other times it is portrayed as a prison in which your parents sentence you to. However, college is neither. College is a privilege that is too often taken for granted. While being told “education is a privilege” is a phrase that has become highly too cliché in the United States, it is a phrase that an individual finally begins to grasp as soon as college has passed them by.
            College is not mandatory. While many students often feel the pressure from their parents to attend, the truth is no one can make you do anything. College benefits in helping you understand this. When in college, it becomes blatantly obvious that the only person essentially responsible for you is you. Almost every single day to day aspect of your life is thrown into your hands at once. College is a fresh start with a clean slate. You decide when to attend class. You decide when and what to eat. You decide when and what to wear. You decide who to hang out with. Ultimately, you decide who you are, who you are becoming, and what you want to stand for. Many students often fall victim to the illusion that college is a time that will eventually be reflected on as an excuse, “Oh, well it was college. It didn’t matter.” Contrary to popular belief, that statement is false. While college may seem like an endless chaperone-free party, it is four years of your life. And those are four years that cannot be replaced or erased. These four years are fundamental in shaping you as a person, as well as beneficial in helping you figure out what you have to offer this world. Have fun and make memories, but discover who you are in doing so.
            Adolescence, 11-19 years of age, is considered to be an individual’s formative years. This may be scientifically true; however, college can be some of the most formative years of your life, if you let them. College is one of the only chances you will have to be surrounded by such a wide variety of people, cultures, beliefs, and ideas. It is also one of the only chances you will have to be invited to a local bar for a daily special and handed a copy of the New Testament with a three easy step pamphlet on how to get to heaven, all within fifteen feet. College enables you to be immersed in endless knowledge and opportunities. It is all about the exploration and discovery of life, your options, and yourself. Being thrust into such a diverse and fulfilling environment allows your future to be limitless.

As crazy as it seems, the opportunity to gain knowledge and understanding about subjects of your choice, to meet people and experience culture, and to get involved and develop beliefs is a privilege. College entails the unknown, but it is waiting to be discovered by you personally. Having no parents can simply be seen as a bonus. There will be long nights of parties, laughter, and friends, as well as long nights of studying, extra caffeinated coffee, and a large stack of textbooks. Some days it will seem like you are stuck in school forever, while other days you begin to swallow the realization that college is going by all too fast. Attending college allows you to decide and develop opinions for yourself. It is the ultimate growing experience, in which you will never stop sharing in life changing experiences and learning. College is not just something to take part in to get your parents off of your back or to please former primary school teachers; it is an opportunity to take hold of your life with everything you need conveniently at your fingertips.