While I am not yet back in Graduate School, here are my anticipated 10 things about college that was better in your 20’s then in your 30’s.

1. Then: Classes—You got to take weird classes out of your major like “Weather Disasters” even though you’re an art major. Tornadoes are cool.

   Now: As much as you love your major sometimes you miss “easy” classes, that required much less thinking. Or classes that compliment your varied interests.

2. Then: I worked just enough to be able to afford to put gas in my car, go to indie rock shows, get my nose pierced, buy Doritos, and buy an occasional pack of Marb lites to give to cute boys at those indie rock shows when they asked if I had a smoke.

   Now: I have to work just enough to be able to afford my credit card, car, and car insurance payments. “Extra” loan money is going to pay my rent. I need a coupon AND a store sale to be able to afford the astronomical price of Doritos.

3. Then: I was expected to act like a 20 year old.

   Now: I am expected to act like a 30 year old.

4. Then: Stayed up all night drinking, hanging out with friends, playing video games and eating $5 Enzo’s pizza.

   Now: Slept all night because your internal clock puts you to bed by 10pm and gets you up at 5:30am. Playing video games aggravates your carpal tunnel, $5 pizza is not as good as you remember without the cheap booze.

5. Then: I knew when I graduated I was destined for great things. Awesome things. I would rule the world.

   Now: I know that when I graduate I am destined for a poor-paying adjunct job (if I am lucky), combined with a $8 a hour retail job for at least a few years, but only if they don’t consider me over-qualified.

6. Then: Art was about learning techniques and making awesome shit.

   Now: Art is about researching concept and theory, over-analyzing every tiny little thing you do. I still love it, but sometimes it is irritating. Still making awesome shit though.

7. Then: Weekends were for “catching up” on sleep or reading for pleasure. And sometimes working.

   Now: Weekends are for working.

8. Then: Cheap beer was perfectly acceptable.

   Now: I know better now. This is sad. Especially after having home brewed.

9. Then: I drove a 1989 wood paneled station wagon with 130,000 that could fit 9-13 people,(on the way to indie rock shows) had terrible gas mileage, and I paid $800 for.

   Now: I drive a 2009 sporty vibe wagon, that fits 5 people, has 49,000 miles and gets good gas mileage…….and my loan just got below $13,000. Yes, the loan part makes this suck.

10. Then: only $35,000 taken out in loans after 6.5 years of school. This included two study abroad trips.

    Now: I will take out $40,000 in loans to cover two years. Sadly, no excursions to Europe.

    

    On the Atlantic Ocean, 2012