McKinney: What has my college experience been?

I hear the ticking of the clock as I sit on my couch with nothing to do. Well, I suppose that’s not true; I could study for one of the two tests I have this week or I could get started on that paper I have due. I suppose I could even get caught up on duties for my job or even for the Speech and Debate Team. I could have even started writing this. In reality, I just sit there; staring at my television. I am bored. There is no way to deny this–I am bored.

I love education, I love studying, I love learning, so I am a little confused why I am so bored right now when I could be taking my time to absorb knowledge.

It is here, in the solace of Storage Wars, where I begin to think back through my time here at Sam Houston State University. I have enjoyed myself, undoubtedly, but what have I done? I have spent four years at SHSU (and one year at a community college) getting a firm grasp on anything and everything I possibly can. I throw myself into education, really focusing on absorbing every possible sentence from my books, taking the time to study the syllabi I’m given. I go home and study, I go to class, go to the library – I currently have 16 books checked out! Is there more? Have I missed something?

I have seen movies where people are in college and they have friends that they meet up with every day. They have protests, seemingly just for fun. They even take road trips. Why have I not done any of that? Why have I not spent any time making memories for myself? I’m a first generation college student. My family is proud of me and it’s up to me to make sure that I do well. That I pass – preferably with amazing grades. And that’s what I have done. I have studied, made good (at least decent) grades. I have, in many ways, sacrificed the potential for more memories in order to make better grades.

That is why, as I sit on my couch in my pajamas, my blue blanket covering me, I wonder if my time could have been even more enjoyable. As the clock ticks the next minute away, I find it symbolizing my time here; ticking away to my graduation in May. I think about the two degrees I’ll have. I think about what may come next and I start to cry. Not because I’m nervous or frightened of the future, not because I worry about what comes next. No, a couple of tears fall because of what I could have done.

So, as the sun starts to set on my college life, as the clock ticks the time away, I think about what I would say to incoming freshmen. Well, here it is. Take your time. Make friends, make memories. Do not hesitate to spend a weekend traveling to Dallas to just see what it’s all about. Go to the movies with friends. Take a stand for something. Never neglect your grades or forget to study for tests. But, remember that college is an experience; a time for you to literally remember for the rest of your life. Go camping. Make an ultimate scavenger hunt. The possibilities for your life are endless – the memories should be too.

Don’t end up on your couch watching another hour of Storage Wars alone. Not that I don’t enjoy the bidding but there is so much more. If you are ever aware of the clock ticking in your ear, it is time for you to do something.