School Days

I can hear it echo back at me from 25 years ago, "Me in college, never!" I remember telling my high school guidance counselor those words. I meant those words with all my heart. Now, in hindsight, I realize I was both right and wrong. I was wrong for the obvious reason that I now attend college, and enjoy it thoroughly. I was right only as it pertained to me not being ready for a higher education at that time of my life.

High school was intellectually challenging. In retrospect, I realize that I had successfully manipulated the system into expecting less from me, and doing the bare minimum to pass. I was "too smart" for a formal education, it couldn't teach me anything I didn't already know. I liked most of my teachers and they liked me. What I recognize now is that my teachers saw right through me. One of my teachers hit the proverbial nail right on the head, when he signed my senior yearbook, "To the smartest Ð''dumb' guy I ever met. Best of luck!"

Now, having raised two boys and worked my butt off, I realize the importance of education. I feel starved for knowledge, and college is a giant buffet. In High School I couldn't wait for the bell to ring; now I leave work early to make sure I have plenty of time before class. While in High School, I partied a lot and rarely completed my homework. I enjoy the creative challenges college assignments bring and hanging out with my study group.

The expanse of time since High School has given me experience, which evolved into maturity. This maturity has been the biggest change since that long ago pronouncement, "Me in college, never!" If I could council my younger self, I would say, "You in college. It's never too late!"