The Gap

Yesterday, I went with my husband for his orientation/registration at the four year college he begins attending in just a few short weeks. Yes, hubby's college career is halfway finished and I could not be prouder. In two more years, he will be a middle school teacher...and I will relish that day - trust me.

As we drove up to the student center where orientation was being held, I saw a young guy walking in. He was probably no more than 19, slouchy pants, devil may care attitude. You could just see that he had the whole attitude thing going on. I looked at Chad and burst out laughing. I was in my cute new Talbots shirt and capris, hair in a pony. Nothing too conservative, but definitely a lot more conservative than the tiny denim Abercrombie skirts I used to frequently sport. But, as we walked in to the building, I realized something - I am so not in college anymore, sporting the abovementioned skirt. Both of us were surrounded by...kids. Pretty, young girls in short shorts, guys sporting their Hollister and American Eagle best. Chad and I stuck out like a sore thumb...an "old married couple" in a sea of hormonally charged children. These kids were there with their parents to start out this new life journey...Chad brought moi, his wife.

We sat down at a table with a young guy and a lady I presumed to be his mom (she was either his mom or he was into older women). Some of the student organizers came up to introduce themselves and talk about their major, etc. Most of them had graduated high school in '06 or '07. I felt like my newly discovered crows feet were glowing around these youthful creatures. These kids were in fourth or fifth grade when Chad and I were receiving our high school diplomas. For some of them, this was probably their first presidential election (and yeah, it was mine, too, but that's only because I became interested in politics later than some). They are all about iPhones, iPods, and PS3's. I tried to work an iPhone at the AT&T store and finally just put the dang thing down it was so confusing. To these guys, it's second nature.

I sat there looking at this fresh faced group and started remembering the girl that I was when I was in their place in life and even now I find myself praying that their decisions will be better than some of mine were. I see their carefree innocence (or ignorance) and it makes me sad because those days are so fleeting and then they are in the "real world" - which can be a cold and lonely and EXPENSIVE place to be. Mom and Dad may have accompanied them to college registration and may be footing the bill, but after this last hurrah, it will be up to them to make the right decisions. I mean, it's just not cool to have the 'rents show up at a post college job interview, y'all.

I wish that the administration had allowed me to say a few words...a college grad four years out of the gate. I would have told them these things:

1. Ladies, don't fall for every cute boy you meet. Don't get all worked up over it. It's all going to work out when it's supposed to, not one second before.

2. Guys, stop the nonchalance and stupidity. Focus on developing character and morals. It may not be the "cool" thing to do, but a good man to a good woman you will be because of character you develop now.

3. Don't sleep with everyone just because "you're in college." Time doesn't stop because you've decided to attend a four year school with on campus housing. The decisions that you make will haunt you for the rest of your life (and you're just at the beginning of it - you will have many years to mull over why you were so dumb).

4. It really is okay to like to learn. That's why you're at an institution of higher learning, after all.

5. Don't pick a stupid major unless you intend to live off Ramen noodles or the government. You will be kicking yourself in the butt when you are starting all over at age 22 because you felt compelled to major in German freshman year.

6. If you can, work while you're in school. It shows that you have drive and will also come in handy when you need beer money.

7. Don't start smoking. Yes, it relieves stress, yes, it feels GREAT to do it and it's a very social thing. But when you reach the age of 26 and still sometimes crave that ciggie and then that ciggie makes you unable to breathe during Jazzercise with women in their 70's, you will feel like an idiot.

8. Don't take advantage of your parents' generosity. Call them, bond with them - take. their. freaking. advice. When you end up living back at their house with your sweet 'lil diploma, you will be thanking them profusely for their everloving kindness and hoping they don't kick your sorry jobless butt to the curb to live amongst the vagrants.

9. Don't forget about God. In the Sodom and Gomorrah of college, it's really REALLY easy to forget. Or to just ignore. Don't make that mistake. There will be some days when you have never felt so alone. You need Him.

10. Don't fall into the habit of napping all the time. Four years later, I still want to sleep at 1 pm in the afternoons.

11. DO NOT USE CREDIT CARDS FOR ANY REASON. You will be paying for those jeans at 23% interest for the next 10 years of your life. The guy you're trying to impress won't even notice them anyway. DON'T DO IT!

And this is my advice for all those iPhone texting kids I saw yesterday.