College pretty much sucks in every way. Every single teacher you ever encounter will treat their
class as if it the only one that exists. The students there will either be your best friends, ignore
you completely, or annoy the hell out of you. There is hardly any time outside of your studies to
party and have fun like you see in all the movies, which in my case is a relief. I was not
interested in the social scene like my roommate, Angel, who was hardly angelic at all. My typical
Friday night involved reading, watching a romantic comedy, and going to bed. Maybe once I
saved up enough money, I'd get a piercing every now and then. I mostly cared about my studies
which is what I loved doing— learning as much as possible and proving to my teachers that
their efforts were not wasted on me. History classes opened my eyes to the sad reality of the
past that most people never learn about in high school. By knowing that, I can change the
future. There are so many ways in which the courses I take may not apply to my career, but they
have changed me as an individual. But that's not the only blessing that came from college, no, I
actually met my college sweetheart and eventual husband there too.
It was in my early morning math class. As an early bird I had no problem leaving the house in
time. I sat in my seat, ready for the instructor to show up, sipping my morning cup of coffee.
There was a loud sound behind me— desks being moved around— it was hard to not roll my
eyes, but I managed. I enjoyed my morning time alone to myself to think and plan for the rest of
my day and I wouldn't let a little bothersome noise get to me. I began to read my Sylvia Plath
book but couldn't resist to peak over at the troublemaker from before.
It was that boy I'd seen from the swim team at last week's meet. He placed first, which was
reason enough for most of the school to go on a drinking binge. The party kids here will find any
excuse to hold a party in the dorms. I didn't sleep that night. He wore fuzzy Cookie Monster
pajama pants with a simple black hoodie. I couldn't help but smile at the messy ends of his
black hair standing up; thankfully he didn't notice my amusement because somehow he'd
already managed to go back to sleep.
I think his name is Connor, I thought as I looked at his homework. It wasn't complete but it was
clear he was trying his best. "Hey," I said softly, "I can help you wish your homework." I wasn't
sure why I felt the need to take pity on Connor since we'd never talked but it was too late to turn
back now.
He woke with a start, rubbing his face. "Huh? Oh yeah sure… thanks." I was about to give him a
friendly smile when he pulled out a cup of coffee and a Red Bull. Combining the two he took a
big gulp. "I'm going to die," he muttered before turning his attention to his homework.
I couldn't help but smile again, ready to help Connor. It became a regular thing— my tutoring—
which turned to dates, which turned to love. We are as different and day and night but
somehow, it all worked out in the end. I think, maybe looking back on it, college doesn't suck, it
has its moments just like life. Some are dirty and tarnished and others shine so bright it's like
experiencing a supernova in a second.