Ever since junior high I have been told that I need to focus on my studies and make good grades so that I can be something in the "real world." I was also told that no one was going to hold my hand and make allowances for me in the "real world." Am I there yet? I mean, at high school graduation we all sat there in our pretty ugly caps and gowns and listened to speaker after speaker talk about how we were now adults and were members of the "real world." So in my case being a student at OU is the real world.

Is that right, though? I have a small job on campus, I study--sometimes--and I enjoy my ability to drink in select locations around the metro. You may well wonder how I can live if my small job is the sole funder of my drinking habit. Well, I have another job that I believe is the best gig every person has at one point or another in their life. Some people have it for a hell of a lot longer though. Being my parents' kid is the highest paying job with the most benefits I will ever have. I mean, free room and board, allowance, meals on the town, all-expense paid vacations and everything else. Now they send me a glorious check once a month to support my education and extravagant lifestyle. Is this what they mean by the "real world?"

In December, I end my OU undergraduate experience. Yeah!! (I mean, sniff). And I know that someone, at least one, will mention that I am now entering the "real world." Is that going to be the real world? To my mind the answer to that is yes, simply because I have to get a job--a "real" job--get an apartment that I can afford with this new job, and learn to pay bills I never knew existed because being employed with my parents meant those were taken care of. I mean, has anyone realized how expensive text messaging can be? I never knew how quickly ten cents per text could add up. But now that is my responsibility ... Welcome to the real world.

So here is some advice I leave you with--my final thought, as Jerry Springer would say--live it up! You only go to college once (hopefully) and there is more to an education than book information. But do not think that means you should neglect your studies. Just realize there is a happy balance between work and play.

So thank you OU for all the good times because I will sure miss you in the real world.

--Cassi Underwood is an economics senior. Her column usually appears every other Tuesday. She can be reached at opinion@oudaily.com.
hello there & you too