Is it normal to feel jealous of those who had the college experience (1 Viewer)

[Fat Nick]

I went to a an ACC school for undergrad, so I should have had a big-college experience. Unfortunately, I went in with a girlfriend who went to another school who I thought I was going to spend the rest of my life with, and I had very little interest in expanding my social network. Combine that with living in a strange dorm that was mixed-grades and I missed out completely on the freshman experience and friend-group building. My GF and I broke up before sophomore year, and I never recovered socially. I had a very small group of friends in college after that. Maybe 5 people I'd call "friends," and only one I still keep in touch with. I ultimately started spending my weekends either back at home or at another school where my best friend from HS went. I pretty much threw in the towel on the undergrad experience and left with a degree but few memories.

I went to grad school about 6 years later at a Big-10 school. Totally different experience. I made a group of really awesome friends and largely made up for what I missed in undergrad. I also met my now-wife there and got to share that with her.

So...I've been in both boats. I can relate to "missing" the college experience, but I also then made up for it down the road.

 

[Kanil]

I went straight into the military out of high school. Took about a year of classes while I was in through both Community College of the Air Force and University of Southern New Mexico but those were all satellite classes held on base. Got out and went to a small local college for the rest of my degree.

At the same time my cousin went to Colorado State and had the standard college experience. Lived in the dorm for a year, and then a million roommates so he could afford to rent a house, etc...

I look back and see pros and cons for both experiences but don't think I would change a thing. I probably would have messed up in college to be honest. I needed that time in the AF to grow up.

 

[KarmaPolice]

If it means that much to you i could drop by, play music too loud, and drink until i puke. ;