Are these really the best years of our lives?

If you've been a young adult for more than 30 minutes, you've probably been told, or at least heard, that college is supposedly going to be the 'best 4 years of your life.' I've heard this phrase repeated in many different ways from family, my own professors and even my friends. I can understand why people perpetuate this sentiment. I like to think that most people enjoy their college years; they're exciting! During those early stages of college life, we get to rediscover ourselves without supervision from guardians. As college students, we are technically adults, but we're also in this weird middle period where we don't have much responsibility. We're often confused about our purpose and there are typically fairly low expectations set for our performance. If you're a freshman at Grand Valley State University, I know you've probably heard before, 'your job is being a student.' Family members, university staff members and others alike expect you to put your academics over making money, starting a family, etc. Obviously, this doesn't ring true for every college student, as some of us are forced to have a job or are needed to take care of loved ones. I think it's safe to say that society holds college students to a different standard than other young adults. My friend back home recently dropped out of college because it was the best decision for him and his life at the time. After he dropped out, he noticed a shift in expectations from his parents. When he was in college, they didn't hound him to apply for jobs or ask the age-old question, 'Where's the girlfriend?' Now that he's at home, his parents immediately expect him to be a full-fledged adult despite still being in his teens. As college students, we get more grace to act immature as long as we're pursuing an education. I don't think this is necessarily helpful for us. People often believe college students don't have anything going on besides their academics. Often, when people think of a stereotypical 'college student,' they think of a trust fund baby partying four days a week and showing up to class hungover. This is simply not reality for the majority of students. As a college junior, I work as a peer mentor on campus. I am also an RA, write for the Lanthorn and participate in several clubs and activities that boost my resume. While I still have time to kick back, it's hard to say I'm not going through a busy or difficult time. I also know some have it rougher than me. Some college students are parents; some have a full-time job on top of their full-time class schedule. So, while I see where people are coming from, I believe that the phrase 'college is the best four years of your life' can lead to harmful stereotypes and hurt us, as it doesn't reflect the fact that we're so, so much more than just college students. Support Student Media Please consider donating to support student media and help fund the future of Journalism. Donate