Returning to School Was Something

Returning to school was something that I decided to do when I met a person I came to admire in a way that I had never admired anyone before. He spoke on subjects like Viet Nam, government, politics, and philosophy with an ease and knowledge that was fascinating. I could listen to him talk for hours at a time; I could ask questions, and he would answer the questions in ways that made sense to me. I suppose he could have been a college professor, since he was a lawyer, but he was not interested in that. He was fascinated by his work in criminal law, and he was good at what he did -- although he could have been better I suppose. It was just that these subjects of thoughtful contemplation and introspection came so easy for him. I wanted to know more about the things we talked about; so it was only natural that I made the decision to return to school.

In college I quickly found others who were independent and even brilliant thinkers among my peers and the professors. It was as interesting to see young people like myself engage in discussions on history, philosophy, literature, science, and other subjects. I realized that I had an intense thirst to learn about these things, and my focus was clearer than it had been in high school. The degree that would follow my pursuit of knowledge would of course be a reward for good performance. The performance, however, arose from a deep desire to understand what was being taught to me.

I cannot say that I don't enjoy the relaxed moments spent with the friends I have made in college. Or the simple conversations about relationships, family, and what might be a good movie to see for the weekend that are had between friends and family aren't a much needed respite from the weightiness of philosophy and statistics. But where I had been entertained by lesser and more mundane things in my more carefree past, like hanging out with nothing to think about or talk about of any real substance, I now enjoyed more than ever the exchange of intellectual thought and being around people who share my passions -- history, science, philosophy, and art. These things are like a fuel that feed my insatiable appetite for them.

I know that when I receive my degree I will have greater opportunities -- though I remain unsure at this time exactly what I want to commit myself to on a professional level. I think that it will become more clear to me as I get closer to finishing my degree, but I am certain that I will have to choose a field that will be rewarding for my hard work in college, but will also provide me with the mental stimulation and challenges that I thrive on.

There are, too, the other interests in my life that have become broader as I pursue my education. I find it hard to pass by a museum, especially an art museum, without taking the time to go inside and feel the awe of the skilled and masterful artists who created amazing works of art -- classic and modern. I particularly enjoy the works of Salvador Dali, and I can get lost for hours in studying his strange yet beautiful masterpieces. Unfortunately, I lack the skill or creativity to be a master myself, but that will never stop me picking up a paint brush and painting in oils -- which I am much better at than water colors.