An Enthused Open Letter to All College Students
?? If you want to view paradise
Simply look around and view it ??
These two lines from "Pure Imagination" (by Leslie Bricusse and Anthony Newley) are sung by Gene Wilder as Willy Wonka in Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory (1971); the quixotic Mr. Wonka introduces his candy garden to the five lucky golden ticket winners and sings this song as they enthusiastically drink from his chocolate river and excitedly pluck colorful candy plants from the ground, reveling in the astounding tastes.
Watch the clip and you'll notice that these candy-eating children and their parents hardly look around as they eat these otherworldly sweets. Sure, they glance around in the beginning, but before long they're lost in the flavor, seeming to disregard the miraculous uniqueness of the situation. It makes me think of many things. Most poignantly, it makes me think of college.
Perhaps I didn't marvel at the magic around me enough back then. I become bleary-eyed reminiscing on those years. Was I stressed? Of course. We all were. But that stress was paradise.
To all of you out there who are currently in college, grad school, or any form of post-secondary education, I implore you to enjoy yourself. And I know I'm not the first one to express that to you. However, what I'm about to say will most certainly be a breath of fresh air.
You see, most college graduates will tell you to enjoy college while you can... "BECAUSE LIFE GETS A LOT MORE COMPLEX ONCE YOU GRADUATE!" or something like that. They imply that things get less enjoyable somehow, that the magic is suddenly gone, that working life is lame, that there is so much less freedom. Worst of all, they imply that complexity is something to dread. It's sad. The fact that people get the urge to say that is sad.
What if I told you that they are all wrong?
I get it. It's stereotypical adult life, isn't it? School then work then spouse then house then kids then retirement. Who's to say that this formula is mandatory, though? And anyway, is that really more complex than college life?
In college, there's a solid chance you'll have multiple part-time jobs. Maybe even full-time. You'll have academic obligations. You'll have extracurriculars. Hopefully some leadership positions. You may have a significant other. You might even have demanding, obnoxious roommates. And without a doubt, you'll be unbelievably stressed out at times. (Public Speaking 101, anyone?)
That's right: college life can be quite complex. So what makes it so fun, and why do people always talk about it like it's the best chapter in life? Why does everything after college have to always get painted in such a negative light?
This is definitely anecdotal, but I'll just say it: yes, I absolutely adored college life... but I think I love life after college even more. It's still quite complex but it's even more bountiful. I look around at all of this complexity and it's enchanting.
College students: I encourage you to do the same. Whether you're on campus or at home or hanging out with classmates or doing anything collegey, stop what you're doing for 30 seconds and look around you.
?? If you want to view paradise
Simply look around and view it ??
These two lines sung by Willy Wonka can be your mantra. That acceptance letter you got awhile back was your golden ticket, and college is just one big candy garden. Unbelievably interesting learning experiences are everywhere, you just have to pluck them out of the ground. These two lines don't have to only represent college life, though; like life, the lyrics to "Pure Imagination" just get better and better.
For anybody with a lofty dream or two, the next two iconic lines can represent the wonders of life after college, the fact that yes, college is amazing, but getting to spend the oncoming decades putting your skill set to the test is not only challenging but also beyond rewarding.
Making an impact is 100% doable. Be like Wonka—invent your own legacy. Incredible opportunities are ubiquitous, yet often invisible, like a cluster of candy cane trees far off in the distance. Get creative and seek them out. Your legacy is in your hands and your surroundings are as magical and malleable as an unplucked gummy bear bush.
You can't see the barriers to your own success because these barriers simply don't exist. Enjoy college, and look forward to life after college, too. Things just get better and better as you progress.
After college, you suddenly have time to not only fully articulate your dreams but also actually accomplish them. Willy Wonka's message is heartfelt.
?? If you want to view paradise
Simply look around and view it
Anything you want to, do it
Want to change the world? There's nothing to it ??