One thing struck me: It seemed that everyone was eager to graduate in 3 years. Some people I met already had done that. I didn't realize it had become such a popular thing to do (didn't seem that way when I was in school).

I admire this rush to finish school and start a company or start working. It's something like a rush to grow up.

But, personally, I think that it's not worth it in the long term. In short, the biggest realization I think many people have once they've worked for a number of years was _how much they missed college_.

It's not just about the parties, getting late night food down the street or hanging out with friends. It's the academic setting. It's the freedom to spend your whole day learning (Yes, I said freedom). It's the access and environment of being around brilliant people. It's learning.

Once you're on the outside, life is different. You worry about paying the bills and the choice of how you spend your time in the work environment is typically restricted based on what someone else says (unless you do your own startup).

I could dig deeper into it but I want to take these students, shake them by the shoulders, slap them across the face, and tell them to stay 4 years. Heck, stay 5 years and learn more stuff! The real world will still be there.