What I Learned When I Went Back to College

For the first time since graduation, my college roommates and I made a return trip to Ann Arbor for a weekend reunion full of drinking, Michigan football and a general return to the life of college students. I can’t even tell you how excited I was to get back to campus and run amok around the town; visit our old house, drink at our favorite bars and, of course, visit our favorite late night eateries.

And for all intents and purposes, the weekend far exceeded the fun-factor I was anticipating. I got my Long Island Iced Teas and ate my New York style White Pizza. I watched the Wolverines win (even if it was a crappy team) and finally picked up my Michigan Alumni t-shirt.

It was perfect.

But this weekend also made me realize some very key post-graduation truths:

1. I can’t drink like I used to: In the old days I could down a couple (10) cocktails and dance the night away only to wake up the next morning, hit the gym and get to class. Not anymore, my friends. After getting good and drunk on Saturday night, I am still experiencing a hangover. And it is Tuesday. On the plus side: I still got my boozey-moves on the dance floor…and the videos to prove it.

2. College bars are cheap: I always used to hate those grads who came back to campus and screamed about how cheap the drinks were. Now that I am a grad, I have to scream it: drinks are so cheap! Nowhere else can a group of girls get 8 pitchers, a round of shots and 3 orders of cheese fries for $95 including tip! I may have even taken a picture of the bill.

3. Though we are far apart, my girls are exactly the same: I was a little scared for the way everyone would act after having been living on opposite coasts and building new lives over the past year. We were as close as anyone could be when we graduated, but who knows what the dynamic would be like now? One minute in the car together and I realized I had nothing to worry about. The friendships we built (and you are building now) are strong and will survive just about anything. Especially when a drunken dance party is involved.

4. Going back is totally bitter sweet: Being back in Ann Arbor made me so happy and sad at the same time. I love that town and everything that happened to me while I was there, but I also realized – as I walked around campus and didn’t know anyone – that it will never be that way again. College is a one time deal, so make sure to savor every moment while you have it.

Ahhh. So many lessons. And all along I thought this weekend was going to be about beer and selfies. Which, I also learned, create quite the lethal combo.