Column: college expectations vs. hometown college realities

My family convinced me to stay in my hometown, Brownsville, but watching “Legally Blonde” and “College Road Trip” growing up I had set expectations of what college would be like: being away from home, living in a dorm and making friends.

“Legally Blonde” depicts Elle Woods navigating law school. Throughout the film, she had the realization that going to law school is hard work.

The film’s montage of her reviewing for the LSAT romanticized studying for me, but lets just say the reality was more confused looks and crying. 

“College Road Trip” on the other hand shows an overprotective father plotting a road trip to a local university so his daughter, Melanie, won’t be too far from home. Although this film doesn’t show the in-college experience, it did embed the idea in me that college comes with adventures. 

The only “college road trip” I’ve had is the one hour bus ride I take to Edinburg, but at least I get to read or have some free time.

 I’m sure lack of adventures or friends isn’t the problem for me, but the feeling of missing out on what could have been is. 

I have friends and family who have chosen an out-of-town college and hearing their experiences and the excitement in their voice as they left made me feel jealous. 

But what I’ve realized, after two years in college, is that I shouldn’t expect any of my life experiences to be like the movies. 

Karina Stiles-Cox, a senior lecturer of Literatures and Cultural Studies, said students staying home can still get the experience they hoped for, “it just depends on how much students are willing to open themselves up to this new experience.” 

I don’t let the idea of the stereotypical college-life ruin my experience anymore. College may not be like Woods montage, but I romanticize it by studying at a coffee shop. 

So what if my college experience isn’t like the movies? At least I don’t have to share a shower with strangers.