Is this the real life - is this just fantasy?

Hunter Hammond

It seems Queen posed a very legitimate question in their hit song Bohemian Rhapsody; more specifically, these lyrics (is this the real life - is this just fantasy?) hit close to home for many college students. Is the college experience an accurate representation of the real world, or are all college students merely floating in a protective bubble that shields them from the harsh realities of the world?

Historically, many people would have responded by saying, "college is the stepping stone for students into the job market and professional world." Once a student graduated, it was expected that they would have the tools necessary to succeed in an actual, REAL, job. On the other side of the spectrum, there are those who feel that college life is merely an intricately woven visage designed to make students feel like they are becoming prepared for what is next.

In 2005, Mel Levine (a professor at UNC Medical School) wrote a critical review on college life and the students who attend college. In his critique Dr. Levine explained that the stigmas associated with college life, as well as the "sugar coating" method of teaching, are breeding students who are not prepared for a steady job and the demanding environment which accompanies it. You can read up further on Dr. Levine's position by clicking here.

On top of the fears associated with the "lax college system," even more impasses have arisen due to the economic state of the country. It seems that as the economy slumps, so does the opportunities for college students. This fall, graduating seniors from college found that an abundance of job opportunities was a thing of the past. Even students who seem to have an impressive resume are finding problems in their job search. These stories can be viewed by reading this write up from CNN and a collection of stories from VOA news.

So what is the answer; is this the real world, or is this just fantasy? Leave your thoughts and comments. Even if college is just fantasy, the experience is truly what you make of it!