I thought time was only supposed to fly by when you were having fun. So why am I already graduating?

Don't get me wrong I have had many fun experiences and good times in my four years at good ol' Tech, but I won't ever forget all of the hours of studying and hard work that have gotten me to this point.

College teaches you all the things you expect it will, like economics, history and math. OK, at least they teach some people math -- not me.

But it also teaches you common sense and thinking skills. There are many things I never would have learned if I had not come to college.

One thing I learned is that you can live solely off Ramen Noodles. These sodium-packed squares of noodles come in a variety of flavors (even though they all taste the same) and with a little imagination, Tony Cacheries and a dash of soy sauce, you too can have a gourmet meal seven days a week. And the bonus is they're dirt cheap at 38 cents a pop.

Speaking of dirty and cheap, the fraternity house parties are a good way to spend a weekend for free. Any girl is eligible to attend these parties. Walk right in, make yourself at home and don't forget to look for the big barrel full of ice. Don't be fooled by its appearance. Living in the bottom of that barrel amidst the bacteria and other unidentified objects lies the secret to every fraternity party -- "the beast." No ladies, this is not covered in fur, does not growl, nor bite, but it is the cheapest and nastiest beer ever made. But don't think I am complaining. It is free, and for fraternity guys, those of us old enough to consume the devil's nectar, thank you.

Staying with the theme of cheap, let's not forget the college ID. Many of you don't take advantage of the luxury you carry in your very own back pocket every day. To most, your student ID is something you only take out to purchase a "chick, no pick, add cheese," but it is also the key to discounted dining and other services off campus. Here is the skinny on some deals. With this "golden ticket," you'll feel like Willy Wonka's Charlie taking advantage of the unlimited spaghetti and Chinese, and don't forget your discounted movie tickets and oil changes.

After using and sometimes abusing these tips for four years, I realized I have missed one aspect in the road of college survival. Four years of wining and dining led me to what I thought was only a myth -- the COLLEGE 250! No, that is not a typo. I said 250.

While obliviously soaking in sodium and marinating in the marinara, I failed to think of my once dainty and adorable waistline.

Once I came to the realization that it was not the dryer's fault -- it was not shrinking my clothes -- it dawned on me that I had failed to take advantage of the greatest discount of all É the Intramural Center.

Learn from my mistakes, take these tips if you haven't already, but just remember time flies by even if you are not having fun. Take advantage of being poor because before you know it, you will be working for every penny and Ramen Noodle package you own. Last time I checked, there was no work ID discounts. Scary, huh?

Hillary Edman is a senior journalism major from Shreveport and serves as a news editor for The Tech Talk. E-mail comments to

hedman1060@aol.com.