Realizing you took the free food for granted.
REALIZING YOU TOOK THE FREE FOOD FOR GRANTED.
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Remember those sprawling dining halls, a constant hum of conversation, and the endless buffet stretching before you? Back then, "cafeteria food" might have been the subject of our playful complaints, a backdrop to frantic study sessions or late-night debates. We'd grab another pizza slice, refill our coffee for the third time, and hardly give a second thought to the sheer abundance available at our fingertips, included in that hefty tuition bill. It was just… there. Always.
Then graduation hit. Suddenly, the reality of adulting, bills, and the actual cost of feeding oneself became glaringly clear. That convenient, all-you-can-eat access to decent, varied meals? Vanished. Those spontaneous midnight snacks after a grueling study session? Now require planning, purchasing, and often, significant expense. The days of simply swiping your card and walking into a world of options, from salad bars to dessert stations, felt like a distant, luxurious dream.
It’s a collective "aha!" moment, isn't it? That sudden pang of nostalgia for the unlimited supply of fruit, the quick grab-and-go sandwich between classes, or even the questionable but always available chicken tenders. It wasn't just about the food; it was about the unparalleled convenience, the implicit promise of nourishment during those demanding years, and the communal experience of sharing meals with friends, professors, and future leaders. We were truly privileged, and perhaps too busy chasing knowledge to fully appreciate that particular perk.
What's the first cafeteria meal you truly miss? Share your "took it for granted" moment.