Complete the following: If I were 18 again I would

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around reflections and hypothetical choices participants would make if they were 18 again. It touches on personal aspirations, educational pursuits, life experiences, and regrets, encompassing a range of perspectives from various ages.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants express a desire to pursue specific degrees, such as Forestry, Physics, or Astronomy, indicating a longing for educational fulfillment.
  • Others suggest they would take more risks in life, emphasizing the importance of seizing opportunities rather than remaining passive.
  • Several participants reflect on their current age and experiences, with some noting that their past choices have shaped who they are today.
  • There are discussions about the challenges of balancing work, education, and personal interests, particularly in relation to pursuing hobbies like amateur astronomy.
  • Some participants mention the impact of personal relationships on their social lives during their teenage years.
  • One participant humorously suggests a desire to invent time travel and create paradoxes, showcasing a whimsical perspective.
  • Another participant reflects on substance use and expresses a desire for healthier choices if they could relive their youth.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally share personal reflections and hypothetical choices, but there is no consensus on what those choices should be. Multiple competing views remain regarding the value of education, risk-taking, and personal fulfillment.

Contextual Notes

Some participants mention specific life circumstances, such as work commitments and financial responsibilities, which may limit their ability to pursue educational or personal interests.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals reflecting on their youth, those considering educational paths, or anyone interested in personal development and life choices may find this discussion relevant.

timejim
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I would absolutely concentrate on going to and finishing college with a degree in either Forestry or Physics, then, after that, I would go thru the process of becoming a family man.
 
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I would take more risks in life. I'm not talking about the "skydiving" type of risks, but the "I should have done this instead of nothing" risks.

Of course, 18 was just under a year ago, so I guess I got some time.
 
I am 18,
 
I would oppose my father and go for a degree in astronomy, which had been my lifelong dream.
 
Originally posted by Andy
I am 18,
So am I. Well. Give or take. 30 years.
 
hrrmm, 3 years ago...I wouldn't change a thing. I'm going back to school now, and sure I could say I would have just stuck with it then, but I wouldn't be the same person I am now (which is a lot more rounded, experienced, and skilled)
 
I'm 19 next month so if i could have the year again, i would proabably have gone out with my friends a lot more, and lived life a little... However i was emotionally attached to someone and that prevented me from seeing my friends as much...sorry guys!
 
As long as you learn from your mistakes.
 
Originally posted by Evo
I would oppose my father and go for a degree in astronomy, which had been my lifelong dream.

Do it now.

I remember an article by Dear Abby where an older person said she wanted to go back to college, but she thought she was too old. Abby said, "How old will you be if you don't try it?"
 
  • #10
If I had the time, I would go back in a heartbeat.

The problem is when you have a huge mortgage, no significant other to help, and you work 12-16 hours a day, and also on weekends, it leaves little time to study, let alone have a life. :frown:
 
  • #11
Originally posted by Evo
If I had the time, I would go back in a heartbeat.

The problem is when you have a huge mortgage, no significant other to help, and you work 12-16 hours a day, and also on weekends, it leaves little time to study, let alone have a life. :frown:

True, the person Abby was dealing with appeared to have the time, just was afraid to make the attempt.

You know though, amature astronomy is great too and it has been said that time spent in studying the heavens is not wasted. Are you an amature astronomer?
 
  • #12
Originally posted by Artman
Are you an amature astronomer?
Very amateur. Before I moved here, I had friends with very nice telescopes, went to some great star parties. I haven't been lucky enough to meet anyone with similar interests here.
 
  • #13
Originally posted by Evo
Very amateur. Before I moved here, I had friends with very nice telescopes, went to some great star parties. I haven't been lucky enough to meet anyone with similar interests here.
Surely, there is a local college or university with a telescope, though, right? One single class can introduce you to a wealth of people with the same interests and focus. Even if you can't make all of the classes (or even if you end up dropping the class), you'll hopefully find another star-partyer or three! Also, check to see if there are any astronomy clubs at the colleges. At least it's a place to start...:wink:
 
  • #14
Very good idea Tsunami!

I may do that if I can ever get out from under this ever increasing pile of work. Right now I'm in the middle of an online course. I'm on a very slow dial up out here in my cow pasture, so I am hopping over here to PF while pages download. [zz)]

I have 27 hours of coursework (for my job) that I was advised today needs to be completed by Friday. Of course I don't have time during the day to do it, I have too many clients to visit. :frown:
 
  • #15
Originally posted by Evo
Very good idea Tsunami!

I may do that if I can ever get out from under this ever increasing pile of work. Right now I'm in the middle of an online course. I'm on a very slow dial up out here in my cow pasture, so I am hopping over here to PF while pages download. [zz)]
One word: SATTELITE! :wink:

I have 27 hours of coursework (for my job) that I was advised today needs to be completed by Friday. Of course I don't have time during the day to do it, I have too many clients to visit. :frown:
:frown: Awwwww... Don't cry! Remember two things: 1. Just like my LEGS (!) - life is SHORT! and 2. Spring term is just around the corner! Check into it!

Like Artman says "DO IT NOW"!
 
  • #16
Evo,

Do you own a telescope yourself? There are some very nice small scopes available for only a couple hundred dollars that ae very fine quality (Not quite as good as a 14" Dobsonian at a star parties, but nice none the less). Like a 4.5" Dobsonian, or a 3" F/5 Refractor, either are decent and easy to move and setup.

Even when you have very little time, I am currently going back to school and working a full and part time job, you can grap a short tube 3" and carry it out back in one trip and stay out for fifteen or twenty minutes to see the rings of Saturn, the moons of Jupiter, some of the brigher Nebula, star clusters, split doubles, etc.

I like Tsunami's suggestion of taking a course. Sounds like fun.
 
  • #17
"I'm a boy and I'm a man, I'm 18 and I like it."

-Alice Cooper

I would quit pot and undertake more appropriate, prescribed drugs - if I only knew then!
 
Last edited:
  • #18
Originally posted by Artman
Do you own a telescope yourself?
I sold mine when I moved, with the intention of buying a nicer one.

There are some very nice small scopes available for only a couple hundred dollars that ae very fine quality (Not quite as good as a 14" Dobsonian at a star parties, but nice none the less). Like a 4.5" Dobsonian, or a 3" F/5 Refractor, either are decent and easy to move and setup.
Actually, I have been intending to buy another one recently.

Even when you have very little time, I am currently going back to school and working a full and part time job
Sounds like you're busy too!

With spring coming up, I will probably buy one. It's much too cold and windy here in the winter.
 
  • #19
Originally posted by Evo
Actually, I have been intending to buy another one recently.
YES! DO IT! DO IT!
 
  • #20
Be some kind of really strange time traveler and invent all sorts of neat paradoxes.

cookiemonster
 
  • #21
If I were 18 again I would...

... have more sex?! :wink:
 

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