College: How I Got the Most Out of My Parents' Investment

08/23/07 - 01:37 PM EDT

Cliff Mason

My brother Scott starts college Friday. This is about the time of year when graybeards everywhere feel free to spout a lot of nonsense about the college experience to their children and everyone else's kids as well.

I always thought I took their advice with a container or two of salt, but eventually they got to me. I became really excited about going to college. I wish I hadn't.

The last time I saw my younger brother, he described his school to me and what he hoped to do there. He had the same look of thrilled anticipation on his face that I must've worn before I got myself a higher education.

If he were anyone else, I probably would have said whatever was necessary to get him at least mildly upset about going to college. But he's my brother, so I gave him some advice from the perspective of a recent graduate, which amounted to almost the same thing.

Then I taught him how to smoke cigarettes in order to relieve his concerns about being unable to smoke and embarrassing himself if anyone ever offered him a cigarette at school (relax, he's 19). I liked my advice so much that I'm sharing it with you, but feel free to consider it as valuable as my brother's smoking lesson.

« Previous Page
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
Your Recent Quotes: Quote Up0 | Quote Down0
Dow S&P 500 NASDAQ
Oil*
Gold
10 Yr
0.00%
%
%
%
Data delayed 20 min
Free Newsletters from TheStreet

Cramer's Daily Booyah!
Highlights of Jim Cramer's videos
on TheStreet.com TV & his
"Mad Money" TV show.
Before the Bell
All the information you
need to position yourself
for the day ahead.
Submit
We respect your privacy.

Premium Stock Ideas
Access Action Alerts Plus to find out Cramer’s latest picks now!