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

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. ...