At a certain point, you need to be force which pushes you forward. I saw a lot of intelligent people fail because they no longer had the external stimulus to go to class.

Also, it is easier to manipulate people in positions of power, but you have to understand how they think and are rewarded. There is a reason why a lot of liberal arts education is focused on having people understand others.

Also, the liberal arts education of a century ago was basically a degree which was intended to make managers. Along with it, the extra-curricular activities were an important part of the education, but just what happened in class.

That when actually challenged I couldn't justify eating meat. It was just a part of a long conversation with another meat eating woman in completely unrelated majors.

Honestly that sort of thing is one of the most valuable parts of college imo. I was in a place dedicated to learning and thinking, surrounded by people also dedicated to it and it meant that I had a lot of deep intellectual conversations. Those years didn't just give me a career, they molded me into someone genuinely educated

The Twin Paradox (special relativity). Every time I wrap my head around the idea I lose it a few weeks later an it's a mystery all over again.

That I had to study.

Being able to communicate effectively is critical in a public speaking role. Sadly, I learned this in the inverse - class was taught by a TA who didn't speak English, professor was never available, whole class failed, no one cared. Still fills me with rage to this day. But, it did make me a better public speaker, so I guess that's something.

That if you're an international student at a small, struggling school, you can miss half your classes and bullshit your way through most assignments and they'll still give you a degree.

In other words: I learned nothing.

That a diploma doesn't mean shit beside someone being able to say what their teacher want them to say... but that was not really new, it was just a lot more sad to experiment as naive me was hoping for something more.

High School is just busy work to keep you off the streets until you're ready for a job or college.