Oh and to not scare the highschool students or people considering going to (or going back to) school ...

It can be bad. I've got a bad outlook sometimes and the stress can really get to you, but as long as you take out the evaluations and being graded on stuff ... university is alright. Classes are usually interesting, people are nice (usually) and stuff is generally pretty good - until you reach exam season or essay season or any other event that doesn't thrill you.

I am grateful to be in university, I just wish there was an easier (and nicer) way to teach me to learn and think for myself that didn't involve me runinng the "academic gauntlet" to fulfill a bunch of course requirements before I graduate. (eep!)