I would like to respond to Roland O. Reed's opinion yesterday ("Students 'waste' time, money through laziness").

Geez grandpa, let the kids have some fun.

They have the rest of their lives to worry about waking up for work. Nowadays, many places have flexible work schedules, so if you are late a couple of days, you just stay after for a couple of hours. I am not going to lie to my fellow Penn Staters. I am definitely not cool. If you look up "nerd" in the dictionary, my picture is right there.

While at Penn State, I was what Reed would likely consider an ideal student. I graduated with distinction in mechanical engineering. I never missed a class, no matter how early. I even took extra electives my senior year.

I enjoyed college, but I certainly spent a lot of time studying, doing homework, etc. I didn't go out late to the bars, and I certainly had limited opportunities with the ladies. And most freshmen could drink me under the table.

Now I have a good job and a secure future.

Do I regret sacrificing fun with all my hard work? Absolutely I do -- every second of every day of my life since I graduated.

So my advice to all Penn State students: ignore old man Reed, and go out and have fun.

You have the rest of your life to worry about the real world.

Please go and drink beer until 3 a.m. on a Wednesday night.

Stay up all night playing poker and smoking cigars.

Or have a one-night stand with that special guy or gal whose name you can't remember.

Do it for me, do it for yourself.