Second, it really wasn't much of a forum. I don't know, but seeing recruiters trying to convince me that their respective companies strive for "performance, excellence and quality" just doesn't remind me of a forum atmosphere.

So, is this what Harvard is all about?

I had to talk to my dad.

YEAH, dad, listen. I'll go. Let's make a whole year out of it."

"You will?"

"Sure. There's no way I'm entering the `real world' at all. I hope I never have to."

Now, it's all planned. In the summer, I'll go to Europe. In the winter, Argentina and Brazil. The big project will be trying to write a book about soccer in Latin America. After all, he's the one who's paying...

My dad must know something that I haven't discovered yet. He must have sensed that this whole notion of preparing oneself for post-graduation can be very overwhelming. It's as if I now have to plan my entire life in just seven more months. And still write a thesis.

It's a bit comforting to know that the "real world" will just have to wait a while. Now all I need to do is find someone to go with me.