I was
really stupid. I didn't just go to university once. I went
twice. The second time knowing
exactly what to expect, as a mature-age entry student. I'm the living embodiment of the old line about universities being "sheltered workshops for the intellectually gifted", except for the intellectually gifted bit.
AJAS has always been somewhat aroundabouts in the regions of 50/50 uni students to non-uni students. We've never been too fussy about who shows up, as long as someone shows up. Its much nicer having people around. Seriously.
As for the various stimulants consumed during study, I think I overdosed on them when I was at uni.... I now have bad reactions to things with caffeine and the like in them.... a combination of feeling ill and climbing the walls with eyes rolling and mouth foaming. Half a 600ml bottle of Jolt Cola gave me the energy and the increased stupidity, at the end of a hard day at work, to walk home from the city. I lived in Newton, next to Campbelltown at the time.... I try not to drink anything with caffeine in it a good 6 hours before I go to sleep. You just can't doze off, even if you feel exhausted, with your heart trying to beat its way out of your chest.