I decided way-back-when that I wanted to go to college and here I am in my third year. If I were asked why I am at MSU, I would most likely tell you it’s because I want to get an education - and that is partially true. I am here to learn and mature into the adult I will be and prepare for the life I want to lead.

Part of this maturing process has to do with the experiences we live through and the people we meet. While it certainly is cool when a professor cancels class and it can be incredibly motivating when the closest metered parking spot opens at the building you have class in, very rarely can I say I have been inspired.

It is uncommon when someone makes a statement that sparks self-analysis and discovery. Every once in awhile, there is a comment made that allows you to take a look into the proverbial mirror and check out if you like what you see.

This person makes you think and, all the while, leaves you with a thought. And I am not referring to cheesy e-mails about friendship - that prevent bad luck - forwarded to you.

It’s when a professor says something not pertaining to the course work in any way that stays with you - not a better formula to remember the circumference of a circle or how to conjugate six Spanish verbs.

This rare moment happened for me last week in my English class.

My teacher was discussing our latest reading assignment, and got sidetracked and told us an anecdote. She told us a tale of a time when after correcting many essays, she got up for a break, stretched and smoked a cigarette. Looking out of her window, she saw another professor who lived nearby walking into the building, smiling with a basketball in his hand. He clearly had been outside enjoying the sport.

And then it occurred to her: What was she doing with this half-hour break from her work? This colleague of hers had used his free time to partake in an activity he liked to do, one he truly enjoyed. She then thought to herself, “What do I really want to do with this half-hour? How would I really like to spend my free time?”

Now that story really got my attention - unlike many concepts I tune out daily during my lectures. I asked the same question to myself. I became aware of the little free time I do have, and the stupid things I do during this short time. I am guilty of channel surfing on television, Web surfing on the computer, or, even worse, spending mindless amounts of time on the telephone.

With this “half-hour” theory, I have become much more aware of how good I have become at wasting time. Aside from being the culprit of choosing sleep over being outside on a sunny afternoon, I am the queen of nonquality time.

My half-hours are really half-efforts.

To really make the most of this, I gear my thoughts toward the things that make me feel like I have accomplished something - reading a book for fun or playing tennis with a friend. These activities leave me with a sense that I didn’t waste my time doing something that was not productive. As everyone is busy, dashing to class or work, trying to fit in time with family and friends, it can be important to take a break from daily life - yet ensure that break is spent pursuing fun and heartfelt activities.

While analyzing this rare free time I have, it is true I could also choose to do unselfish things. I am sure I could gather recyclables in my apartment or simply go outside, pick up litter and make a difference - a small one - but cause positive change to the world.

Change that happened because of me.

I am not suggesting I take my free time and single-handedly save the world. In fact, I think it is important to indulge in self-absorbed activities every now and then. I am simply reviewing all the ways a half-hour can be spent wisely.

With that, I have come to many different ways to better spend my time. To not admit I still talk on the phone, watch television and aimlessly surf the Internet would be a lie. I do enjoy these things, but not as much as I love the thrill of feeling like I did something worthwhile.

The lesson I have learned from this moment of teacher-led inspiration is to realize that although I may not be able to do something incredible each day, I can take steps to make my weeks more meaningful.

This attitude toward my free time, and learning how to manage it, is why I am really at college - although I still like trying to find close meters to park at before class.

And that feels pretty good too.

Rachel Wright, State News administration reporter, can be found no longer wasting time at wrightr9@msu.edu.