"I feel like students never believe me when I talk about this but life post-graduation is rarely as exciting as they think it will be and it's generally tougher than anything experienced as a student. All buffers are gone and you might freefall for a bit. The students who tell me they'll work harder after they graduate are delusional. Self-motivation is key and that's why I try to give my seniors the space they need to figure somethings out for themselves - setting personal goals, making mistakes, excelling or not - as you know. One of the biggest mistakes students make is coasting through school and thinking their degree will get them that dream job. It won't. Their skill sets, including social skills, and ambition will get them there. School is a training ground; it is not a means to an end."

Quote from a past teacher of mine - he was the wisest, most down to earth teacher I ever had. I just wish I took more classes with him.