(U-WIRE) UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — This year’s freshmen were making their way to their first day of kindergarten when Johnny Lechner began his college career at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater.
At age 30, he has just entered his 14th and final year of college — an experience that has led him to become one of the most famous college students in the country.
“This is the final year,” he said. “Whatever I accomplish and do this year, there is no way that I’m coming back another year. This is a good time to get out. I feel like I have done and will have done everything imaginable at the college level. I’m ready for a new challenge.”
The average amount of time a student spends at Penn State is 4.2 years, said Lydia Abdullah, the assistant director of analytical studies.
Lechner said he never intended to stay enrolled in college for more than four years. “My plan is that there is no plan,” he said.
Lechner’s education strategy led to many non-school related opportunities.
This summer, he starred in his first motion picture, “Fraternity House,” a comedy that will be released in 2008.
Lechner has also appeared on The Late Show with David Letterman, was named one of People magazine’s Hottest Bachelors in 2006 and has appeared in the New York Times and Newsweek.
He said his time in college has been irreplaceable.
“It’s a great environment,” he said. “College is about as opposite from the real world as you can get.”
As a seasoned college student, Lechner said there’s not much he doesn’t like about college. He advises students to schedule wisely and avoid early classes.
“None before one in the afternoon,” he said.
Although Lechner is counting down the days until he graduates, he said he is currently looking into graduate schools and is considering Pennsylvania State University.
“You never know what I’m gonna end up doing when I graduate,” he said.
“From research, I can see [Penn State] as being a possible target to end up if I do grad school.”
Aside from his studies, 30-year-old Lechner said the college party scene never grows old.
“Parties that I throw and I go to are as close to what you see on TV as you get,” he said.
But college isn’t all fun and games for Lechner.
Most students have trouble paying for even four years of school, so 14 years may seem like an obstacle. Lechner pays for his own education and said his parents have not helped him since freshman year.
As he enters his final year of college, Lechner has no regrets about his journey.
“I’m fine with how I’ve spent my time over the last 14 years,” he said. “Some people are wondering what the f— they’re doing with their life right now. Well I’m not dealing with that. I was invited to four parties tonight. I can only make it to three, but I’m gonna go for four.”