I used to be so smart.

I used to know how to speak basic French, analyze a poem and solve geometry equations. I used to be able to play unaccompanied Bach on the violin and recite the names and political parties of all the U.S. presidents (Not at the same time, but separately both actions were still fairly impressive feats).

Then I graduated from college.

Sometimes, I feel like half of the knowledge I acquired from 17 years of schooling has leaked out of my head, because I don’t use it on a regular basis. This usually doesn’t bother me -- beyond an appearance on Jeopardy, there is virtually no life situation where I would need to know the names and political parties of all the presidents.

Besides since graduating, I feel like I’ve acquired other life skills that you can’t learn in a classroom, like how to shop for an apartment.

But every now and then, I miss those “book” skills I used to have as a teenager. For example, even though I stopped taking lessons and practicing regularly years ago, I still have my violin, and every now and then, I take it out and play it. I’m not very good. My fingers aren’t as strong and my wrists aren’t as flexible as they used to be, so there are lots of stops and starts and out-of-tune notes. It’s disappointing and frustrating sometimes, because I’m not as good as I was in high school.

But then I remember -- it doesn’t have to be perfect, because I’m just playing for myself. I don’t have to worry about getting the notes right for an upcoming recital or memorizing scales for lessons. It’s just for fun.

Even after you leave school behind, you can always learn -- or relearn -- about the subjects you are interested in. Because you’re not a full-time student, because you can learn at your own pace, without having to worry about tests, homework or going to class.

Wish you were fluent in another language? The library has a free online language program. I’ve considered learning some basic Italian, just for kicks. I’d like to travel more someday and knowing another language could come in handy.

Then there’s also library books. I was an English minor in college, so I always had a lot of required reading. But I read more novels and non-fiction books for fun now than I ever did in school, because I don’t have to worry about writing a paper when I’m finished.

And all those hours spend in history class? I don’t have to worry about memorizing dates and facts anymore, but I like historical dramas, I’m watching “The Kennedys” miniseries now. I don’t know how accurate it is, but I like to think as I watch it I’m relearning about the 1960 election and the Cuban missile crisis. It’s way more fun than your average history class and by the end, I feel so smart.