As sad as it is to admit, summer is almost over and school is about to begin. But the truth is fall semester at LSU is not about classes. It is about football.
We know it. We live it. We love it.
There is nothing better than spending a Saturday afternoon or morning, depending on how early you start your day, tailgating under the stately oaks and broad magnolias followed by a sunset walk across campus to Death Valley. Then, when those four magical notes are played, we are reminded of how special LSU really is.
I have loved every moment of my football seasons as an LSU student ticket holder, which totally makes up for the lackluster spring semester. Unfortunately, this upcoming football season is my last because I’m graduating in May. I always told myself, “When TOPS runs out, I’m running out.”
So now my time has come.
Recently, with the buzz of football season ticket sales in the air, I have heard talk of some students extending their time at LSU just to get an extra semester of student season tickets.
I just don’t get it.
Sure, it makes sense if you switched or added another major. Of course, it makes sense if go back to LSU for a master’s program. In this case, extra time is necessary to complete your degree during a probable timeline.
Plus, the country’s economic situation doesn’t really inspire college graduates to run toward the real world with open arms.But to purposely enroll in LSU as a full time student just to receive student tickets is ridiculous.
First, who wants to keep dealing with the hassle of tests, papers and professors if you don’t have to? I know the concept of having a boss doesn’t appeal to some people, but at least there is some chance of advancement. Professors will always be superior to students and some will remind you of that more than others.
Additional hassles, like extra work, are not the only concern.
The dealbreaker for me is the additional financial stress. Many scholarships, like TOPS and other LSU financial aid, run out after four years, or eight semesters.
There are many other opportunities available for those who need financial assistance, but there’s nothing as helpful as those original scholarships and grants. I don’t see the point to increase your debt for something like football tickets.
Not only would the price for an extra semester include tuition and additional LSU fees, which never cease to escalate, but also, an extra semester of room and board and food expenses. It’s neverending.
If you’re a billionaire, I guess this philosophy wouldn’t apply to you.
Unfortunately, there comes a time in every Tiger’s life where we have to move from the student section to the big people sections.
It’s similar to when adults are approaching the senior citizen age. At first, it’s deny, deny, deny. But once they realize the amount of discounts they can get by mentioning their age, they are more willing to accept and embrace it.
We have to embrace growing up and moving on. The real world won’t seem as scary once you’re willing to accept it.
Just think of it this way: the sooner you start making money, the sooner you can get real season tickets and have a tailgate of your own. Then, one day, you will have enough money to buy the biggest and baddest RV on the market, complete with a king-sized bed and fully stocked bar.
Now that would be the way to spend a fall afternoon.
—-Contact Brittany Davis at [email protected].