As a senior at LSU, I can say that my college experience would’ve been more amazing had I known what I know now. Don’t get me wrong, I’m on a wonderful track and am looking forward to life after college. However, I’m also aware that if I’d received the advice that I will be giving in this article a few years ago, I would’ve made different choices.
For starters, I’m a student from a relatively low-income background. While this wasn’t a hindrance to me since I was able to have my tuition covered, it still played a pivotal role in my college experience. I just didn’t realize it until now.
All college students are given the same talk, “make good grades and get involved on campus,” which is great advice. However, I’d also add that you should network and pursue a degree in a field that is constantly growing, has ample opportunities and pays well, especially if you are also from a lower-income household and/or a first-generation college student.
If you have a similar story as mine, you should look at your college education as an investment in yourself. College is your way out of whatever hardships you may be dealing with. So because of this, you can either go hard or go home. It’s a no-brainer, but some people forget this due to hopelessness, lack of concentration or simply not caring enough.
In regard to majors, some may tell you what majors you should and shouldn’t pursue due to not having a solid career post-grad. I’m not here to tell you what to major in, because that choice is yours to make. But I do think you should do extensive research to find a career path that meets your standards, regardless of what other people may say.
The last thing you want to do is waste four to five years of your life and lots of money just to end up with no career because you didn’t strategize well. Furthermore, it’s extremely important that you network as early as possible, maintain an excellent GPA and get involved on campus. LSU offers so many resources for students to excel. So, there’s no reason for anyone to feel like they’re behind or unsure about what they want to do.
As for other opportunities in college, I also recommend studying abroad. Studying abroad can open you up to a world of opportunity. It can be expensive, I won’t lie, but from one first-gen student to another, it’s possible. You can apply for scholarships (which is what I did) to help fund your trip. This once in a lifetime opportunity will help you have an optimistic outlook on your life. This kind of optimism will breed motivation which turns into hard work, which can then lead to success. Your financial situation may be a hurdle that you have to hop over, but it is not a hindrance.
College is supposed to be fun, and it’s especially fun when you attend a university like LSU, but you have to remember why you’re here. Maybe you want to pave the way for your siblings. Perhaps you want to create generational wealth. Or maybe you just want to prove that it’s possible to succeed even without any handouts. Whatever your motivation is, never forget it and put in the work.
Last but not least, you will make mistakes, we all do. However, some mistakes can be avoided if you make wise decisions. Have fun, work hard, get rest, network and dream big. Your upbringing and current situation is just one part of your story. The other chapters all depend on the decisions you make today, so why not write a bestseller?
Amyri Jones is a 22-year-old digital advertising and religious studies senior from Baton Rouge.
