It is approaching. After four and half years of calling LSU home, I will soon be a mere visitor or an alumnus if you will.
Truthfully, I’m not sure whether to be happy or depressed about graduating.
Since the fall of 1999, I have been engulfed in being an LSU Tiger. After spending at least 12 hours on campus nearly every day, It’s the only life I know.
On the other hand, graduating from college is a milestone I have worked hard to achieve. It is a momentous achievement that I should celebrate and be proud of.
I think my biggest fear is the change and uncertainty that will be brought about by this occasion.
I have carved a fairly comfortable niche for myself on this campus, but I can remember the days when LSU was hardly a comfort zone for me. Before attending LSU, I knew virtually no one on campus. I was surrounded by strangers sitting in class, walking through the Quad and even at my apartment.
Throughout time, I became determined to create a life for myself at LSU. I tried numerous organizations seeking to find an environment where I could contribute to LSU and make friends. Eventually this large state University seemed smaller and friendlier than my small private high school.
I realize there isn’t anything particularly special about me, I was just willing and surrounded myself with involved, successful people.
It was a willingness to work, ask and put myself on the line that gave me the amazing opportunities that came my way.
These opportunities included working at top levels of student government, being the founding father of a fraternity, covering LSU sports, writing this column and helping to lead the student effort to give our mascot a suitable home.
I’ve tried my best to take full advantage of these opportunities, although some times were more successful than others.
But I wouldn’t change a thing.
In hindsight, I may have been able to do some things better, but I choose action over inaction any day. All the criticism and disappointment have helped me become the person I am today.
I am proud to be a Tiger and truly believe LSU’s brightest days are ahead, but it will take action from students who don’t fear failure, or quit after being criticized.
Those apathetic people who simply say “it can’t be done” shouldn’t bother those who are busy accomplishing those impossible tasks.
It is time for me to leave and let others take advantage of the valuable, yet fun-filled opportunities I’ve had at LSU. I’ll miss the camaraderie of being a member of the LSU student body, being a cog in the machine of LSU athletics, late nights in The Reveille newsroom and even later nights at Bogie’s. But my experience as a Tiger is one that will stick with me and separate me from those I encounter throughout my life.
I don’t know what the rest of my life will bring.
My greatest desire for my future is to live out the words of our alma-mater and prove worthy to wear the label of a LSU Tiger. “Our worth in life will be thy worth, We pray to keep it true. And may thy spirit live in us, forever L-S-U.”