Have you gone on any spontaneous side quests this week?
College isn’t solely about living the same day over and over again. A lot of students get stuck in a cycle of going to class, studying and sleeping, that’s it.
The creator known on Instagram as @earthfairy.b has labeled herself “the college side quest queen.” She is passionate about students spending time exploring all that their college campus has to offer them.
I agree.
While having a healthy schedule of classes, studying and sleeping are important aspects of college life, it shouldn’t be the only thing you do with your time at university.
Disclaimer: I know some of my classmates have to prioritize working over joining clubs. If this is your scenario, no need to feel discouraged. Work is a great avenue to meet other students, network and be a part of something just like one would in a club. Keep going, I’m proud of you.
When all is said and done, everyone should be able to reminisce on their college days, grateful they did more than just study and hit the bars every night.
Take chances, put yourself out there; you never know what could become of that one club meeting you attend.
There are still so many potential opportunities for you, even if your schedule doesn’t allow much time for various organizations.
It’s vital for you to make the most of your classes. Deliver outstanding projects, participate consistently and take a genuine interest in the material.
I was offered my first internship after taking a course in the spring of my freshman year. I completed a project that showcased my skill set and abilities. And sure, it was a class assignment, but I treated it as if it were a task for a client.
As a result, my professor extended a paid internship to me, and next thing you know, I was working for a PR firm as social media manager for a TLC reality star on “90 Day Fiancé: Love in Paradise.”
LSU offers over 400 student organizations–surely there’s a little something for everyone to dabble in.
It’s time to take advantage of the opportunities right under your nose, especially if you’re a freshman.
As a senior, I have been taking it all in, studying at my favorite spots on campus rather than being cooped up in my apartment, making sure I’m participating and being present during my last fall semester.
How is one supposed to meet new people and encounter new experiences if you don’t explore campus and engage in conversation with fellow classmates, professors and faculty?
Since being at LSU, I have been blessed with amazing opportunities and have said yes to pretty much all of them.
Despite concentrating on more writing opportunities and fewer photography focused ones, I have used my photography skills for the Manship school during my freshman year and my pictures remain on their website and Instagram till this day because I said yes.
When the opportunity to apply for the role as social media manager for FALSU (Fashion Association at LSU) Fall 2024 found its way to me, I said, “What the heck, sure.” Mind you, I’m not even a textile, apparel and merchandising major.
As a fashion lover, it made for a great experience dipping my toe into waters I didn’t even know existed at LSU.
If it weren’t for side quests, my career at LSU wouldn’t be half as eventful as it has been.
One Sunday following a game day in my sophomore year, I went from recognizing actor Jay Ellis on the side lines in Tiger Stadium to conducting an interview with him at his new Pilates studio in Baton Rouge.
That interview was during my days as an entertainment reporter for the Reveille, just a casual Sunday afternoon, no biggie.
All this to say, none of the opportunities mentioned throughout this article came about because I embraced the class, study and sleep only cycle.
And heed my advice, definitely don’t get caught up in trying to make your college experience identical to anyone else’s.
Instead, focus on what you want to do, not just the activities that are commonplace.
Find organizations and events taking place on and off campus, even if it’s the things that fly under the radar most of the time. Also, if you have interests that aren’t readily available, why not create your own opportunities, you can always volunteer your expertise to peers, faculty and organizations in order to develop your role that might not yet exist.
Until next time, live, love, laugh, side quests!
Ava Francis is a 22-year-old journalism major from New Orleans.
