After being asked this question countless times this year, I feel the need to explain my love for LSU.
Growing up, I was the biggest LSU fan. My mom and dad both graduated from there, so it was only natural. Everyone in my extended family is an LSU fan. My family went to LSU games every year of my childhood. However, I grew up in Alabama, so I stuck out from the crowd of Alabama and Auburn fans. But that didn’t stop me from becoming slightly obsessed (okay, really obsessed) with LSU football.
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I guess there is something pretty unusual about a fourth-grade girl throwing a chair across a restaurant in anger after a Nick Saban led Alabama team scored against the Tigers. But you can’t blame me, I was hooked on football. I learned everything that I could about football: the positions, the players, and the coaches. My dream job as a kid was (and still is) to be a sports sideline reporter after watching Erin Andrews interview players during the game.
When it finally became time to start applying for college, I decided to challenge myself and go to school in New York City. After realizing that it wasn't for me, I began looking for places to transfer to. One phone call with my best friend really opened my eyes to what I refused to see. She said, “Lily, you know you won’t be happy until you’re at LSU.”
I don’t know why it took so long for me to figure it out, but I finally arrived at LSU six weeks ago. And, I am so glad that I did.
Whether it’s walking through the quad after killing it on a test, looking at the lakes from the Tri Delta porch, or eating Outtakes at 1 a.m., I know that I made the right decision coming here.
My only fear now is that I’ll take my time here for granted. So, I want to fully live in every moment of it—tailgating on the parade grounds, lounging in the forum of the Journalism building, and walking around Tigerland in a ridiculous costume after an exchange.
There is really only one home for me. It’s under the stately oaks and broad magnolias. It’s where “Callin’ Baton Rouge” plays on repeat. It’s the mother of all Louisiana Saturday Nights.
That’s how I know I’m — Forever LSU.
