Before entering college, I went through a series of what I like to call phases - career paths that I wanted to embark upon for all of the wrong reasons. I wanted to be a physical therapist, a Supreme Court justice, even a stand up comedian (that one is still a dream of mine, but…). As my first week of my sophomore year rounds to a close, I can’t help but reflect on what I’ve chosen to study. I’m a Communication major, Sport Management minor, and I couldn’t be any happier with the decision that I’ve made. I’m aiming to be a sports broadcaster, so hopefully, you’ll see me on ESPN someday.

After enduring my first year of college, the biggest piece of advice I have for students - students of all ages - is this: study something that you love. Study something that you truly enjoy. Don’t chase money and don’t major in something just to satisfy your parents. Do what you love.

On my third day of college (which was about two days ago), I sat down to do my homework and realized I had to read about 80 pages of information by the next day. My heart practically sank. As I got to reading, I realized that it wasn’t nearly as bad as I thought it was going to be. I thoroughly enjoyed what I was reading, which made my homework less of a chore and more of a genuine learning experience. Everyday, I hear my fellow classmates complain about homework and tests and quizzes, and I can’t help but wonder if they’re studying something they’re actually interested in. If you aren’t enthralled with your chem class, your english class, your economics class...why are you taking it? When you do what you love, your homework/workload becomes easier. Yes, reading and taking notes on 80 pages of your textbook is a painfully tedious process, but if you’re reading something that you actually enjoy, it’s not too bad after all.

If you chase something you love, you can push to be the best in your field. Don’t let stereotypes define who you are or who you aim to be. Do what you love and love what you do. You won’t regret it.