One of the most heard expressions you will come across in your time as a Clemson student is that your academic career flies by, and unfortunately, it’s very true.
Saying this as somebody who is preparing to complete his degree this month, I thought it was a bunch of nothing. I was wrong, and as I move from a student journalist to a sports journalist in the future, there’s one thing that I could take away as one of the most important things I did in my time as a Tiger.
Say yes to everything.
That means everything in a professional manner. Being a student in a professional setting allows you to learn, network and make meaningful connections with others that will be to your benefit later. Stay with it, and you never know what could come next down the line.
It can be uncomfortable to start, going into an environment where imposter syndrome and not feeling like you belong can be a factor, but you’re there for a reason. Being a student in a professional environment might not look perfect, but it can change the trajectory of where you can go.
This type of growth in college doesn’t happen when you’re sitting back and waiting for the ideal opportunity to fall on your lap. It comes from rolling the dice and taking chances on roles that you’ve never experienced before. Being a student allows you to have the ability to be versatile, showing others that you’re willing to take on different and original roles, while having the opportunity to make mistakes and take chances.
This strategy allows you to know what you want and what you don’t want in life. It’s better to do it now before the stakes get higher in postgraduate life. It narrows down a wide range of opportunities that you can take now before it’s too late.
Other students are in the same boat as you if you do so, and it could form some of the strongest relationships and friendships of your college life. That’s how I made some of my best friendships over the course of my last three-and-a-half years at this place.
Timing isn’t always right, but you have to be there to at least see the opportunity.
Say yes now. You don’t know what crazy adventure your life will take you on after doing so, but doesn’t that sound exciting?
Griffin Barfield is a senior communication major from Oceanport, New Jersey. Griffin can be reached at [email protected].
