Back in 2017 I graduated high school with no idea of college or what to expect, all I knew is that I wanted to get out of my hometown and see the world. I applied to 10 different colleges ranging from a small school in Miami all the way to some of the largest colleges in the nation such as Alabama and Texas. I had an idea of where I wanted to go once I started visiting the schools I applied to, and the top of that list was Temple University in Philadelphia, the bottom of the list was Ohio University. I only applied to Ohio University because I received a free application in my email, I never considered actually attending, Temple was locate d in the heart of Philadelphia with their business classes located in real companies skyscraper buildings and had all the resources I would need as a business major in Sport Management as they had the #1 undergrad degree for the major. I was waitlisted at Temple and when I was visiting Ohio University that night I was accepted off the waitlist, I don't know exactly why but Ohio University drew me in and tugged at my heart and once I was accepted to my dream school of Temple is when I knew I wanted to go to Ohio University.
I'm 21 now in my final month at Ohio University and I wouldn't trade my experiences for the world. I have had the privilege of working the Kentucky Derby, running the Ohio State Spelling Bee this year, consulting in marketing for the New York Mets, consulting in marketing for a sub-brand of Smucker's, and much more. All of these accomplishments and experiences have been during my time studying here at Ohio University and have prepared me for the world of business. I found out in my studies here that I have a love for marketing and added it as a double major as well as earning a certificate in Festivals, Entertainment, and Event Management. These degrees will allow me to pursue many different sections of the business world and allow life to take me wherever I want.
College is not just about work experiences and earning degrees for the rest of your life, rather a more important factor is the people you meet that change your life forever. My friends that I met here freshman year Stef and Katie both came to Ohio University as backups to the schools they wanted to attend. They didn't know unpacking their belongings in their dorm room that first day that they would meet the love of their lives that semester, and they sure as hell didn't know that they'd be marrying that person one week after they graduated. Stef and I have become extremely close friends and I have had the privilege of watching his relationship develop with Katie and even seeing the engagement on the 4th of July last year. There have been many friends that I have met in college including my freshman year roommate Ben, he is still the smartest man I've ever met and is the kindest person who is always there if you need him. I became friends and brothers with dozens of guys at the same time when I joined my fraternity my sophomore year and wouldn't trade the times I had with all my friends in Ohio for any other college or any other job. Also my junior year before the pandemic I had the privilege of being able to spend 3 months abroad in Ireland and see the new cultures and way of life in Europe.
I know that college is not for everyone, it happened to be the right option for me. The advice that I would give to anyone that isn't sure on their next steps after high school is the following:
1.Relationships are everything, network with anyone and everyone.
2. Invest your money and learn how to invest early on in life. The earlier you invest the earlier you can retire. I have a friend on pace to retire by the age of 30 and financial freedom is essential in life.
3. Don't waste time, you never want to look back and wonder "what if?" spend each day as if it may be your last and the memories you will create will last a lifetime.
4. There's no right path, there is only your path. Don't worry about what those around you are doing, focus on your goals and your path and live your life to the fullest.
5. Enjoy the ride.
