“WHO AM I”

“The greatest challenge in life is discovering who you are. The second greatest is being happy with what you find.” This quote encourages us to begin a journey of self-definition. Southern University’s freshman class is developing their answer. “We are the class of 2024. We are college freshmen; eager, excited, nervous, and ready to see what life has to offer. We are SU24 ready to step into the real world and conquer all the challenges that are ahead of us,” is what they are here to say. This is the start to a new beginning. For many freshmen, college is an outlet to discovering who we really are; for the first time, we will have to learn to figure life out without supervision. We will try new things, explore new places, meet new people, and, of course, make new mistakes, because how does one grow without experience? Coming into college without knowing anyone is hard by itself. It is even harder when you do not even know who you really are. So, today I ask all freshmen: who are you at Southern University?
The question “Who are you at SU?” is not just a general, common question that can be answered with one’s name, major, or hometown. I want you to look deep within yourself and think about your purpose. Think about your goals and how you plan to accomplish them, think about your dreams and the desires of your heart. Are you a person trying to figure life out? Are you the freshman ready to drop all their parent’s forced morals and embrace freedom? Are you here to better yourself? All of those questions can be answered, as long as you understand the importance of higher education.
As I walked around the first week observing and meeting new people, I observed many different motivations of the freshman in college. I saw that many just wanted to make a way for their family. I noticed that others needed an escape route; they knew their only way out would be to get an education. Many really just did not care, but they knew they could not disappoint their families. I also learned that our freshman class is full of diverse, intelligent, creative, and talented people from different walks of life. It is going to be exceptional. SU24 has been through quite a bit of change and adversity, but they are strong and resilient. Freshmen know that with all the setbacks of the pandemic, there is a lot of work to do, but they are not backing down from the challenge. Class of 2024 are ambitious go-getters with a plan, determined and destined for greatness.
As I observed SU24, I began to reflect. I realized that, for different reasons, some will not return to campus, some will not reach their set goals, some will not graduate. As the orientation saying goes: “Look to your left, look to your right, look behind you and in front of you, you may never see these people again.” So, SU24, keep your eyes on the prize and stay focused! Take a look deep inside yourself and figure out who you really are so that you can let your light shine. Life is most definitely a complicated puzzle to solve, but with hard work and a sense of self, you can find the solution. Think and persevere with your future in mind. Again, ask yourself, who am I at SU? Now use the next four years of your time at Southern to answer that question!