I'm proud to call the New Orleans area home. An unrivaled culture exists here, marked by streets that we love but can’t pronounce, and parties that don’t end.

Whether you're a tourist taking in Bourbon Street for the first time or a local sticking to the eateries that are too good to tell your friends about, there's an endless amount of great food, fun, and conversation to be had.

I'm blessed to be going to school that is a day's trip away from my family and the places I've grown to love. Yet so many of my friends are seeing Louisiana for the first time. It's astounding how much courage it takes to leave everything behind at 18 for the unknown.

Don't get me wrong - I take pride in where I'm from. More than anything however, I'm inspired by the adventures that bring others here. Realizing how many unique campuses there are to study in the country can lead you to question: Why here? Why not?

As students, our parents have told us "most of the learning is done outside of the classroom in college." This couldn't be truer. The concepts taught in lectures certainly prepare us for the jobs we're aiming to have, but the experiences between there are what prepare us for the life that comes with the job.

These reasons are part of why I'm determined to take my own journey once my formal education is over, because I believe that education isn’t anything without experience. The people we cross paths with in life will always give us more insight and perspective on the world than anything else.

But the concept of home isn't lost. I know that I'll always sing along to “Callin' Baton Rouge” and watch our Tigers defend the house in Death Valley. However, there will come a day for the sights at Tigerland to be replaced by something a little more culturing.

Although we value tradition so much as a university, we house an incredibly diverse group of students with unique perspectives on life. If you’re the type to listen more than you carry a conversation, you have probably met the most interesting people you’ve crossed paths with here on campus. For those that have a story to share, you would be impressed by how many equally traveled friends there are to be made. There's a lot to see in the world, enough time to fall in love with a city, and enough to explore everything else the world has to offer.

Geaux find your piece of the world.