BATON ROUGE, La. – The Lawton Room at Tiger Stadium served as the site for The Decision, an event that first year and second year student-athletes from every sport came meet with representatives from different college here at LSU to inquire about the majors that are offered, and the career path for those majors. Members of the Shaquille O'Neal Life Skills program, at the Cox Communication Academic Center for Student-Athletes (CCACSA) used the event to help student-athletes focus on their future, and life after their collegiate career is over.
Two former LSU student-athletes, Corey Webster (football) and Siedda Herbert (women's track & field) shared their story, emphasized the importance of pursuing your passion through your major selection, and how they adjusted to life after college. Along with Webster and Herbert, the student-athletes met with the different college representatives at LSU to receive information about the respective majors they have to offer.
During the event, Herbert explained to the audience the importance of enhancing your professional growth. She advised the student-athletes to get hands-on experience, whether that experience comes from completing internships, working part-time, or even just simply volunteering.
"The main message I want to send to the student-athlete is to take advantage of the opportunity, invest in yourself, and be intentional about the relationships you make in college," Herbert said.
Webster followed-up Herbert's speech by telling the student-athletes to take advantage of every opportunity.
"One message I wanted to leave them with, is to take full advantages of all their resources," Webster said. "This is an institution that has a plethora of resources. Tap into these resources, and don't be afraid to ask questions. The people that are in the roles of leadership, look-up to them and put pressure on them to give you whatever you need to meet your goals… Take full advantage of all resources!"
Many athletes enjoyed the session, and believe that it will be very valuable in the future. LSU sophomore, track & field sprinter,
Kortnei Johnson was one person in particular who expressed how helpful she felt the event would be helpful in her future.
"The most important thing I learned tonight was to take advantage of all the opportunities here," Johnson said. "Also, it taught me to use the resources and everything that is here to help me become a better person in the future."
More student-athletes chimed in with Johnson's comments and agreed The Decision had a positive impact on the audience.
"It was very helpful and productive. There are times we had meetings similar to that one, but I felt having the two former athletes there to speak to us was very impactful." LSU gymnast,
Lexie Priessman said. "When the two former athletes were speaking it was a good reminder to myself that life is not all about sports. After sports you have to get a job and we must start reaching out and looking out for things for our future, because one day sports end."
The Cox Communications Academic Center for Student-Athletes is a 54,000 square foot facility comprised of academic affairs, student affairs and an information technology teams, serving more than 530 student-athletes. The purpose is to provide an all-inclusive, student-centered support structure for all student-athletes from matriculation, through graduation and life beyond.
