Jonathan Moreno – Managing Editor –
College is a luxury where I’m from.
A high school diploma is almost acceptable where I grew up. Early in my education, I was being introduced to the possibility of joining the military or even Job Corps. Truthfully, it almost felt that society was telling me that college is unrealistic so it was best to face reality early on.
So for me a college education means more than words can explain, regardless of where I went to receive it.
But in my years here at Southern, it seems almost as if some students I’ve come across are ashamed of going to a state school. This was their last resort or their parents couldn’t afford to send them away for college. Southern was the only option.
Whatever the case may be, the impression left always stuck with me.
Southern was the only school I applied for. It was either Southern, community college, or the Marines.
Fast forward five years later and I’ve put myself in a great position to do great things. I’ve landed internships at CBS Radio and the Connecticut Post. I’ve interviewed J. Cole and Wale. I am managing editor of this very publication. And I am now looking for grad schools in the biggest market in the country: New York City.
The world is what you make it and so is your education. It doesn’t matter where you’re from, it matters what you do.
If you ever run across any small chance of networking, jump on it. Get your foot through that door and once you do, run with it.
People will give you chances and it’s up to you to not take it for granted. Don’t be discouraged by the flakes. Disappointment happens and it may happen frequently. Keep your mind on the bigger picture and watch things come into fruition.
Be a go-getter, dare to think differently and dare to dream big.
“Don’t let the noise of others’ opinions drown out your own inner voice,” the late Steve Jobs once said. “And most important, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition. They somehow already know what you truly want to become. Everything else is secondary.”
I’m sure when Jobs first went around talking about a computer in a book that one can learn how to use it in 20 minutes back in the 80’s, he was looked at as a crazy man. Now in 2012, it’ll be difficult to find someone without an iPhone, iPad or iPod in their possession.
My point is, innovation makes the world go round and so can you.
College can either be a small stepping-stone towards your goals or it can serve as a catapult. You were dealt these cards, now it’s on you to play your hand the right way.
