2021 Gumbo final - Book - Page 116
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across the globe
F
or some people, going to LSU is a simple decision
and is somewhere close to their hometown. Their
parents and siblings may have been Tigers, and
they want to continue the legacy. But for some students,
they have traveled thousands of miles in order to attend this
prestigious university.
In LSU’s 2020 Fall Facts Brochure, provided by the Office of
Budget & Planning and Division of Strategic Communication,
there are over 5,500 people in the undergraduate program
that are from out of state. As for LSU’s Geographical Origin of
Students Map, it indicated that there was a student enrolled
at LSU in Fall 2020 from all 50 states, with the lowest being
four students from Wyoming and the highest being 2,313
students from Texas.
Olivia Moore, 18, came to LSU from Natchez, MS. She said
that her family has always been fans of LSU, and even after
moving to Mississippi, her dream school has always been
LSU.
“Living at LSU was a little strange because I’ve lived in
a smaller town my whole life,” Moore said. “But freshman
year went well and was a lot of fun! It’s so much fun meeting
people from in state, but especially out of state because you
can see just how far people travel to come to this school too.”
A tip from Moore to students that come from out of state
is to become involved in things at LSU and be prepared to be
nervous when trying things for the first time. She continued
to add to not let those nerves get to you when trying things
for the first time, because everyone is so welcoming. She
also said to become friends with people in your dorm and
those who have the same major as you.
Sophomore Lauren Petrie came to LSU from Grand Ledge,
Michigan to study petroleum engineering. She said that her
first year was a dream, and she met so many people while
growing academically, socially, mentally and even physically
at the UREC.
“I would recommend LSU for out-of -state students,”
Petrie said. “The extracurricular programs here are so robust
and student life is very easy to get involved in. LSU felt like
home right away!”
At nine years old, sophomore Mollie Schloss fell in love
with Louisiana on a family vacation. She said the towering
oak trees, food and culture of the state stole her heart and
she knew she was going to move to Louisiana someday.
“I can say with 110% that LSU is certainly my home,”
Schloss said. “I got a job at the bookstore in the café and
joined organizations like FLC, Mock Trial, Moot Court and
Community Council where I met my new family and my
home away from home. I learned to be independent and
step out of my comfort zone.”
From traveling near or far from different states, it is a new
and refreshing opportunity for people from out of state to
attend LSU. With endless extracurriculars, courses offerings,
and friendship opportunities, the possibilities at LSU are
endless.