One of the greatest things about college is that all of us students are given an equal opportunity to succeed. All of us here at Missouri Southern adhere to the same policies and procedures that are designed to shape us into outstanding individuals that will change the future. However, there is one thing that I strongly believe every student here should do before they get locked into a career: Explore.

I have been lucky enough to visit the rolling green hills of England, sit on the sandy beaches of Mexico, and even traverse the open plains of South Africa. Unfortunately, there are some that aren’t so lucky. But that is what makes college so great. There are literally hundreds of opportunities here on campus that will allow you to visit another part of the world that you have only been able to dream about. Not only are there study-abroad options, there are even simple classes such as Global Journalism which will allow you to travel to Paris for a week with your classmates.

I understand money can be an issue for a lot of people. As college students, we’re notorious for never having any money in our pockets. That is why I implore every one of us to save our money, even if it’s only ten or twenty dollars a month. One of your main goals in life should be to visit a foreign land. Before you turn 30 years old and get tied down with a family or a job, I challenge you to visit at least 10 countries. It may sound like a daunting task, but it can be done for much cheaper than you think.

For example, this summer I will be traveling to at least six countries in Europe, all for a little less than $800. The opportunities are out there, you just have to know where to look. There are many low-budget airlines that operate out of Europe that you can catch from places like Denver or Kansas City. Take these opportunities now before you lose them. Life comes at you fast. These years at college are supposed to be the greatest years of your life, and only you can determine whether that will be true. So grab your backpack and walking shoes, and go fill up every page of that passport while you have the chance.