For 22 years, I haven’t been invited to be a commencement speaker at graduation, but as a fairly recent college graduate, I’d like to address the 2014 high school graduating class, specifically the group that plans to pursue higher education.

First of all, the job market is admittedly difficult, especially in a field like journalism. There are only a certain number of media outlets and most of them aren’t looking for green, fresh-out-of-college employees. In other fields, such as technology, nursing and engineering, the opportunities are more plentiful.

My choice was a career path that seemed enjoyable. After about one year, I still feel the same way about journalism. I’d advise high school graduates to use the same criteria when choosing a career. Pick a career path that seems interesting and fun. Whether you are attending a two-year, technical school or a university, don’t pick a career only based on the pay scale.

It’s also important to work hard and immerse yourself in the field, which plays partly into choosing a career that’s interesting. Your parents will advise you to become a doctor or a lawyer.

The truth is that there are an excess of lawyers. Becoming a doctor takes several years and isn’t an easy achievement. If neither are interesting to you, the chances of becoming successful in the field, or even getting a job is slim to none.

In my experience, class work doesn’t mean nearly as much as real-world experience. Though, class work is important in getting real-world experience. Real-world experience will, in turn, help you land a job. A bounty of real world experience means a higher-paying job.

But college isn’t all about boring class work and difficult-to-obtain internships. I guarantee that college will be one of the best parts of your life, especially at a larger university.

During your freshman year, live on campus. You’ll meet plenty of interesting people and find a small group of friends. Living off campus may mean more living space and less noise, but it can also mean living near less college students.

It’s also easier to become involved in on-campus activities and clubs when living on campus. At LSU, where I attended college, dozens of events populated the activity calendar. Many of them included free food, which will become a godsend once in college.

Most college students are relatively poor. Having a job only helps to a certain extent. Meal plans are great, but, in my experience dining halls are only open for a specified time period.

When it’s 1 a.m. and you’ve just finished writing a study binge, how are you going to fill your pizza craving?

Some restaurants might be open, but if you’re an average college student paying for pizza may not be affordable. So, stock up in dining halls while your there. I don’t mean to recommend eating several plates of food. Instead, bring containers and fill up on food.

I’m totally serious. Stuff your plastic food containers full of pizza and use your meal plan to its fullest.

Finally, call your parents. Your mom is worried sick about how you’re doing.