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perience which means that when their NFL riches subside, they often don’t have any means of survival.

The college experience is such a wonderful sojourn. Walking to class in the spring when the flowers are in full bloom, and in October when the leaves turn. This environment is so exhilarating. I still enjoy walking from the Arch to South campus and remembering the days when I was a student who was earning a degree and was the beneficiary of a partial athletic scholarship.

I had to supplement my scholarship with odd jobs, but it was so much fun that I can’t imagine what my life would have been like if that had not come about.

There was no NFL in my future. There was no Name, Image, Likeness (NIL) income, but I obtained a degree and had a wonderful and meaningful experience. Life on campus and in Athens was so alluring and addictive, I found a way to make my home in the Classic City.

I don’t begrudge the current kids who need saddle bags to carry around their money, but I lament that they miss out on the electric and fulfilling campus experience.