Sports are made up of many different strategies and plans to win. In football a quarterback is protected by his offensive line, in basketball defensive help is necessary when a teammate is stuck in a pick or has lost his man.

Teams devise game strategies in order to help each other win. Teammates depend on one another for both physical and mental support. Coaches guide players in making smart decisions and when they get out onto the field, the team works together to achieve a winning outcome. Help is at the core of every team; without it, it can never be successful.

Just as in sports, in our daily lives we need the people around us — our teammates, coaches and fans to help us succeed, just as in football there are offensive, defensive and special teams coaches. The same goes in the game of life. There are certain people whose expertise lies in certain areas of life. This university offers many services to help the future teacher, engineer, nurse or doctor. I am certain there are people willing to help you achieve your goals if you are willing to be open to their assistance.

Go back to the beginning. Your parents are probably your best source for most of the problems you face. Most of your parents probably went to college and almost all of them probably have a job. If you’re seeking guidance for your future career, trust me, they’ll know something! And when you’re feeling like you’re lost, they can help you pick up the pieces and find something that’s right for you.

Your parents are some of your biggest fans. Granted, your parents probably graduated from college 20 or 30 years ago, but they still know what it takes to get a job and even better, they know what it takes to keep a job, too! You’d be surprised at the things they know and, more importantly, the people they know. For example, my dad works in the corporate world, gets up early and wears a suit and tie every day to work. Now, on the other hand, I hate working at a desk all day, getting up early and dealing with money. I would have never thought that my dad had connections to the type of job I wish to attain in the journalism field. But guess what? He does! The point is, don’t count your parents out. Talk to them about what you’re thinking of doing, they may know someone that could help you out in a big way.

Every student who enters the University is assigned an adviser. The advisers are there to guide students and encourage them to major in the field that best suits their personality and expertise. When you feel like you’re stuck and can’t figure out which class to take, ask your advisor what they feel is best. Your advisers know professors, the curriculums and class designs. Take their advice seriously. Take time to talk to them and hear what they have to say. You don’t have to always take their advice, but it never hurts to weigh the options they are giving you.

Talk. Talk to people: everyone and anyone. Every college student is subject to the same annoying question: “What is your major?” I know it can get bothersome after awhile, but one day it may just land you something great.

Next time you’re at a family reunion and someone asks you that question, don’t roll your eyes and say, “Communication.” Take a different approach and say: “Communication. I am hoping to get into the public relations field. I’ve taken some classes and think I could really enjoy making a career of it.” Instead of brushing it off, go into some detail with them. Perhaps they may be able to offer you some advice or know someone that they could put you in contact with.

If you haven’t caught on by now, the moral of the story is go out and get help! There are so many people willing to help you, and I am certain that if you are willing to make the effort, you’ll be able to achieve the goals you have set for yourself. Tampa Bay didn’t win the Super Bowl because they only had a great defense . They won because they had a defensive coach that knew his stuff, team players that were able to work together and many other coaches, under head coach Jon Gruden, that were able to put it all together. You too can win championships. It’s a matter of finding the right coaches to guide you, players to assist you and fans help to cheer you along the way. Remember that: No one ever made their way to the top alone, and trust me: they’re not sitting there alone either.