LSU First-Gen Student John Michael Sweat Overcomes Barriers and Redefines College Success at LSU
November 06, 2024
John Michael Sweat
LSU senior John Michael Sweat was taught from a young age to help others. He says it’s a principle he uses to guide his life. Sweat, originally from Broussard, Louisiana, is a first-generation college student studying political science, psychology and sociology.
He says his parents dreamed of earning college degrees, but were unable due to unexpected circumstances. But their unfulfilled ambitions profoundly influenced John Michael, instilling in him a passion for education and a desire to leverage his skills to make a meaningful impact on others.
But he faced significant challenges at the start of his journey to college.
“I really just didn’t have anyone to advise or assist me,” Sweat says.
Without family members familiar with the intricacies of higher education, tasks like buying textbooks, scheduling classes, and managing applications felt daunting. To overcome these challenges, he says he sought support from peers and advisors.
“It’s far better to have done something than to (do nothing and) forever wonder what it would have been like to do it.”
John Michael Sweat
“I’m immensely grateful for all my friends and mentors at LSU who have helped me in various ways to be successful,” he says.
Among the various resources at LSU, he says the Ogden Honors College advising staff plays a pivotal role in his academic journey, supporting him on personal matters, academic advising, and scheduling. John Michael joined the Honors College later than most students because he didn’t know about the application process until he unexpectedly met a staff member during orientation. John Michael says the mentorship from professors and advisors has enriched his educational experience, providing guidance on scholarship applications, thesis development, and personal interests.
“I owe a lot to the Honors College, and I’m really glad to be a part of it,” he says.
To juggle his academic and extracurricular commitments, John Michael emphasizes the importance of time management.
“I keep about six different journals in which I write to-do lists ranging from daily tasks to monthly events to multiple-year goals.”
Every Sunday, he reviews his tasks for the week, prepares meals, and ensures he’s ready for the challenges ahead, saying, “Staying ahead of my responsibilities is essential.”
One of John Michael’s most significant accomplishments is securing a fellowship at UC Berkeley, where he represented LSU among students from prestigious institutions such as Harvard. He said it helped him realize that high-level opportunities are accessible to individuals from diverse backgrounds, challenging the stereotype that success is reserved for those from wealthier families. John Michael hopes to inspire LSU students and others facing disadvantages, proving they too can achieve greatness.
John Michael says his background gives him a unique perspective on the challenges faced by families in Louisiana and across the U.S. This understanding drives him to advocate for policy changes and community programs that prioritize access to resources, ensuring that families are empowered to overcome these obstacles and thrive.
“I understand the barriers that come with a lack of access to information and support,” he says.
For first-generation students considering enrollment in the Honors College, John Michael offers valuable advice: apply as early as possible to take full advantage of the transformative resources available. He also encourages students to embrace any opportunities that interest them, especially in their early college years.
“It’s far better to have done something than to (do nothing and) forever wonder what it would have been like to do it,” he says, emphasizing that fear should not hinder progress.
John Michael says he chose LSU for its strong academic programs and accessibility. John Michael is focused on research in nuclear energy and its political feasibility. He plans to collect data and write a policy memo to inform legislators about energy developments in Louisiana. Ultimately, he hopes to give back to his community by advocating for policies that reduce poverty, address income inequality, promote public health, and enhance educational opportunities. His unique perspective, shaped by his background and firsthand experience with poverty, drives him to advocate for creating positive change.
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