For some college students, the transition from high school in itself is an overwhelming experience. For others, like senior Taylor Luczak, it is merely the beginning of a series of challenges to be faced and conquered.
There are few tasks he hasn't approached with a "bring it on" attitude since coming to Mississippi State. Initially enrolling as a political science major, after becoming involved with the Mississippi Model Security Council, he added international business and East Asian studies as majors. Yes, that's three majors.
Were that not enough, Luczak is one of 16 student-delegates nationwide for the Japanese American Student Conference, heads up the MSU pre-law society, and has spent summers traveling and studying abroad. He is also in his sixth semester of Mandarin Chinese as part of his coursework for East Asian studies, and is completing the application process to compete for a Rhodes Scholarship.
Oh, and in his "spare" time, he is a third-year walk-on with the basketball team. His freshman year, he was a walk-on with MSU track.
Despite his busy schedule, however, Luczak says he still manages to squeeze in social time and time with his family.
"Everything I have done starts with family," Luczak said. "My dad and my family have sacrificed so much for me to be here. There's no better way to pay them back than to be the best that I can be at whatever I do. State has given me and others everything we need to succeed. My experiences have helped me learn to adapt to adversity and made me a better person."