In my ninth year of college, I realized I'd spent more time navigating the system than actually learning in it.
From 2014 to 2023, I was a chemical engineering student at Louisiana State University—over 140 credit hours, multiple internships, and more self-learning than most degree programs ever require. I recorded a video in June 2023 to share my journey, and what I've learned since is that my story isn't unique.
Students across the country—especially in engineering—recognize the same mix of hope, frustration, and determination. This post is for them, for prospective students, for educators, and for anyone who believes higher education can do better.
LSU's Patrick F. Taylor engineering complex from an aerial view.
My Journey: From Excitement to Reality
ChemE lab time — one of the few moments where theory and practice truly met for me.
When I arrived at LSU in fall 2014, I was ready. My senior year of high school was packed with engineering prep: physics, drafting, AutoCAD, electronics, robotics. I chose chemical engineering because I was told the options were "limitless"—petrochemicals, refining, biotech, and more.
In my early years, some core courses were offered in just one term (fall or spring). If you missed one due to life, illness, or a co-op, you could be delayed a full year. Over time, the department did expand availability across more semesters—an important fix that helped newer cohorts avoid those bottlenecks.
Other Roadblocks
Advising gaps: Even with 140+ credits, trying to pivot degrees meant confusion about course equivalencies and what would actually count.
Support struggles: Navigating disability services felt like a bureaucratic maze—appeals returned template-like denials instead of genuine conversation.
Financial stress: Losing merit aid (e.g., TOPS) after a rough semester can mean thousands in unexpected costs with limited paths to regain eligibility.
These aren't just my experiences. Public student forums and reviews mention similar themes: advising inconsistencies, funding insecurity, and a heavy burden of self-navigation.
The Sugarcane Example: A Missed Opportunity
Louisiana sugarcane — a major local industry that never showed up in my curriculum.
Louisiana is a top producer of sugarcane, and sugar refining is a major state industry. My family roots are in Galliano and Golden Meadow—places where sugarcane and coastal industries still shape daily life.
And yet, in nine years of chemical engineering coursework, not a single class covered sugarcane processing. This isn't unique to LSU—ABET requirements leave limited room for region-specific electives—but it's a missed chance to link students to jobs right outside our doorstep.
Systemic Flaws: What I Saw and What Others Have Said
Patrick F. Taylor Hall — impressive on paper, but without structure and mentorship, even great facilities underdeliver.
1) Curriculum Rigidity (Early Years)
Before course availability expanded, a rigid sequence could set you back a year if you missed a single class. The later fix proved departments can adapt when they listen to student feedback.
2) Advising Gaps
Faculty advisors exist, but many students describe general advising that doesn't match program realities. You'll see that reflected across review sites and discussions.
3) Financial Pitfalls
Merit aid like TOPS can disappear after one bad semester, making the path forward far more expensive—or impossible—to navigate.
4) Cultural Climate
Mutual respect matters. I've had professors who welcomed questions and others who seemed to see them as interruptions. In a field built on collaboration, that difference is everything.
Why Mutual Respect Matters
Study rooms and late nights — where I learned as much from peers as I did from lectures.
If I could add one universal rule to higher education, it would be this: Mutual respect should be as non-negotiable as academic integrity.
Respect means acknowledging that paths differ, that feedback deserves real answers, and that policies should be explained—not hidden behind "that's just how it's done." Without it, collaboration and innovation stall.
Reflection on Change Over Time
Change came slowly—better course availability, more flexible teaching, improved spaces—but for many in my cohort, it arrived late.
Not every problem persisted. Course availability improved. Some faculty embraced more flexible, responsive teaching. New lab spaces and updated technology arrived. But these changes took years, and for many of us, the timing still meant delays or missed opportunities.
Paths Forward: How We Fix This
Despite its flaws, chemical engineering can be incredibly rewarding—if approached with self-reliance and a willingness to learn beyond the classroom.
How hard is chemical engineering at LSU?
It's math-heavy and structured; the challenge is balancing workload while navigating the system.
Can you succeed without internships?
Possible, but much harder. Practical experience gives you leverage coursework alone can't.
Is DEI helping or hurting engineering?
When done well, it opens doors and builds belonging. The focus should be on both inclusivity and merit.
What's the truth about GPA in engineering?
A perfect GPA isn't the only marker of readiness. Many capable engineers learn most from setbacks.
Should I transfer if I'm unhappy?
If concerns are structural (advising, access, culture), consider transferring early before sunk costs rise.
How do you balance workload and mental health?
Protect downtime. Schedule non-negotiable breaks, even during peak exam weeks.
Is the financial investment worth it?
With internships, networking, and an on-time finish, ChemE can deliver strong ROI. Without those, it's less certain.
One thing I'd tell incoming freshmen?
Learn to advocate for yourself early—politely, persistently, and with documentation.
Final Thoughts: Why I Still Believe in Change
From fall 2014 to spring 2023, I lived almost every aspect of the engineering student experience: early excitement, mid-degree burnout, roadblocks, small wins, and breakthroughs from teaching myself what the curriculum left out.
In June 2023, I decided to share my story because it's not just mine—it reflects the hopes and frustrations of countless others.
This is my open invitation to students, faculty, alumni, and industry partners: let's talk honestly about what's working and what's not. Let's push for transparency, respect, and adaptability in higher education. If we build that kind of system, it won't just prepare us for our first jobs—it'll prepare us for a lifetime of solving problems, together.
For more insights on building better systems, check out my guide to web accessibility—another area where user experience principles can drive meaningful change.
