Path Pointers

Jaylan Brown is a senior Honors College Path Scholar majoring in sports management, with minors in psychology and African American Studies. Currently, Jaylan serves as the Honors College social media intern and as an assistant in Razorback Football player development. With plans to pursue a future in student-athlete development or athletic administration, Jaylan is conducting research on student-athlete brand development, focusing on how to leverage college athletic platforms for personal and professional growth.  

Say Yes – Embrace the unexpected and take the initiative to unlock new and exciting opportunities. Dive into transformational experiences and connect with impactful people, even if it feels outside your comfort zone. I once toured the Razorback Football facilities as an ACT Academy mentor, where I was offered a chance to serve as an assistant in player development thanks to my diverse experiences in other mentorship roles. I was already prepared to meet the demands of this unique position before I knew it was a possibility for me. Saying "yes" led to one of my most rewarding experiences yet!

Meet Your Professors – Your connection with your professors goes far beyond showing up to class (though front and center is always a good move). These are the people who can support you with recommendation letters, flexibility when life happens and guidance with more personalized learning. So, make the first move—introduce yourself as early as the first day and get on their radar. It might feel a bit awkward at first, but building these relationships will pay off in ways you’ll truly appreciate down the road.

Follow Your Heart – Doubt and imposter syndrome can push you toward a path that seems more practical than fulfilling. But the best path is the one that excites you. Shape your journey around what you’re passionate about, and you’ll never regret the outcome! I initially wavered between fields that seemed the most lucrative and “successful,” but ultimately found my way to Sports Management, where my heart has always been. The moment I committed, I discovered how rewarding—and fun—it can be to pursue what I genuinely love in both academic and career aspirations. 

Rely on Support – College isn’t meant to be a solo journey. You can still be a high achiever while taking advantage of the resources around you to reach your goals. Embrace interdependence, not independence. I entered college confident I wouldn’t need much support, having managed fine on my own in high school. But college quickly proved to be more challenging and demanding. Building a support network has been invaluable, helping me navigate tough and unfamiliar situations with far greater ease. Don’t be afraid to lean on others—you’ll be stronger for it.