This afternoon I found myself on the elliptical next to the president of my college while at the gym. At the time I felt pretty uncomfortable and awkward, since then I've realized that was a missed opportunity.

Professors and working professionals talk about the importance of making connections. They are quick to inform me that it's not what you know, but who you know.

This can be pretty intimidating, I'm working hard in school to acquire the appropriate knowledge to become the best and most productive member of the work force that I can. To be told that in many situations it won't matter what I know is becoming frustrating. Why am I spending time studying if all I need to do is socialize?

This is especially frustrating  when I realize that I am pretty out of my element here at college in Kansas. I've grown up in Texas my entire life and had never lived anywhere else, so leaving what I know to be the best state ever  to come to cold and windy Kansas takes me into an unfamiliar space. If it's all about who you know then I am out of luck because I know no one.

When I step back and really think I realize that you don't have to have the small town connections (much like many students here have) to make yourself  known to people. All it takes is putting yourself out there and working hard and you will get noticed.

Today I realized that while on the elliptical I should have started up a quick conversation with the president. He doesn't know me, but I knew who he was and I should have utilized that to make a connection.

I guess it really is all about who you know, so if you know someone on the elliptical next to you strike up a conversation. You never know when you'll need them.