Another College Student Story
 

Being a 21 year old college student, I've read these posts about college players with great interest. While I do see some possibility of "turning pro" (i.e. I can't find a job in my field my first year out of college), I realize the importance of finishing my college degree.

As for me, I've struggled throughout my years in college primarily due to commitments I've made to student activity groups. I took leadership roles that were nearly the equivalent of full time jobs and my grades and studies have suffered for it.

As for poker, I've spent about 25,000 hands to 50,000 (I really can't guess as I didn't start tracking until about a year ago) playing, but it rarely got in the way of my studies. I do think it has caused a few problems, though one night of playing while studying netted me about 600-700 dollars (3/6).

I think the biggest effect it has had on me is when I've gone through big losing streaks. I lost about 900 dollars in a period of three days playing 2/4, NL$50, and a smattering of 5/10. About 650 of it was at 2/4, which was a devastating loss for such a small number of hands. Given that, my attitude just deteriorated for a week while I recovered (I stopped playing, but I probably should have stopped after losing 200 or so...)

Anyways, I fully intend to finish my degree, but I'm also taking this summer and possibly the next to "try out" a professional lifestyle. Since I still depend on my parents, I've been free to experiment more than anything. I've derived all my bankroll through bonuses and profit, but its definitely a struggle as I've had to cut it in order to make sure my bank account stays at a good level. I'm still stuck at 1/2 despite once having my bankroll above 1500 dollars (then came the big loss causing a drop in limit).

I actually find it discouraging that so many college students are thinking about turning pro. I believe this will make it harder for someone like me to become a person who can survive off of poker because of the fact that so many "smarties" will be joining the fray. I can only hope that most of these college dropouts are as stupid as their decision looks to the rest of us. (Sorry for being mean!)

I'd hope that I'm a bit of a better model of what a college poker player should intend to do. While I'm still far from the 4.0 degree wielding student, I do intend to graduate with at least a 3.0, hopefully more along the lines of a 3.3~3.5 (stupid extra curriculars!!!)

Re: Another College Student Story
 

Am I the only one that finds this entire post rather arrogant?

Re: Another College Student Story
 

Why don't you tell us your life story while your at it... oh wait, you did... nevermind.

This pointless rambling should go in a journal or a blog, not here.

Re: Another College Student Story
 

[ QUOTE ]
I actually find it discouraging that so many college students are thinking about turning pro. I believe this will make it harder for someone like me to become a person who can survive off of poker because of the fact that so many "smarties" will be joining the fray.

[/ QUOTE ]

Getting a good laugh out of this one. I remember when all the Ivy leaguers were taking low paying, speculative careers in the internet startups. You can buy their foreclosed houses pretty cheap now.

You're better off with a reliable career, but good luck pursuing your dream.

Re: Another College Student Story
 

[ QUOTE ]
I took leadership roles that were nearly the equivalent of full time jobs and my grades and studies have suffered for it.


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http://www.cdshakedown.com/0399/rushmore.jpg

Re: Another College Student Story
 

I'll give you some honest feedback, too.

1) Are you sure you're a winning player? Your bankroll management sounds spotty at best.

2) Definitely get your degree.

3) Poker is a great second job. Get a first job first.

Re: Another College Student Story
 

Haha, I'll post it as long and boring next time :-D Felt like writing some crap late last night... I get bored at home, so I guess I had to spread it?

Oh, and I do pay a lot of attention to bankroll.

And sorry if I sounded arrogant... not really my intention. [img]/images/graemlins/frown.gif[/img]

Re: Another College Student Story
 

It sounds like you don't even know if you are a winning player at very low limits. Thinking about poker as a career at this point is just idiotic.

Re: Another College Student Story
 

sorry that you suck at poker and werent good enough to go pro.

it seems like this is what you are trying to convince yourself of, so yeah, you rock man, got your degree!!!

Wow. Congrats Buddy!!!

You're the Best!!!

You Rock!!!




[ QUOTE ]
Being a 21 year old college student, I've read these posts about college players with great interest. While I do see some possibility of "turning pro" (i.e. I can't find a job in my field my first year out of college), I realize the importance of finishing my college degree.

As for me, I've struggled throughout my years in college primarily due to commitments I've made to student activity groups. I took leadership roles that were nearly the equivalent of full time jobs and my grades and studies have suffered for it.

As for poker, I've spent about 25,000 hands to 50,000 (I really can't guess as I didn't start tracking until about a year ago) playing, but it rarely got in the way of my studies. I do think it has caused a few problems, though one night of playing while studying netted me about 600-700 dollars (3/6).

I think the biggest effect it has had on me is when I've gone through big losing streaks. I lost about 900 dollars in a period of three days playing 2/4, NL$50, and a smattering of 5/10. About 650 of it was at 2/4, which was a devastating loss for such a small number of hands. Given that, my attitude just deteriorated for a week while I recovered (I stopped playing, but I probably should have stopped after losing 200 or so...)

Anyways, I fully intend to finish my degree, but I'm also taking this summer and possibly the next to "try out" a professional lifestyle. Since I still depend on my parents, I've been free to experiment more than anything. I've derived all my bankroll through bonuses and profit, but its definitely a struggle as I've had to cut it in order to make sure my bank account stays at a good level. I'm still stuck at 1/2 despite once having my bankroll above 1500 dollars (then came the big loss causing a drop in limit).

I actually find it discouraging that so many college students are thinking about turning pro. I believe this will make it harder for someone like me to become a person who can survive off of poker because of the fact that so many "smarties" will be joining the fray. I can only hope that most of these college dropouts are as stupid as their decision looks to the rest of us. (Sorry for being mean!)

I'd hope that I'm a bit of a better model of what a college poker player should intend to do. While I'm still far from the 4.0 degree wielding student, I do intend to graduate with at least a 3.0, hopefully more along the lines of a 3.3~3.5 (stupid extra curriculars!!!)

[/ QUOTE ]

Re: Another College Student Story
 

I win about 4BB/100 at 1/2 (20k hands), and am certainly a winning player, but I don't have bankroll nor do I have any supplemental income at this time. The fact that I have other stuff to do has severely limited my playing time, so I haven't been able to build my bankroll.