Speaking in a College Lecture Hall
Ollie Piazza | April 18, 2026
I’m not sure how professors teach in a college classroom anymore.
Earlier this week, I spoke to a Principles of Marketing class at Merrimack College. If you were in that room, just know this: I walked in without a perfect plan. I’m not the most polished speaker or the smartest person you’ll hear from, but what I do have is real-world experience and a great talent of connecting with people.
Still, something felt off. It felt like there was a wall between me and the students. And honestly, I get why.
I’m only three years out of college, but even in that short time, things have changed. The job market feels tighter. Everything is more expensive. There’s constant pressure to “figure it out,” often coming from people who grew up in a completely different reality.
At one point, I caught myself saying the same thing students always hear “It’ll all work out", and if I were sitting in that classroom, I probably would’ve tuned me out too. Because I remember what it actually feels like to be in that seat.
I remember sitting in college classes wondering if I’d get a job after graduation. Questioning whether I’d be successful. Debating if college was even worth it. Thinking maybe I should’ve gone into a trade instead. Wondering if I could ever make real money as a photographer. Those thoughts don’t just disappear. They evolve with you.
Now, early in my professional career, it feels strangely similar to being a freshman again. You don’t know your way around. You’re unsure where you fit. You overthink everything from emails, to meetings, and how you come across to others. Wondering if you’re actually good at what you do. You think about things like AI and whether it will replace you.
Same doubts. Different stage of life. One thing that became clear was I might not have everything figured out. I don’t have a perfect roadmap or a guaranteed outcome, but I am doing my best to figure it out.
And that counts for more than I used to think.
