A Student with a few Questions

I am from California. I started local. And as I mentioned, the local fuel hauler hires students. So yes it can be done.

I don't know that you have to be super lucky, or just persistent. It is true that many new drivers "pay their dues" when starting out. You can spend a year paying those dues by working OTR, or you can pay them by submitting a few dozen applications over the course of a couple of weeks.

And don't call! walk-in. Let them tell you in person you need experience. Then thank them for their time and ask their advice on who would hire you to give you the ideal experience to qualify for their driving job. People like to be asked for advice and will often go out of their way to be helpful. You may end up with some great leads!