The Importance of Getting Involved on Campus

When I began college, everyone always stated that getting involved on campus was important, but I never really believed them.  

This was something I had to experience for myself to learn. I’d like to share what I’ve learned in hopes of inspiring those like me who are reluctant to get involved because of anxiety and other things.  

Challenge yourself 

After two years of only attending meetings for the NAACP, I wanted to join another organization so I could challenge myself. I wanted to grow as a person but was keeping to myself and my small group of friends.  

I joined the PEAK Mentor organization as a mentor to venture outside of my routine. Now I had things to do outside of my schoolwork that challenged me to schedule them into my routine. The program forced me outside of my comfort zone for change to happen.  

Experience with responsibilities and leadership 

The PEAK program gave me monthly responsibilities to my mentors that needed to be documented. They allowed me to socialize with those outside of my friend group and arrange our time, setting and activities.  

I gained experience being a leader in charge of planning and negotiating with others.  I had obligations to fulfill that I needed to hold myself accountable for. This allowed me to practice building discipline and practice time management for the different things I needed to do.  

Meeting new people 

I didn’t know how to meet people outside of my friends and getting involved on campus allowed me to interact with new people. Putting myself in positions for more frequent interactions with others helped with my anxiety. At first, it was horrible but the more practice I gained, the better I got at talking with others. 

Get acquainted with the faculty  

Joining PEAK and Pacer Times allowed me to build relationships with the faculty advisors. Getting to know the faculty made being at school away from home more comforting. 

Networking 

Through the relationships I’ve built with other students and faculty members, I managed to be introduced to different organizations and opportunities. A friend of mine introduced me to the Pacer Times and pushed me to become an editor.   

Creating relationships with faculty can also help get references for jobs and graduate school. As I’m considering graduate school, I have a few faculty in mind who can attest to my character and work ethic. 

Build resume 

Organizations can go on resumes to showcase skills and experience with bonus points if it's related to the occupation applied for.  

I’ve added PEAK and Pacer Times to my resume to showcase my experience with leadership and writing. When I get asked about them in interviews, I can further elaborate on them and describe some duties I had.  

Build life and job skills  

Being part of an organization gives you responsibilities that allow you to build skills that are needed within the job market and in life.  

Pacer Times has given me more practice with time management and meeting deadlines. Due to PEAK, I’m more confident in my ability to mentor others and provide assistance to those who ask. I’ve also gained confidence in communicating with others in a professional and personal manner.  

I urge students to get involved on campus because it makes college more enjoyable. Our campus has many organizations on a broad spectrum of topics and fields, at least one will be of interest to you. 

 If the organization, you want isn’t here then you can be the one to start it.  Take the initiative to get involved on campus, future you will be grateful.