At this point early in the semester, you may have some flexibility in your schedule to attend events, join a student group and participate in other activities—all great ways to be involved on campus. Being involved not only helps you meet new people with similar interests, but it can open up a world of possibilities.
I attended a university that wasn’t near my hometown, so I didn’t know that many people when I arrived on campus as a freshman. Getting involved with a student organization that first year was a way for me to find and meet people outside of my residence hall. It also led to other involvement opportunities that I didn’t even know existed, like going on a trip to Washington, D.C., my junior year. I was able to travel, broaden my perspective and gain new experiences all from being involved on my campus.
What does being involved look like for you? There are plenty of opportunities to be involved through your college or school: volunteering, student employment, the Rec Center, your residence hall, campus events and student organizations.
If you feel like you haven’t found the right opportunity yet to get involved, there is still time for you to find something you enjoy. This week alone, there are three events with involvement opportunities: the Take Care Street Fair, the Center for Inclusion and Social Change open house and the Buff Block Party. I encourage you to put yourself out there, explore your interests and continue to try new things.
If you are already involved on campus, this is a great time to reflect on your experiences and consider if they are helping you grow and develop into the person you want to be. Your time in college is all about finding out what you like, what you don’t like and where you fit in. If something is no longer serving you or you aren’t as excited about something as you once were, find something new!
Right now is the ideal time to learn, grow and explore. It may take some time to figure it out, but I encourage you to keep trying new things and looking for opportunities. Enjoy the journey!
Sandy Jones
Dean of Students
