Getting Involved in College: Thoughts & Benefits

There is something out there for everyone.  It just takes a little research (stay tuned for a post next week about helpful resources!)  There are organizations for professional interests, personal interests, and everything in between.  Most upper education facilities even give power to students to start-up their own group.

Some examples are: student government, volunteer groups, academic groups, fraternities and sororities, intramural sports, theater and art groups, religious groups, honors groups, and etc!  The list and possibility of involvement can seem endless depending on the size of your education facility.

Students gathered on campus lawn at The University of Iowa 

 A few things to keep in mind when deciding to join a group:

1. Never let fear of the unknown keep you from deciding to pursue something new.
2. Don’t be afraid to join alone.  If you don’t know anyone in the group already, just be brave, be independent, and join anyway.  You can do it! 
3. It’s never too late.  So what, you missed the first meeting or maybe it’s your last year of college, it’s not too late.  The worst feeling is regret of not trying. 
4. Other people are in the same boat.  If you’re ever feeling hesitant, just remember that you are not the only one who may have mixed feelings.

Students at the University of Northern Iowa at
a Relay for Life meeting 

Making the final decision to be a part of a group brings a lot of benefits.  It creates a community of people full of common interests.  This community not only accomplishes and serves the organization’s cause, but can also act as a support group relating to any aspect of life.  Lifelong friends often originate from group involvement, as well as professional connections that can help in the future.  Practicing and expanding skills is also an important feature not to be overlooked; As well as learning from others in fun and innovative ways. And don’t forget, group involvement is quite the resume booster!

I encourage everyone to be a part of an organization and form relationships with those who have similar interests.  You won’t regret it!  

Don’t forget, next week I’ll be posting some general resources you can use to help with your organization search.