As college students, we are supposed to come to school for the express purpose of attending class, getting a college degree and eventually joining the workforce. The typical four year plan unveils itself as we whittle away our college years. As our seniority increases among our peers, so does our responsibility and difficulty in our coursework. This makes college seem drab and uninteresting. I don’t want to look back when I’m drawing Social Security knowing I spent my time in college memorizing the wood grain on the desks of D.H. Hill. You should get out, interact, and communicate with your peers outside the classroom. The best way to go about this is by joining an on-campus organization.
One year ago, I was sitting in my dorm room feeling a tad lonely. Besides a couple of folks I had awkwardly met at Orientation and a few people I knew from high school, my friend base was limited. Frankly, I felt like a sheep among the wolves. Dumbfounded, I had no idea what I wanted to get out of my college experience. Finally, I decided to meet some like-minded people, so I rushed and pledged a fraternity. Hands down, that is the best decision of my college experience to date. The friendships built, molded and renewed as a part of my involvement are indescribable with words. I have certainly enhanced my college days and I’m positive I will reminisce one day with a broad grin on my face knowing I was involved with a stellar group of guys.
Don’t get me wrong — there are certainly more organizations on campus than Greek Life. Greeks only make up roughly 10 percent of the student population. According to the Student Organization Resource Center, there are 481 student groups ranging from the arts to sports. My current roommate is even a member of a board game club. There is something to suit everyone.
Besides the fact they give you something to do, student organizations provide a sense of community. It’s very easy get lost and feel like just a number on a campus of 34,000 students. My fraternity consists of approximately 50 men. This is much smaller than the number of people living in campus housing. Don’t get lost in the crowd, join an organization today.
No matter your post-graduate plans, get involved while you attend school here. Don’t forget that not only are you in college, you are living your life. When it comes to the college experience, Ellis Redding of The Shawshank Redemption said it best, “Get busy living, or get busy dying.”
