There are several types of students that you can find on a college campus.
- students who are there to get in and get out
- those who spend 24/7 in the library
-the students who party like it is their job
-and others who see college as a time to get involved
In high school there are several activities available, but the options grow tremendously when you reach the college years. The opportunities are endless and the opportunity for things to get involved with would shock you. It is important to do well in school in order to obtain a degree and get good grades, but for myself and others, getting involved is what we live for. When you are someone like me it is hard to imagine not being a part of a club (well, several clubs, actually). We see the four years at a university as an opportunity to do as many different things as possible, just because we can.
There is more to learning than what we can gain from reading textbooks, listening to lectures, and doing other classroom-structured work. The best and most effective areas to learn are through hands-on real-world experiences. You can get that knowledge from being a part of a club, team, or organization. The variety of knowledge and experience you possess will only grow when you diversify your involvement.
Time management is a skill that involved students have down to a science. When it comes to working out a schedule we don't do it one week at a time, we plan a whole year out. If you want to make sure you can participate in all your activities, you must plan events and important dates months in advance. If you don't, or even if you do, it is inevitable to have a conflict between things and have to choose which is more important to attend.
The problem with being too involved is that you sometimes run yourself down. Trying to accomplish too many things at the same time can get tiring and burning out is a real thing. This overwhelming feeling comes in waves. Though it is easy to bounce back and get involved once again.
In college, whether you are a freshman, a transfer or even a fifth year, it is never too late to get involved. Try something new and maybe you'll like it, or even love it. Pick up an old hobby and renew your love for whatever it is you told yourself you'd never get the chance to do again. Maybe set a goal to join something different every semester, even if you only do it for a few months.
For Northern Arizona University students,check out this website to learn about all the different clubs and organizations available for students. https://nau.collegiatelink.net If you don't find something you like on this website provided by the school, then start your own club. There are only positive benefits of joining an extracurricular activity; studies even prove that it will improve not only how well you do in school, but it will improve your mental health as well as give you important skills to succeed after college.
Go out there and find what drives your passion so that you can get the most from your time at NAU, or any university.
