In this life so far, I've discovered few things better than college. Four years of making best friends, working hard towards a degree and focusing purely on my own future. All of these things are the benefit of growing up and making our own choices, but what happens when life become so much about us that we forget to look around? In order to be the most successful in college, we must begin to stop looking only at our only needs, but also to the needs of others (Philippians 2:4).
So what does getting involved in the lives of others look like on a college campus? And why is it crucial to my success? Let's start by addressing the number one cause people don't get involved: selfishness. By nature, we are hungry for achievement; whether that's getting straight A's in school or being the best athlete on the court. College students especially, are seeking validation, accreditation and attention from their friends, co-workers, professors, and parents. I attend my school, to finish my degree in order to pursue my future. Do you get it? It's very easy for college to become all about me, me, me. Selfishness is an innate part of a college student's life, but when we step outside of our own little world we begin to see things from a different perspective.
Speaking of turning from selfishness to selflessness -- volunteering will help you succeed in your future endeavors. Doing things for others challenges you to stop thinking so highly of yourselves and instead gets you to start thinking about others. Whether we like to admit it or not, most often we learn more from others, than others can learn from us, so serving is one of the best ways to learn selflessness versus selfishness. While serving, you will not only be able to see life from a different perspective, it will also prepare you for the real world, outside of the college bubble.
Wherever your university is located, there is always someway to get involved. Want to go explore the outdoors surrounding your university? Join the adventure club. How about the glory days when nothing but sports mattered? Joining intramural sports is the place for you. You school has provided you with activities to get involved, meet new people and enjoy focusing on someone other than yourself. Along with activities involving other students, most universities offer volunteer outlets where you are able to serve the community around you, practically shattering your glass bubble. The National Survey of Student Engagement shows that "student success is directly linked to student involvement." Surrounding yourself with people from different backgrounds, religions, countries and life experiences will not only challenge you, but it will increase your success both in and after college. In fact, the more you volunteer, serve and surround yourself with others, the better your grades will be.
Belonging to a community, other than your academic one, will give you a sense of belonging, loyalty and pride that can't be found when we are selfish. Get out, get involved -- I promise your life will be much more fulfilled and your college experience will be one hundred times better when serving others and getting involved.
