Getting Involved in College Is Crucial To Success
Start writing a post
Student Life

Getting Involved in College Is Crucial To Success

Go from being selfish, to selfless.

5
Getting Involved in College Is Crucial To Success
GCU News

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.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

45705
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

28942
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

953409
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

160255
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments