Typically the last thing on an incoming college freshman's mind is what clubs they want to join, etc. Usually, you are worrying about where your classes are, how hard they will be, if you will get along with your roommate, and a million other things. I was involved in too many clubs to keep track of in high school, and was highly active in all of them. It is easy to join a bunch of clubs but then never show up or do anything and just have it on your resume. My story was a little different, before even setting foot on campus I was given a scholarship for a group called the Presidential Leadership Program. Hesitant at first, I just ignored my nerves and dove right in. I moved in a few days early and spent the following couple of days fully immersed in activities and meetings with people in the organization, mostly other freshmen and the officers. That was quite possibly the best thing that could have had happened to me in my first couple days of college. We (the freshmen) were all in the same boat: new place, new people; a new state for some. We were all scared and nervous. Instead of sitting in our dorm rooms until classes started, we immediately dove right into activities like going to an amusement park, playing ice breaker games, and more, together with the officers/mentors of the group. Some of the friends I made that day are still my best friends now. Joining that group made my transition so much easier, and I am forever grateful for it.
Fast-forwarding to week three of my second semester, I look back at all I did last semester as a part of that organization: I participated in/volunteered for numerous campus activities, joined another community service club, cooked dinner for families at the Ronald McDonald house, played bingo with people at a nursing home, and so many other enriching and life-altering experiences. Joining this club not only helped me make friends and forge incredible bonds, it has also improved my life and soul. So my advice to anyone, whether you are a senior in high school or are in college right now, is get involved. Just because it is college and you think you have no time, everyone else is in the same boat. If you find an organization that wants your help/participation enough, they will work with you. Who knows what friends, opportunities, and experiences await?!
