Broadening Your Horizons At College

In high school, I was involved in choir and it was truly a life-changing experience. I wanted to continue my love for singing when I arrived at Temple. So, I tried out and I got in. I was so excited to be apart of something that I love so much and it felt like things were finally coming together.

Until things started to go south.

My choir experience in high school was completely different from my college experience. In high school, kids wanted to be there to share their passion for singing. Choir in college, on the other hand, felt like it was implemented so that music students can receive a credit. As a non-music major, It felt extremely cliquey and I felt like an outsider. I was upset but this experience led me to things I thought I would never be doing.

I started to think about different clubs and organizations that I always wanted to be a part of. For example, producing and hosting my own radio show on Temple University's WHIP Radio, or even writing for the Odyssey.

I am happy to say that I am a part of both organizations and it is all because I didn't limit myself to music-related clubs. I am not saying in any way to give up on something you're passionate about; however, I am saying that trying new things or being a part of something you have always wanted to participate in can't hurt at all. For me, I am going to join a non-credited choir on campus with people who hopefully want to be there. I will also continue to find new things that I can be a part of.

When you get to school, your predetermined plans will most likely fall apart. The major you choose will not be the major you graduate with, the activity you did in high school will not be the same in college, and the friends you meet freshman year probably won't stick around for much longer. These examples may not happen to everyone, but if they happen to you, be prepared. Think of college as a clean slate. You should do things you have never done before to be led in the right direction.