Before I transferred to my current school, I attended a typical commuter college. Most people were just interested in coming and going, but nothing in between. I was certainly one of those people who tried everything I could to schedule my classes as close together as possible so I wouldn't have to find something to do during long breaks.

Then, I switched to a college rich in student life. I found myself coming home really late, going to school way earlier than I should, sometimes skipping classes, and always surrounded by people who all did the same just to host or attend some events.

My family didn’t (they do now!) understand why I cared so much about these clubs and organizations or why I didn't just focus all my attention on my grades. My teammates from group projects would let jobs slide as an excuse for missing project meetings, but not major events at school. Some of my friends who aren't in clubs don't even know this part of me exists. Most people just do not get it.

Correction: most people who aren't born to lead just do not get it.

I didn't join several clubs and organizations three years ago so I could add a bullet to my resume or so I could make some friends—those are just added benefits. I joined these clubs because I wanted to learn something about working with a team and hone in on my skills as a leader.

Since then, I was elected President of a rookie spiritual club and then President of an 11-year-old larger-than-life women's business organization. And no matter what anyone says, both experiences required significantly more commitment than a full-time job.

Most of my greatest lessons in college have occurred outside the classroom. I study Management. All of my classmates and I learn all these theories and terms that help us understand the language of leading a team at work. The difference between them and I is that most of them have never been in managerial positions; they write essays and speak in class based on their boss' experiences. But I, as one of their peers, have already had two managerial positions. I am actually able to put these leadership theories, organizational change issues and motivation tactics we learn to a test.

If you still aren't convinced, the club I lead now consists of an executive board of four women (including me) and a board of 11 women. Each of these 15 leaders manages committees of about 10 women. So, on average, we have about 150 members, or employees, if you will, not to mention our active alumni base. Between those 150 student leaders, we host 25 to 30 events per semester—that's about 60 events in 30 weeks. That is more planning, organizing, executing, hiring, firing and managing than arguably all start-ups and some corporations.

So for anyone who undermines the struggle of a student leader, try it out yourself. If you take it seriously, you will get more out of it in one year than you would in the first few years of an entry-level job... and you’ll have an amazing job secured with all that experience.

Public service is the most under-rewarded, underpaid, underestimated field that exists—and many of your peers are already growing leaders in that industry. Take this time to appreciate their sleepless nights of meetings followed by homework and wallets emptied on free food for you. And if you still can't appreciate them, try joining them.