On Chapman’s campus, the influence of Greek Life is evident. You will see an abundance of jackets marked with foreign letters, posters advertising the upcoming philanthropy events, and tents posted in the Piazza to advertise. It’s great to be Greek, but it’s not for everyone. I decided not to rush a sorority my freshman year and instead found my own way to belong and make an impact on campus. There are tons of ways to do it! Here are some of your options to get involved at Chapman, or any university!
1. Interest clubs
Every university has a laundry list of clubs started by people who have genuine passions for something, whether it be sketch comedy, photography, language, or even board games! I personally took an interest in Chapman Radio my first semester, and have had my very own weekly radio show ever since! Joining clubs and organizations is a simple way to find people who share your interests, and because of that, maybe even your values and priorities. If you’re nervous to go alone, take a friend, but make sure that you branch out from each other once you get there.
2. Sports and dance teams
You don’t have to be an all-star athlete to play a sport in college. There are intramural teams that accept the people who are there to have fun! Although I’m admittedly not a sports person, I have friends who had a blast on an intramural soccer team and even knew people who gathered to play Ultimate Frisbee! For those of you who like to move in rhythm, Chapman and tons of other schools have dance teams you can audition for. Chapman itself has teams specializing in hip-hop, step, and even a new Indian Bollywood team! The groups even host workshops to help with your dance skills. For a good workout or just a good time, these are accessible options.
3. Religious or Spiritual groups
To be or not to be...religious? A common question for college students. If you are very connected to your religion, an on-campus religious group makes a ton of sense to visit. Here, you’ll find people who share your values, your mindset, and your traditions. You’ll also find people who are different than you, which can challenge your views and make you a better critical thinker. However, if you are not very religious, this is still a great opportunity to explore. College groups are very open to new members, and to members with questions! There are also spiritual clubs, which allow you to think deeply and reflect, but without the larger themes of faith. Chapman has a Health and Healing Club, which is technically an interfaith club, but they focus on how to live a healthy life through meditation, nature, yoga, and other techniques.
4. On-campus jobs
While working on campus may seem like just a means to make money, it’s actually a community in itself! Not only will you get a rockin' t-shirt to show that you work around school, but you’ll make some awesome friends doing it! The people who work as tour guides and in the admissions office have a strong community of people (I’m not in it, but I know people who are and believe their testimonials) who like to spend time together. You can also volunteer to be an Orientation Leader, which isn’t a paid on-campus job, but is an amazing way to meet people, bond, and welcome the new freshman to Chapman.
5. Chapman ambassador
A way to get extremely involved with this university is to be an ambassador. These are the people you see at every event, decked out in red suits and pearls (for the girls, of course). These people represent the school in all aspects and are in contact with important donors and influencers at Chapman. If you want to be at the opening of the new Musco Center for the Arts or help with a President’s Circle breakfast, this is a position you’ll want to be in. And getting involved with everything else on this list only improves your chances of being selected!
There is so much opportunity waiting for you on your campus, it’s up to you to find it! While the easiest thing to do is pull your blanket over your head and refuse to socialize, the rush of adrenaline that comes with meeting new people and taking a chance will motivate you to keep trying and keep pushing yourself outside of your comfort zone. Find something that makes your heart happy, where you connect with people on another level, and where you can create a family. Let your own identity define you!
