August 3rd, 2013 was the day that I would forever forget. It was a calm summer day in Illinois nothing going on like usual, besides the fact that I had cheerleading camp all day. I was a base, so my feet were forever connected to the mat. My flyer, who happened to also be my best friend, was doing a stunt where we had to flip her over and then catch her all at the same time. Well it was our groups turn to try this stunt and Alexis (the other base) and I flipped Delaney (the flyer) over. I got hit in the head. Then everything went dark. I remember small parts of the incident now but at the time I was pretty much dazed and confused. I was on the ground clinging to my head and tears streaming down my face. The girls all stood around almost not knowing what to do, but the choreographer who had seen this countless times before just told me to get up and take a breather. I went out in the hall to gather myself and get a drink of water. He had me sit out because he was unsure of the situation and how this all went down. I remember laying down and then it all went black again. I was nudged awake by the school nurse and put into a wheel chair. I was utterly confused on who this was picking me up and where the heck was she wheeling me to. She wheeled me down the athletic hallway which seemed to take forever asking me a bunch of questions. "Who's the president?" "What day is it?" "Who are you?" But I had no clue. I had no clue about anything. She called my Poppy because my parents were out of town on vacation. He walked through the door and I had no clue who he was. I had no clue who anyone was. I was taken to the hospital where they did MRI's and CT scans. Thankfully, I had no internal bleeding but the doctor diagnosed me with a major traumatic brain injury (concussion). I was hit pretty bad in my right temporal lobe with my friend's shin/calf area. I had very bad amnesia and the neurologist said that I had lost about 8 years of my lives memories. Today, I have comeback from my concussion. To this day I still don't know what I do remember or what I don't remember. But I was resilient and came back from that major setback in my life.
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Luckily, many colleges offer a number of ways to take part in campus and community life, without forcing you to dedicate all of your time to these organizations. Here are a few ideas!
1. Look into Housing and Dining.
Many first-year students start off college life in residence halls, and the Housing & Dining network throughout campus often provides multiple opportunities for students throughout the year. Many buildings have student community councils that work to create policies and events that make the dorms a more welcoming home for residents. Becoming a community assistant (or the students who work the desks at the front of many halls) is another easy way to have a consistent, well-paying job only minutes away from your room.
If you really enjoyed your housing experience, consider applying to be an RLA, or, if the school offers it, help to teach the first-year community. You'll get the chance to help support new and returning students over the year, and many of these positions also cover major costs like board and meal plans.
2. Pay attention to campus postings.
This advice is more obvious, but it still gets overlooked a fair amount. Even on a busy day, taking the time to stop around campus and look at the flyers advertising clubs and events can draw your attention to something that you never would've noticed otherwise. Students on many campuses also chalk the sidewalk to catch students' attention while they walk to class. Just make sure that the event you're interested in hasn't taken place already!
3. Find common interest groups.
One way to find friends and get involved is to focus on what you're passionate about. Have you always loved to sing? Do you enjoy playing video games? Is photography your favorite past-time? Have you always wanted to join Greek life? Whatever you love devoting your time to, chances are there are organizations around school who are focused on the same thing. Check the student life section of your university's website, or stop by a student organization fair at the beginning of the semester.
4. Join an intramural sports team.
If you're the athletic type, you've probably heard of intramural sports. Often offered through the Rec Center or the residence halls, most colleges often offer various indoor and outdoor sports to take part in throughout the year. Personal favorite? Mini golf.
5. Work on a cause that you care about.
Whether you're passionate about a political group, a social cause, or a religion, working with people who value beliefs similar to yours can be an easy way to meet people, get a better sense of your own identity, and promote causes that are important to you. Look into getting involved with College Democrats, Republicans, or whatever party that you belong to. Find a club that supports social issues, from women's rights to protecting the environment. If you're religious, look into student organizations based on your faith.
6. Join a club related to your major.
Even if you're not entirely sure what you want to do after school, finding a club or organization related to your field of studies can benefit you long after you leave the classroom. From career-related workshops to conferences to professional connections, these groups have a lot to boast.
7. Get an on-campus job.
If you have the time, need to work, or want to save a few extra dollars, finding a job on or near campus is a time-effective way to build up your bank account and gain work experience. Check in your residence hall (see #1), at local businesses and offices, or make an appointment with your school's career center.
8. Volunteer.
When you're caught up in school life, it can be hard to think about the bigger picture. Volunteering your time to people (or animals/an environment) in need puts things in perspective and allows you to feel good while making a positive difference. Check if your college town has a volunteer page, or look up local organizations requesting help.
Best of luck this year! Get out, and get busy.
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