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Leading Yourself to Success
Martin Luther King, Jr. once said, “The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.” If I were to listen to anyone’s advice on leadership, this man’s wise words would be one of the first that I would turn to. Being in college, we all are at a time in our lives where we have to make important decisions; what should I receive my degree in (this question could be on your mind until you are a junior because the average student changes their major six times before they graduate), what organizations will look best on my resume when I have interviews for my future career, and most importantly, what do I actually want to do with my life? Well never fear everyone, you are not alone. None of us really know exactly what the “right” decision is when it comes to our future. Less than 15 percent of college students actually know exactly what they want and follow through with it. The way to help figure it out is as simple as asking yourself, “what am I passionate about?; getting involved. The University of Central Florida has more than 56,000 students enrolled. It is obvious that having this many students at a college level mean that we are bound to bring in many leaders. There are more than 400 organizations to be involved in on this campus, which means that there are more than 400 opportunities to express not only involvement, but also leadership. At a university this large, it is important for students to find a sense of belonging. If you have passion, UCF has opportunity. Whether your interests are sports, academics or even eating, there is a fit for you. With this knowledge in mind, being involved is not only enjoyable, but also very beneficial. Through being involved in multiple organizations, you will learn that it will lead to a great deal of networking. We all expand our knowledge by attending a university to achieve our career goals. However, just having your Bachelor’s degree is not going to cut it. You could have a 4.0 in the most difficult major at this incredible university, but without a sense of personality on your resume, more than likely someone with a lower GPA will earn your desired position over you. Being involved is essential not only for your resume, but for your self-worth as well. If you join an organization here on campus, the door to not only opportunity, but self-indulgence as well, will welcome you with open arms. A very wise communications professor by the name of Dr. Neel stated that, “it is not necessarily about who you know; it is about who knows you.” It is not only beneficial to remember that being involved on campus is important, but also that being involved in the organization itself is vital. By expressing to an employer that you not only were a member in an organization, but a leader along with it, will boost your sense of commitment, work ethic, and sense of being well-liked to them. Putting an effort toward leadership shows that you can balance your time. Many people are more organized when they are involved. Being involved can lead you to a sense of the more you are having to do, the more you will be getting done. Putting a real effort toward being a leader in an organization you are passionate about, can really set you for life not just on paper, but internally as well. It builds confidence to be in charge of something and exuding confidence is an incredible quality to possess. Being a leader in an organization means that people who are involved in the group know that you exist and will more than likely look up to you. The more people that remember you, equates to having more networking to help you with your future. Being involved and taking on a leadership in your passions could be comparable to an algebraic equation; (the number of organizations)(involvement + leadership) = success. Remembering that this is not just true for your worth to a future employer, but also your self-worth is essential. Go ahead UCF Knights, I dare you; join an organization to improve yourself internally as well as on paper. Make an effort, make a difference.
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