As I am sitting here waiting to board a plane, I watch as all these different people walk past me. I realize how small and insignificant I am in the most divine way. Each person that passes has their own life and their own stories. They probably have people that love them, and people that hate them. They probably hold grudges, because they forgave too easily at one point in time. They probably have insecurities, but also things they are totally sure they are good at. As I sit here in an airport I realize how truly insignificant we are without the people who surround us. We are truly conditioned by our environment. The people who hate us make just as much of an impact as those who love us. Kylie Jenner may have been right when she said, "2016 is the year for realizing stuff." For a lack of better words, 2016 kicked my ass. I have never felt like I was drowning in an endless sea, quite like I did this year. Wave after wave has hit, yet I could not be anymore thankful. 2017 is the shore I have been looking for while at sea, but I will never forget that journey. 2016 helped me realize that I am not invincible. Just because I want something to happen and I work my ass off for it to happen, does not guarantee it will happen. I have realized when the going get tough, I turn around and run the other direction. I realized that I need to bite my tongue in certain situations. But in the same breath, I need to speak up in others. I realized that there is always an opportunity to learn in every situation, not just in a classroom. Of course, with realization comes transformation.
I will be dedicating 2017 to that exactly. The universe has a divine way of showing you things exactly when you need them, even though you may not know you do. When I sat in that airport because I showed up way to early for my flight my realizations came and my need for transformation followed. I will no longer live my life with the mindset of "what will the world do for me", but rather with "what can I do for the world". I will spend less of my conversations on people, and more of my conversations on ideas. I will be ready to face adversity right in the face and make it my bitch. I will no longer sit back idly when I know there is something I could be doing. I will no longer strive for people to remember my name, just remember what I did. I will stop living selfishly. I will stop looking for conformation from others in the form of likes on social media. 2017 will be the year that I transform into the best version of myself no matter how insignificant I am.
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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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