Our world, our society has taken a drastic turn for the worst. Americans have become a pre-packaged kind of people. Pre-packaged as if we were all machines, following the same routine day in and day out. Humans have lost the spontaneity. There is no randomness anymore, everyone has a schedule and believe they must stay with it. In my personal life, I do have a routine. I get up and go to school like everyone else. However, I always have a random get away. I love just jumping in the car and driving to some place that I randomly chosen by closing my eyes and pointing to a map. Most people though, don’t have the ability to. Why? I feel like most of this halt in humans natural state is due to technology. Humans are obsessed with it. It’s all about the fastest smartest technology but these machines are a part of our daily lives, taking away our humanity one app at a time. Humans rely on this technology so much because humans have become so scripted. They have forgotten how to use a paper map, instead they let google maps and siri tell them the route. In a song “Machines” by Modestep he says, “Daily, we see machines repeat the same thing, but we are just the same without the safety. Just a complicated routine, a smokescreen.” This song is one of my favorites because the lyrics are so true. We love the safety of our comfort circle and a good routine. But that routine is what makes us just like the machines we use. I will admit, I like sticking to a routine but I have to be able to have the freedom to take a random road trip runaway, or do something complete opposite that day. Human’s lives revolve around technology and this is making humans machine like. To get spontaneity and a non-scripted life back, humans need to stop, take a break and put the technology down. Go out explore nature again. Get lost taking a road trip to nowhere. Stop the social media! Stop comparing your life to other peoples appeared life through their social media! Get out and enjoy the world as it is while we still have it! Social media causes so many unnecessary problems, stress, and drama that we shouldn’t have to add onto our lives. A challenge for you as a reader. Leave your phone at home one day, for a whole day. At the end of the day if you feel better then great! If you stressed about not having your phone, maybe you should look at the reasons why, and really ask yourself, is the things you’re stressing about really worth it? Technology has definitely advanced us as a species, but it has also inhibited our true nature. While it is good, it can be evil. It all depends on the user. Are you going to be shackled by your phone, tablet, or laptop; or are you going to choose to not let it control you. A step back from technology can’t hurt.
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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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