When you first go to college, you will be bombarded with people who want you to join their organization. You'll hear the words "get involved!" more times than you can count, because it's great advice. Here are a few sure ways that will get you plugged into your new home.
1. RUSH. Many people ask me why I am choosing to rush and my answer is always the same: I love to meet new people, I love to help people, and I love being with people. I am so glad to eventually be a part of a sisterhood and forming such strong bonds with amazing girls. Raising money for a philanthrophy and having the opportunity to work with an organization like The Girl Scouts, Make-a-Wish Foundation, or raise awareness for breast cancer touches my heart. More than anything, I can’t wait to meet so many new friends. In meeting endless amounts of people through rush or college in general, the most important thing to remember is to never pass judgment on someone before you get to know them. Each person that you meet has potential to teach you important life lessons, be your best friend, or help you pass a class. If you judge someone within the first five minutes of knowing them without giving them a chance, you may never find out the relationship that could have developed between you. First impressions are important, but they are not everything. You must keep an open mind with each person that introduces herself. If you are a freshman, don’t be scared of the upperclassman; chances are that they are willing to help you out with whatever you need. They were in your place once.
2. CAMPUS CONNECTIONS. Campus Connections is a large resource for finding ways to get involved in your school. At NC State, this event occurs the day before classes start. All of the on-campus organizations gather in a room, set up tables, and talk to whoever stops by. I am involved in an organization called the National Alliance for Mental Illness (NAMI) on Campus. We are just a small collegiate chapter of the nationwide Alliance so we raise money for NAMI and advocate about stopping the stigma against mental illnesses. So many people who are affected by mental illnesses are afraid to talk about it due to the existing stigma. Our goal in NAMI is to end that idea. I am so glad to be a part of an organization that I am passionate about and highly recommend that all students find something like it. Working with others who believe in the same mission that you do is so special.
3. INTRAMURAL/CLUB SPORTS. Throughout high school, sports are a huge part of the lives of many students. Even if you don’t play for your school’s team, you can still join an intramural or a club team to stay involved in the sport you love. Intramural is less demanding and the games are limited to teams from your school, but club teams tend to be more serious and compete with other schools as well. Several of my friends formed a flag football team and became very close through playing the sport together. It’s also a great way to stay active and work on keeping off that “Freshman 15.”
Freshman will hear this millions of times in the first few weeks that they are in school, but I’m going to say it one more time: get involved. Chances are, you’ll make wonderful friends and you won’t regret it.
