To all the injured athlete's that are going to be out for a long time and possibly miss their season, I want you to know that you will get through it. It is always difficult to be injured and not get to play, you may even feel useless and not needed. To think about everything you could be doing to help the team and actually not be able to do it is a feeling that really takes a toll on someone. I'm going to be honest here, there will be those feelings of denial, anger, sadness and even guilt. It is not an easy situation to be in. You are going to be in denial. You won't believe that you actually have a severe and long-term injury. You are going to tell yourself that you can try to suck it up and play, but you can't. It's difficult to accept the fact that you are not allowed to play the sport you practice and work so hard everyday to do. You will then most likely feel sadness. You will be so upset that this happened to you. You will constantly be thinking back to what happened and wonder why it happened. You will think about what you could have done to prevent the injury. If you just didn't turn that way, if you were taken out of the game just a minute before, if you would've actually followed your routine and not broken your superstition. Sadness will overcome you and you won't want to go to practice because it will make you upset to be there just watching your teammates do things that you aren't allowed to do. There will then be anger. You will get annoyed that you can't do the things that you normally do. Whether that be running, jumping, walking, lifting things up, going up the stairs, being able to carry your own plate. The frustration will get to you and be unbearable. The anger might overcome you and you won't want people help you do anything because it makes you feel even more useless than you already feel. After anger there might be some guilt. After you see your team lose a game that you know they should have won you will blame yourself for that loss. You will say to yourself, if only I could have been out there. You will also think, if I wasn't injured we could have won. It's okay to have all of these feelings at some point or another. It's common and it would be weird if you didn't have them. You just really need to stay strong during this entire recovery process and surround yourself with people that will not only stay positive, but that will also be willing to help you with whatever you need. The injury you have to deal with makes you stronger and you might hate having the injury but you now learn a different side to the game. The side where you not only have to be positive but you have to help your team off the court as much as you would if you were on the court. This is a tough process but I promise you, you will learn so much about yourself and what it means to be a leader from the sidelines that at the end of all of this, when you can go back on the court you will be a wiser and new type of athlete.
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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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