Thursday morning, I woke up at 3:40 a.m. to catch a flight home for Christmas. My original plan for this article was supposed to be a video diary of my travel experience and I really wanted to be witty. But then I realized that I was waking up at 3:40 a.m. to catch a flight home for Christmas. I try not to be witty until at least 9 a.m. Flash forward 4 hours and there I was, sitting on a plane that would take me from Georgia to California. There was a baby squawking three rows to the right of me and a woman next to me cackling at the movie she was watching.
Flying is a pretty cool way to travel. It's literally the height of luxury! However, there's a lot I hadn't considered about flying until that morning, when I was deliriously thinking about the deep mechanics of flight.
My first flight got in 20 minutes early and I couldn't help but wonder if it had ever occurred to anyone that pilots speed just as much as people in cars do? Essentially, a plane is a giant car in the sky, so the rules of the road apply: just in the air. This means that pilots can probably speed about 5-10 mph above the speed limit. Is there even a speed limit in the sky? How fast are pilots supposed to go on average? Is the minimum, like, 200 mph? Is there an air police plane that notes which planes are speeding? Does Google have these answers?
The most beautiful thing about traveling by plane -- or really traveling anywhere that entails changing time zones -- is how it's the closest form of time travel we'll get. By the time I got from the east coast to the west coast, I had experienced 9 a.m. and 10 a.m. twice. The math was too complex for me at the time, and even now if I'm being honest, so I can't compute how many hours that day was for me, but it was definitely more than 24.
One thing that would always freak me out about flying when I was younger was flushing the toilet. This is gross but I used to believe that our human waste would be dispersed into the atmosphere. Literally, I thought that when I flushed it would would directly open a hole in the plane to the outside and I would get sucked out of the plane. Which is why I would never use the bathroom while in flight. I grew out of that (thankfully). I know the truth, but it doesn't stop me from thinking that every time I flush. My heart still pitter-patters with a small amount of fright at the thought.
Planes are weird things if you think about them too hard.
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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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