Being a UCR student means you don’t effing anytime at all to be home. I live in NorCal, which I spent almost all of Wednesday driving back up, spend Thanksgiving, Friday and Saturday with the fam, and left Sunday morning. Not a lot of time at home at all. Some people reason that it’s not worth it, to only be home for 5 days, more like 3 days really. Honestly, it kinda is. I could’ve easily stayed home and worked through the break, make a little extra money. I wouldn’t do that though. Thanksgiving means too much to me. Thanksgiving is a time for family, drinking, conquering and defeat. My fam goes all out for Thanksgiving dinner. My cousin Steven handles the turkey and all the potatoes. He makes the turkey with his special recipe to make that turkey skin extra crispy and stuffs the cavity with oven-roasted lemons and oranges to impart a nice citrus flavor. His mashed potatoes are perfect. Nice and silky, no lumps, delicious garlic and green onions to elevate the flavor. He also makes a baked potato casserole. Imagine a baked potato. Now take that just mash it together into a casserole dish. My cousin Ryan is in charge of making the green bean casserole, stuffing, his vegetable Bolognese, and this year he even made his mac n cheese recipe. Often times when I eat other peoples’ stuffing, it’s hella mushy and not very impressive. Ryan likes to sauté his vegetables but keeps them crunchy. He also makes sure his stuffing is nice and crunchy and crisp. Not quite sure how he does it but his stuffing is bomb. Steven’s girlfriend Emily takes care of the salad, which doesn’t sound like much but her dressing from scratch is sooo effing bomb so can’t really hate, baked mac n cheese, also very tasty, and this year, butternut squash soup. My contribution is pumpkin pie or cheesecake, and sweet potato casserole, which is basically an evolution of candied yams. After all the foods done and ready, its time to conquer. Piling your plate high and utterly massacring it, but then feeling defeated an hour later can be the best moment of the night. I personally like the post-meal more. Everyone is full and chillin, sipping on wine, cider, beer, or this year, pomegranate honey mead. It’s very relaxing and peaceful, playing beer pong with my cousins and our friends. Thanksgiving means to much to me to not go home.
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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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