This year's presidential election is a complete joke to me as there were barely any candidates who I felt that I could relate to. After seeing the first presidential debate I began to feel as if the presidential election is an episode of Punk'd. During the candidates' bickering, I was waiting for Ashton Kutcher to pop out of backstage and present the actual presidential candidates. Sadly, that did not happen, and in my opinion it was just a battle to show how to pick in the lesser of the two evils. Hillary Clinton won the debate, no doubt, but really it was Donald Trump's fault as he kept showing how uninformed and unprepared he was with certain topics. When discussing on the Black community, he made it seem as if all Blacks lived in the inner city and like it is this big war zone. After that, he went downhill especially when he stated on how the controversial stop and frisk policy greatly reduced crime rates. Rudy Giuliani he was the reason why crime in New York City reduced, when really it was David Dinkins' plan and vision which reduced crime. Donald Trump continued to use the same rhetoric concerning the wall between the country and Mexico. However, Hillary Clinton was not innocent that night either. I remember her claiming that she was glad about the ending of federal private prisons. If I am not mistaken, she actual benefited from private prisons. How can she be happy with the end of one of her biggest sources of income? While Clinton is not a good choice for presidency, and her actions from the past leave a lot to be desired, she has my vote. I do not want Hillary to become president, but I have no other alternatives. The third-party candidates have no chance of winning, and it divides the votes between Clinton and Trump. My decision to vote for Clinton is equivalent to how Ariel, from The Little Mermaid, signed the contract with Ursula. I am not proud of my decision, but anything it takes to prevent Donald Trump from taking a seat in the Oval Office will do.
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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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