College can get very hard. Between 8 a.m. classes and late night studying, why would someone want to add onto that by getting involved in on-campus activities? Here, let me tell you why: Some of the best experiences that I've had at the University of Toledo have been with either my brothers of Kappa Delta Rho or with Snowpile, the two organizations I'm involved with on campus.
I was like most freshman starting their first semester; scared out of my mind and nervous for classes to start. I wasn't prepared or ready to get involved in anything--the only thing I could think to focus on was my school work. Then I had a friend who asked me to rush with him, and even though I was skeptical at first, I thought why not?
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Rush week was the most fun I had during the school year--I got to meet so many different people and it was an experience that I never thought I'd have. The brothers of Kappa Delta Rho made me feel like I had a home away from home and whenever I felt myself in a bind, between school and my other activities, there was always a brother around to help.
Getting involved on campus helped me break many of my shy habits. I became more outgoing and it broke my fear of joining other organizations.
Through Kappa Delta Rho I was able to join an amazing organization called Snowpile. In Snowpile we raise money to donate toys to sick and needy kids during the holidays. These organizations have impacted my college experience in a positive way.
I think what scares most people away about being involved is the time commitment. Even though it requires more time, the benefits are worth it.
You meet people, create connections and long lasting relationships. You could meet an alumni through your fraternity/sorority and get an internship that could turn into a possible job. You could benefit the community by joining organizations focused on volunteer work and community service. This volunteer work can be a great addition to your professional resume, giving you an edge over someone else being interviewed for the job.
The University of Toledo, like most universities, offers many different activities that attract people of different tastes and backgrounds. Being involved is a good way to make your college experience better and make the four years you're in school some of the best years of your life.
Being involved was one of the best decisions I made when I got to school. It made being away from home easier and it overall made the college experience better for me.
So if you're just chilling watching Netflix or hanging out in your dorm room, think about rushing or going to an organization fair. See what your university offers and go out of your comfort zone. It might just pay off.
