Words hold so much power. Words, in themselves, are extremely potent. They can make someone fall in love with you, fill eyes with tears, instigate innovation and change, hold a higher meaning, make humans connect with one another and hold countries together or tear them apart. People say that actions speak louder than words and I would not argue the point, but have they thought that words are just as equivalent to actions and that it should be an even playing field between the two? Sure, sticks and stones can break your bones, but words can hurt you. Promises are like chains and they can tie you down because you want to believe them. Lies are like scars that you want to hide and you try to hide, but you still know they are there. Words can hurt and cut and destroy, but they can also heal and love and touch and inspire. Words are like people: they communicate and live and they can hurt and they can heal. Words are breathed into the world by people, but after they've been spoken, their power is still there. Words created revolutions and wars and marriages and unions and victories. Words created civil rights and laws and actions and rebirth. Words elected presidents to rule nations and sent prisoners to death row. Words made you trust your spouse and understand their past, while still accepting them. Words created a character within you and helped you relay that character to those on the outside who don't see or know what is inside you. Words make up books and novels and poems and speeches that revolutionize a nation. Words brought into our existence the creation of laws that would protect humans, create vows that would connect two humans to one another for eternity, the story of how the earth was born or made, legends of humanities past and hopes for the future. Words are created by people and spoken by people and understood by people, but words create who a person is and who a person will become. Words can make you appear nice or kind or cruel or heinous. Words can make you seem understanding or loving or instill in you a sense of sympathy for others. Words can get you out of a bad situation and into a good one or heighten the intensity and misfortune of an already bad occurrence. Words are like weapons with intelligence and emotions and I guess when you think about it, that is how we are, in a way, too. This is why you must think before you speak; you must understand the potency of words and sentences and paragraphs. You must know how words can bring so much pain and suffering, but choose to use them only to bring love and kindness into the world.
Recommended for you
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.
Trending Topics
Trending Stories
Best of Politics and Activism![RBF]()
![woman in black turtleneck shirt smiling beside woman in black shirt]()
