College is a formative time. Freshmen get their first taste of independence while continuing students take another step toward completing their formal education. It’s also a time to explore different opportunities like joining a club, volunteering with an organization or being otherwise involved on campus.
Whether you live at home or in the dorms, take advantage of your chances to participate in extracurricular activities. The only thing holding you back is you — if you make time in your busy schedule to make participation part of your daily routine you’ll be rewarded.
If you want to find something to get involved in, go to Getting Involved on the UA website. As mentioned on the site: “There are so many ways for students to connect to the UA — clubs and organizations, intramural sports, cultural centers, student leadership groups, sororities and fraternities, volunteer opportunities on and off campus.”
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Some classic events to take part in are the Tucson Festival of Books, UA homecoming and the Spring Fling. Many students participate in Greek life through fraternities and sororities as well as partake in student government via ASUA. Working at the Transfer Center, the Women’s Resource Center, the LGBTQ Center or Arizona Student Media is another way to participate while also gaining work experience.
By engaging in clubs and other organizations, you’ll gain new friends and form valuable networks. Whether meeting other students who are volunteering or working, or making connections with people already working in your chosen field, your interactions will help you build a social network on and around campus in an enjoyable and rewarding way.
You’ll also start to feel confident about yourself through a sense of accomplishment and connection. Your participation will prove that you’re capable and responsible while helping you develop a good work ethic as you acquire new skills.
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Another great thing about joining a club or organization is that you’ll have the experience to put on your resume; employers love to see someone who has practical experience, whether it be through a job, a volunteer position or participation in a campus organization. Participation shows that you’re not only capable but willing to work – and disciplined enough to set aside time for it. Wouldn’t it be great to have something to list under the experience section of your resume?
Choosing to be part of something beyond the classroom is all up to you. I’m not telling you that you have to join a club or volunteer. If you’re working a full-time job or have a jam-packed school schedule, adding anything extra may not be your best choice and difficult at the very least. Just know that it’s a possibility, and an opportunity — opportunity is out there waiting if you’re willing to take it.
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