Step out and explore CSC

The summer has come to a close, and here we are once again, or for some students, for the first time.

To those new students, welcome.

I remember not so long ago when I was a freshman, and life was just a little scary. I found myself hiding in my room for long, lonely nights, going to bed early and missing my old friends.

This is a cautionary tale. Freshmen, please learn from my mistakes. Sitting alone in your room and thinking how much you miss your high school friends is completely counter-productive. It’s not going to make anything about college fun. And college is supposed to be fun, despite the hard work and all nighters.

What will make your next semester and hopefully your next four years a good time is getting involved in something. There are so many clubs to join, there are RLA events, there are concerts and dances, and there are sporting events.

I’m sure many new students have heard this lecture already. However, seeing my own first hand account of how shy and lonely I was my first few weeks, and even my whole freshman year, makes me want to share how boring and dull life is when a student isn’t involved in his or her school. After I started getting out of my comfort zone and joined a couple of clubs, I found myself enjoying school more than I thought I would.

Not only do clubs and activities make college more enjoyable, they are a great way to network. Students can meet teachers who can introduce them to new programs, and clubs are also great resume builders

I’m not the only who feels this way either. Luke Wright, current CAB president, has been involved in many clubs and activities throughout his college experience, including Psychology club, Ag club, and Beta Beta Beta. He explained that because of his involvement in various clubs, he’s gained leadership experience, not to mention friends.

“It’s good to get involved, get to know people, and get away from studying,” Wright said.

Sarah Kingsbury, Student Senator of B.E.A.M.S.S., believes that being involved is good for one’s self-esteem. “Going out and interacting is a self-esteem booster,” she said.

Of course, one of the most important things about getting involved on campus are the friendships that a person develops. “I feel like I have all these different families,” said Kingsbury. “You never know what kind of people you’ll meet.”

She went on to explain that it’s important to know all these different people and to share ideas and opinions.

Although it is important to become active on campus, it can also become stressful.

“That’s when the coffee pot comes out and the bed stays made,” said Wright. “But it’s all about time management.”

Kingsbury explained that when things get stressful, it’s important to not be afraid to ask for help.

“Everyone is willing to help out.”