Where’s the ‘battle buddy’ in your college life?

Long ago the military recognized the need for peer support. The term “battle buddy” is often used to describe the individual that will make sure that you get out of bed in the morning, remember all your equipment, and show up on time. These peers are useful in providing support in a variety of situations. Battle buddies can provide you with motivation (even if it is sometimes false motivation), emotional support, and even comic relief in even the roughest of situations. The true value of a battle buddy, that individual who is always looking out for you, is priceless on the modern battlefield.

While the term “battle buddy” might be slightly out of place when applied to the academic environment, the need for peer support definitely remains. It shouldn’t be a secret that the most productive and successful students on campus are those who are well-connected to their peers. Having peer support is critical for success here at CSC, therefore the need for peer interactions should not be ignored.

As I look back on my own college career, I remember a handful of amazing professors who taught me in entertaining and exciting ways. But even the best of professors failed to teach me as much as my peers. While my professors might have presented the materials, it was my study partners who could really translate the complex thoughts and ideas that I failed to grasp from the professor. It was the hours spent in study groups, not the limited time I had in the classroom, which truly embedded knowledge and wisdom.

Motivation alone should be enough of a reason to search for some quality peer support. Who else is going to help remind you of upcoming classes or ask where you have been if they didn’t see you in class? Peers are a wonderful way to be held accountable for your actions (or inactions).

Those students who try to take on college alone unfortunately didn’t have the support that peer-connected students do. The military learned long ago that soldiers usually do not work hard to accomplish missions for the sake of the mission; they work hard to support their peers. Without peer relationships and friendships, what is going to keep you in the classroom when the stress becomes too much? It is way too easy to fall back when no one else has a vested interest into you.

Learning how to utilize your peers outside the academic environment is critical for success in life. A quality employee is not only one who can work up and down the chain of command but also sideways, so to speak. Peers can be an unlimited resource for ideas and information that do not require you to constantly ask the boss for advice or instructions. Peers can also be a great resource for identifying new opportunities that would have been outside your vision.

I am sure that almost everyone will remember how our high school counselors stressed the importance of extra-curricular activities to ensure our success in being accepted into college. The value of that involvement does not end at the high school level. When you apply for your first “real job” after graduation, will you have anything to add to your resume besides the fact that you attended classes? Employers are looking for individuals who can effectively communicate and network. Extra-curricular involvement and peer engagement at the college level will easily display these qualities to future employers.

While some may claim that the heartbeat of a campus is found at the library, I think that it is really found in the student center. CSC is truly blessed in having so many students, staff, and professors who are willing to help you get involved in the CSC community. The secret behind finding success in college is realizing that a college is more than just classes, it is a community.  If you are truly lost on where to begin I would recommend talking to Laure Sinn, the coordinator of student activities. She can be found at the help desk of the Student Center. Not only is she a wonderful source of information, she will almost always hand you some chocolate (now that is what I call a real “battle buddy”).

Am I asking you to run for Student Senate? No I’m not (unless you are inclined to). I am simply asking you to get involved here at CSC. While most of my advice tends to be on the serious side of life peer engagement is a way to make your college experience truly fun. And who could not use a little more fun and joy in their lives? I am also not asking you to join every club on campus. Just get involved in something. Make friends and help each other. Find some good battle buddies and most importantly be a good battle buddy. If you learn and apply these skills, you are all but guaranteed a full and successful life.