Choosing how to be involved on campus

Going to a candy store can be confusing business – there are sooooo many things to choose from! Some are obvious favorites (peanut butter cups, anyone?), and some I can not get away from fast enough (black licorice), but then there are those I’ve always wanted to try, but couldn’t decide if they were worth the risk (chocolate covered gummi bears).

Starting your freshman year can seem like being in a candy store. You have so many different opportunities and ways to get involved, but deciding exactly how to can be challenging. Do you stick with the favorites, i.e. the stuff you did in high school? Or do you try something new, not knowing how it’s going to work out? Here are some questions to consider:

• What did you enjoy doing in high school? Can you picture yourself wanting to do it in college as well? More, less, or to the same degree?
• What was something you always wanted to try in high school but never did? What was keeping you from trying it? What might push you to go for it now?
• If every club/organization in the world existed at your campus, what would you choose to do? If it’s not currently offered, what do you think about starting it yourself?
• What type of people do you want to meet and surround yourself with? What types of activities would draw those types of people?
• Are there some activities or clubs that would help you assess a potential career path? How about activities that would help you get valuable resume experience in areas like leadership?
• How much time are you willing to commit? Money? Energy?
• What would keep you from joining a particular club or organization?

Play with it! Enjoy checking out all the options. Talk to people both in the groups and outside the groups to get some more perspective. Explore and consider before committing. One thing is certain: you don’t want to end up like Augustus Gloop from Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, overstuffed and always focusing on the next sweet. Packing in too many clubs and activities can be exhausting, and it can make it hard to enjoy each one because you feel pulled in so many directions. But always remember, if you choose something you don’t like, you can go back to the candy store to try again.