college living
Want to Fit In? Go Extracurricular!
Just as during your high school years, you don’t learn everything inside a college classroom. In high school, most students learn while doing different activities. Community work taught you about life, a hobby taught you new skills, and taking piano or painting lessons showed you new ways to express yourself. It is exactly the same when you get to college.
Extracurricular activities without a doubt enhance your education and expand your learning capabilities; however, one of the main reasons why students pursue them is because they are an easy way to make new friends. You will meet lots of new people in an environment where you can talk and share experiences without competing against each other.
These activities also strengthen your sense of belonging, because you feel a part of something. Finally you fit in the campus, not just inside a classroom. You will understand the greatest meaning of campus life, allowing you to enjoy your college years much more and thus, contributing to your success.
Extracurricular activities will help you grow. Along with ESL lessons, these help you speak more freely in front of people, teach you how to listen attentively, show you how to value teamwork and group activities, help you get rid of shyness, and increase your communication skills.
Some of these activities will strengthen your resume and your image among future employers. Actually, very commonly, graduates go after their dreams instead of going after a major in a career, because a person excels in what he or she loves.
Through extracurricular activities, you give back to your college and are able to support your friends in what they do. It is a great way to network and gain positive exposure.
When talking about extracurricular activities, there is something for everyone. Most universities offer a wide array of worthy and interesting activities and groups like fraternities, sororities, ski trips, kayaking clubs, athletic teams, tennis, swimming, language clubs, poetry, debates, reading clubs, mountain climbing, chess, volunteer work, study groups, student boards, student government, women’s clubs, international clubs, newspaper, radio station, study abroad programs, drama productions, dance, musical concerts, and comedy, among hundreds of others!
You can start looking for what interests you right after starting college, however, try not to overdo it during your first semester, or until you are certain that you can handle these activities without sacrificing your academic workload. Start with a couple of activities and keep adding others once you feel comfortable and capable of managing everything.
Another good piece of advice is to not close the doors on something without trying it out. You will experience and learn much more if you are open-minded and excited about trying new things. Do not get influenced by those who create stereotypes; if you’ve never seen an opera, a photography exhibit, or a ballet, college years are the time to go and confirm if you like it or not. In the end it is your life and you should live it as you wish to live it.
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