Students: Join a club that challenges you to find yourself

Aubrey Carr/ Staff Writer

The college experience is divided in two parts that operate off of one another: finding yourself and leaving your comfort zone.

Clubs and organizations assist in both of these, so if time allows, pick one of each: students should choose one club where they identify with its language or history, where they feel comfortable; and another where they’re completely out of your element but just as drawn to the community.

It will be weird. They will meet people who live just differently enough to make them feel out of place, but they will learn so much. And if a break is needed to go back to the club that’s more like home, then that familiarity is always there waiting.

It’s important to be in touch with who you are and where you come from, but explore other peoples and customs as well.  Explore different academic areas and new sports. Challenge yourself without the fear of hurting your GPA.

It isn’t enough to simply attend the events hosted by clubs, either.  Hold a leadership position in one or more of these organizations, not only because your CV benefits from it, but because of the people you will meet, the friendships you will form.  There are networking opportunities in addition to those of friendship, and being a bigger part of a group in such a way assists in cultivating responsibility and time management skills.

FIU works to hear everyone’s voices through student-led organizations. Being heavily involved in at least one of these can provide a platform for expression and change you may wish to see, at the university level and perhaps even beyond.  There are so many ways to get involved on campus and make a difference; one only has to look, talk, and participate.

FIU doesn’t always feel like it has an overwhelming supply of school spirit, but by getting more involved on campus, it may feel more like home.

The classroom isn’t the only learning environment and no university will attempt to make this argument.  Classrooms are academically flourishing and mentally challenging, and we as university students love that or else we wouldn’t be here. However, belonging to an organization is a small way to put this into practice.

Joining your major’s honor’s society can offer a platform to discuss academic passions in an informal environment. A language club can allow students to practice informally what they’ve been taught during the week. These are just some of the many benefits available to students who join clubs and organizations.

Graduating from FIU with both a degree and extra-curricular experience not only makes students better candidates for employment, but will also make them understand better who they are and what they want.

Think of every day as a learning experience and make every effort to learn as much as possible.  Some you’ll pursue and others will find you, but it will undoubtedly lead to bigger and better things beyond the halls of FIU.

 

DISCLAIMER:

The opinions presented within this page do not represent the views of FIU Student Media Editorial Board. These views are separate from editorials and reflect individual perspectives of contributing writers and/or members of the University community.

 

Image retrieved from Flickr.