How getting involved on campus will change your life for the better

“One day, you’re 17 and you’re planning for someday. And then quietly, without you ever really noticing, someday is today. And then someday is yesterday. And this is your life.” - One Tree Hill

If there are any One Tree Hill fans reading this, you’ll know not only that 1. this show could quite possibly be the best television series ever created for the likes of hopeful teenage dreamers like I was not long ago, and 2. that this quote truly hits the nail on the head when it comes to how fast time passes us by. Some of you may be asking yourselves what some drama TV show from the early 2000s has to do with getting involved in university, but please allow me to show you where I’m coming from.

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In the wise words of Ferris Bueller, life moves pretty fast, and if you didn’t realize this already then consider yourself lucky because I wish it was something that just wasn't true! When you’re coming to university - this big, new, exciting, terrifying place full of ample opportunity and freedom to be who you truly are and wipe your slate clean, it can be confusing on where to start.

Today I'm going to tell you why getting involved will change your university experience for the better. Entering my fourth and final year, it’s hard to believe how fast the years went by and I can happily look back with no regrets because I made the most of what was offered to me. Here are 5 reasons why getting involved will change your life:

You’ll meet like-minded individuals

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As a commuter school, students who get involved on campus have a better chance at feeling connected to the community. The university is full of useful resources, but it is the responsibility of students to seek them out. Once you do so, you'll be well on your way to meeting people who are interested in the same things as you.

Free food!

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Let me let you in on a little secret: most of the time when you volunteer on campus for an event, you will be given free food. Who could ask for anything more?

It’s a good break from studying

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Sometimes we can feel buried in our school work. Volunteering gives you a healthy, well-deserved break from your studies. In most cases, you get to choose your own volunteer schedule, which means that you can schedule your involvement for when you need it most.

It’s a chance to share your wisdom!

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Volunteering on campus gives you great experience and skills that you can use in the real world. Sometimes you might even have the chance to talk to new students and impart your knowledge on to them, which is always a rewarding feeling.

Volunteering is a huge resume builder!

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Alright, I know all of you have heard this one before but it’s SO true! Volunteering on campus sets you apart from people who are up against you in a job interview. If you can speak to the real-life transferable skills you’ve gained from your involvement on campus, employers will be very impressed. People hire people, not degrees! Remember this.

Ready to get involved but not sure how? Check out the Get Involved Fair on September 6 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Polonsky Commons to find out about most of the Clubs and Societies you can join on campus!